Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 12:5

What does 2 Corinthians 12:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 12:5 means

Paul draws a firm line: if there is any appropriate boasting, it would be about such a man and his extraordinary experience—yet even then he refuses. Concerning himself, he will boast only in his weaknesses. This is not self-contempt but spiritual wisdom. Weaknesses display dependence on Christ and prevent others from attaching themselves to a personality. Paul wants the church’s faith to rest on God’s power, not on the pull of a gifted leader. By choosing weakness as the arena for glorying, he redefines spiritual status: true honor is found where human insufficiency becomes the stage for divine sufficiency, and where the servant’s frailty makes Christ’s power more evident.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

On account of such a one I will have glory: for myself I will take no glory, but only in my feeble body.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Of such an one I will boast, and of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but in my infirmities.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Of such [a one] I will boast, but of myself I will not boast, unless in my weaknesses.

Context

After describing an inexpressible revelation, Paul immediately disowns any boast based on it and commits to boasting only in weakness. This decisive pivot prepares the explanation in verse 6 about measuring a minister by observable life and teaching, not mystical claims. It also anticipates verses 7–10, where the “thorn in the flesh” and Christ’s word about sufficient grace supply the theology behind Paul’s priority. The sequence teaches the Corinthians how to evaluate leaders: not by their stories of visions, but by how Christ’s strength shines through their humble endurance and transparent dependence in weakness.

v.4how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

v.5This passage

v.6For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:30

    If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:3

    And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

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