2 Corinthians 12:5
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὲρ
Of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
Of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
1 of 15
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιούτου
such an one
G5108
τοιούτου
such an one
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
3 of 15
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ὑπὲρ
Of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
Of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
5 of 15
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ἐμαυτοῦ
myself
G1683
ἐμαυτοῦ
myself
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
7 of 15
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Corinthians, influenced by Greco-Roman rhetoric valuing strength, eloquence, and impressive credentials (1 Corinthians 1:22, 2:1-5), struggled with Paul's weakness theology. The "super-apostles" likely boasted in their spiritual experiences as proof of superiority. Paul's strategic boasting in weakness rather than the paradise vision inverts all worldly and religious values, establishing the cruciform shape of Christian ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul distinguish between glorying in the passive revelation ("such an one") versus his present active self ("mine infirmities")?
- How does boasting in weaknesses rather than spiritual experiences redefine what constitutes valid apostolic credentials?
- In what ways might contemporary Christians boast in past spiritual highs while avoiding present weaknesses that would display Christ's power?
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Analysis & Commentary
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. Paul finally drops pretense—"such an one" is himself—but immediately pivots from the vision to his astheneiais (ἀσθενείαις, "infirmities," "weaknesses"). The contrast is stark: he will boast about the man caught to paradise (because that glorifies God's sovereign grace), but regarding his present self, he boasts only in infirmities.
This isn't morbid self-deprecation but theological precision: the Damascus Road Paul who received blinding revelation is dead (Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ"). The resurrection-life Paul now living bears Christ's death in his body (4:10-11). Therefore boasting in present weakness—not past visions—displays gospel power: Christ's strength perfected in human frailty (v. 9).
The grammar matters: of such an one (genitive) versus of myself (genitive)—same construction, opposite content. Paul glories in what God did to him (passive rapture) but not in what he is (weak apostle), except as that weakness showcases divine power.