2 Corinthians 12:9
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἴρηκέν
he said
G2046
εἴρηκέν
he said
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
2 of 31
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
Ἀρκεῖ
is sufficient
G714
Ἀρκεῖ
is sufficient
Strong's:
G714
Word #:
4 of 31
properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
grace
G5485
χάρις
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
7 of 31
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
δύναμις
strength
G1411
δύναμις
strength
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
11 of 31
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
ἀσθενείαις
infirmities
G769
ἀσθενείαις
infirmities
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
14 of 31
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
τελειοῦται
is made perfect
G5048
τελειοῦται
is made perfect
Strong's:
G5048
Word #:
15 of 31
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
17 of 31
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενείαις
infirmities
G769
ἀσθενείαις
infirmities
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
22 of 31
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
26 of 31
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμις
strength
G1411
δύναμις
strength
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
29 of 31
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
Cross References
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.2 Corinthians 12:10Therefore 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.Ephesians 3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;Joshua 1:9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.2 Corinthians 12:5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.1 Corinthians 2:5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Historical Context
This verse revolutionized Christian understanding of suffering and power. In Greco-Roman culture (and the Corinthians' mindset), weakness disqualified leadership. Paul's theology—that divine power operates through rather than despite weakness—inverts all worldly values and reflects the crucified Messiah who conquered through apparent defeat (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).
Questions for Reflection
- How does "My grace is sufficient" (present tense) answer the question "Why doesn't God remove my suffering?" differently than explaining suffering's cause?
- What's the difference between strength perfected <em>after</em> weakness versus strength perfected <em>in</em> weakness—remaining weak while experiencing divine power?
- How does Christ's power "tabernacling" upon weakness transform suffering from something to escape into sacred space where God's presence dwells?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. This is one of Scripture's theological summits. Christ's answer to Paul's three-fold plea isn't thorn removal but a promise: My grace is sufficient (arkei soi hē charis mou, ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου)—present tense, ongoing sufficiency. The Greek arkei means "is enough," "fully satisfies"—not barely adequate but completely sufficient for whatever Paul faces.
The reason: my strength is made perfect in weakness (hē gar dynamis en astheneia teleitai, ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται). The verb teleitai ("is perfected," "brought to completion") appears in passive voice—divine power doesn't need human strength to complete itself; rather, it reaches full expression in (Greek en) human weakness. Weakness isn't an obstacle to overcome but the arena where Christ's power operates.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Paul's response moves from reluctant acceptance to hēdista (ἥδιστα, "most gladly") boasting in weaknesses. The purpose clause that the power of Christ may rest upon me (hina episkenōsē ep' eme hē dynamis tou Christou) uses episkenōsē ("tabernacle upon," "take up residence")—Shekinah glory language. Where human strength fails, Christ's presence tabernacles.