Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:4

What does 2 Corinthians 13:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 13:4 means

Paul points to Christ: crucified in apparent weakness, now living by the power of God. The cross looked weak, yet it accomplished salvation; the resurrection shows God’s power. In the same way, Paul and his co-workers may seem weak—suffering, restrained, gentle—but they live with Christ and will act among the Corinthians by God’s power. This means their discipline and teaching are not fueled by fleshly force but by resurrection power aimed at life and restoration. The pattern of the gospel—weakness leading to life—governs apostolic ministry. Even when servants appear unimpressive, the power of God works through them for the church’s true good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For he was feeble in that he was put to death on the cross, but he is living by the power of God. And we are feeble in him, but we will be living with him through the power of God in relation to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for even if he was crucified from infirmity, yet he doth live from the power of God; for we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him from the power of God toward you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For although he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him: but we shall live with him by the power of God towards you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for if indeed he has been crucified in weakness, yet he lives byGod's power; for indeed we are weak in him, but we shall live with him byGod's power towards you,)

Context

Having answered demands for proof, Paul explains the gospel logic that frames ministry. Verse 4 connects Christ’s cross and resurrection to the apostle’s approach: what looks weak can be God’s chosen channel of power. This is crucial before verse 5’s call to self-examination. Instead of scrutinizing Paul’s weakness, the church should recognize how God’s strength operates through it. The flow moves from Christ’s example to the Corinthians’ need to assess themselves, not merely their apostle.

v.3seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:

v.4This passage

v.5Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:7

    but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;

  • Acts 3:16

    And by faith in his name hath his name made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7

    But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;

  • Acts 4:10

    be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even in him doth this man stand here before you whole.

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,

  • Acts 2:36

    Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.

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