2 Corinthians 12:9–10
What does 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 means
2 Corinthians 12:9
The Lord’s answer is foundational: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God does not promise removal but sufficiency; not escape, but enabling strength. Christ’s power reaches its goal when human resources are exhausted, so Paul resolves to boast gladly in his weaknesses. He wants the power of Christ to “rest upon” him—to pitch its tent over his frailty. Weakness becomes the conduit of divine strength, not a barrier to it. Therefore, the thorn is transformed from an obstacle into an instrument. Grace is not abstract; it is Christ’s active help, adequate for every season, especially when the servant feels least able.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Because Christ’s power is perfected in weakness, Paul can “take pleasure” in a catalogue of hardships—weaknesses, injuries, necessities, persecutions, and distresses—provided they are “for Christ’s sake.” This is not masochism. It is a settled joy that knows trials are the arena where the Lord shows Himself strong. The paradox “when I am weak, then am I strong” names the Christian secret: dependence is strength, because it draws on Christ. Paul thus reframes suffering as participation in Christ’s mission, not a detour from it. His contentment in adversity is a testimony that grace truly suffices, turning liabilities into platforms for the Savior’s power and the church’s encouragement.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said to me, My grace is enough for you, for my power is made complete in what is feeble. Most gladly, then, will I take pride in my feeble body, so that the power of Christ may be on me. So I take pleasure in being feeble, in unkind words, in needs, in cruel attacks, in troubles, on account of Christ: for when I am feeble, then am I strong.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and He said to me, `Sufficient for thee is My grace, for My power in infirmity is perfected;' most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may rest on me: wherefore I am well pleased in infirmities, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses--for Christ; for whenever I am infirm, then I am powerful;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he said to me, My grace suffices thee; for [my] power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may dwell upon me. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ: for when I am weak, then I am powerful.
Context
v.9This is the theological center of the chapter and explains everything that precedes and follows. Paul’s petition (verse 8) yields a promise that shapes his entire outlook. Verses 9–10 state his glad embrace of weakness for Christ’s sake. With that foundation, he returns in verses 11–12 to the question of apostleship, now defined not by triumphalism but by persevering power amid affliction. The sufficiency of grace also informs his financial independence (verses 13–18) and his pastoral courage to confront sin (verses 19–21), since he depends on Christ’s strength rather than human approval or ease.
v.10Verse 10 concludes the doctrinal heart formed by verses 7–9. With the Lord’s word received, Paul announces his new valuation of hardship. The narrative now returns to the contested field of apostleship (verse 11), where Paul will insist he is in no way behind the “very chiefest apostles,” even as he calls himself “nothing.” That humility fits with the lesson of weakness. From there, he will point to signs, wonders, and patient endurance among the Corinthians (verse 12) and to his consistent refusal to burden them financially (verses 13–18), before closing with fears about their spiritual condition (verses 19–21).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 4:5
And Jehovah will create over the whole habitation of mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be spread a covering.
- Colossians 1:28
whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;
- Ephesians 3:16
that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;
- Hebrews 11:34
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens.
- Matthew 10:19
But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak.
- Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
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