2 Corinthians 11:30
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
Original Language Analysis
δεῖ
I must needs
G1163
δεῖ
I must needs
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
3 of 8
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
τῆς
of the things which concern
G3588
τῆς
of the things which concern
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
of the things which concern
G3588
τῆς
of the things which concern
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.2 Corinthians 12:1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.Proverbs 27:2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.Proverbs 25:27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman boasting emphasized strength, achievements, victories, honors. Paul's boasting in weakness was utterly countercultural, foolishness to Greeks (1 Cor 1:23). Yet it embodied the cross—God's power displayed through Christ's weakness, wisdom through folly, victory through defeat. Paul's ministry methodology incarnated his theology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does boasting in weaknesses rather than strengths redefine success in Christian ministry and life?
- In what ways does contemporary Christianity's emphasis on testimonies of victory and breakthrough miss Paul's focus on weakness and suffering?
- What weaknesses, failures, or sufferings might God want you to 'boast' in because they display His power rather than your strength?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The climax of Paul's 'boasting': ei kauchasthai dei (εἰ καυχᾶσθαι δεῖ, 'if it is necessary to boast'), ta tēs astheneias mou kauchēsomai (τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας μου καυχήσομαι, 'I will boast of my weaknesses'). The conditional ei (εἰ) with dei (δεῖ, 'it is necessary') suggests reluctant necessity—boasting is required by circumstances, not desired.
Things which concern mine infirmities (ta tēs astheneias mou, τὰ τῆς ἀσθενείας μου) summarizes the entire suffering catalog of vv. 23-29—beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, dangers, deprivations, anxieties. These astheneiai (ἀσθένειαι, 'weaknesses') are his credentials. Where false apostles boast of strength, Paul boasts of weakness because weakness displays Christ's power (12:9-10).
This is the great Pauline inversion: boasting in weakness rather than strength, glorying in suffering rather than success, valuing what the world despises. It transforms weakness from embarrassment to badge of honor because weak vessels most clearly display that the treasure and power belong to God (4:7). This theology demolishes worldly ministry models built on human impressiveness.