1 Corinthians 2:3

KJV

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I {G1473} was {G1096} with {G4314} you {G5209} in {G1722} weakness {G769}, and {G2532} in {G1722} fear {G5401}, and {G2532} in {G1722} much {G4183} trembling {G5156}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also I myself was with you as somebody weak, nervous and shaking all over from fear;

Berean Standard Bible

I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.

American Standard Version

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
When the Apostle Paul first arrived in Corinth to proclaim the gospel, he did so not with impressive rhetoric or human wisdom, but in a state of profound personal humility and vulnerability. He describes his initial presence among the Corinthians as marked by "weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling," deliberately contrasting his approach with the eloquent and self-assured speakers valued in the Greco-Roman world. This intentional posture underscored that the transformative power of his message derived solely from God's Spirit and the cross of Christ, rather than from his own abilities or persuasive techniques.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 2:3](/1_corinthians/2-3 "1 Corinthians 2:3 - Paul's Humble Approach") is a direct continuation and elaboration of his preceding statements regarding his missionary strategy in Corinth. In [1 Corinthians 2:1](/1_corinthians/2-1 "1 Corinthians 2:1 - Paul's Proclamation of Christ"), he explicitly states that he did not come "with excellency of speech or of wisdom," and he reinforces this by asserting in [1 Corinthians 2:2](/1_corinthians/2-2 "1 Corinthians 2:2 - Paul's Sole Focus on Christ Crucified") that his sole focus was "Jesus Christ, and him crucified." Verse 3 then details his personal demeanor and the internal state accompanying this deliberate choice, setting the stage for his subsequent explanation in [1 Corinthians 2:4-5](/1_corinthians/2-4-5 "1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - The Power of the Spirit") that his message and preaching were "not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power," so that the Corinthians' faith would rest "not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God." This sequence of thought highlights Paul's consistent emphasis on divine power over human eloquence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent and wealthy Roman city, a bustling port known for its diverse population, intellectual pursuits, and a culture that highly esteemed rhetoric, philosophical debate, and eloquent public speaking. Sophists and orators were celebrated figures, and their ability to persuade through sophisticated arguments and polished delivery was a mark of status and influence. For Paul to arrive in such an environment proclaiming a message about a crucified Messiah—a concept considered "foolishness" to Greeks and a "stumbling block" to Jews, as he notes in [1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified: A Stumbling Block and Foolishness")—and to do so "in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling," was a radical counter-cultural act. His approach deliberately subverted the prevailing cultural expectations, ensuring that any success would be attributed to the divine power of the message itself, rather than to the messenger's human capabilities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **divine power in human weakness**, a concept Paul frequently revisits, most notably in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness"), where he embraces his weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest upon him. It also reinforces the **supremacy of God's wisdom over human wisdom**, a central argument throughout [1 Corinthians 1](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1 - The Wisdom of God") and [1 Corinthians 2](/1_corinthians/2 "1 Corinthians 2 - The Spirit's Wisdom"). By presenting himself humbly, Paul ensures that the focus remains on the **scandal and power of the cross** as the core of the gospel message, which, though appearing foolish to the world, is the very wisdom and power of God ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). Finally, it highlights the **Spirit's indispensable role** in effective gospel proclamation and reception, as human weakness creates space for divine power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weakness (Greek, _asthéneia'_):** G769. This term denotes feebleness, infirmity, or lack of strength, whether physical, emotional, or moral. In Paul's context, it encompasses a sense of human inadequacy or vulnerability, possibly including physical ailments or a general feeling of being ill-equipped for the task. It emphasizes that his effectiveness did not stem from inherent personal strength or impressive attributes.
* **Fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** G5401. While often meaning alarm or fright, in this context, _phóbos_ likely refers not to a paralyzing terror of persecution, but rather a profound awe, reverence, and deep concern. It signifies a solemn awareness of the immense responsibility of proclaiming God's sacred truth and a holy apprehension of the spiritual battle involved in evangelism. It could also reflect a deep pastoral concern for the Corinthians' reception of the gospel message.
* **Trembling (Greek, _trómos'_):** G5156. This word signifies a "trembling" or quaking, often associated with intense anxiety, agitation, or a profound sense of humility and awe in the presence of something overwhelmingly powerful or sacred. It suggests a deep reverence for God's holiness and the gravity of his divine commission, indicating Paul's acute awareness of the weightiness of his mission and his dependence on God for its successful execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I was with you":** This phrase establishes Paul's personal presence and direct engagement with the Corinthian community. It highlights the relational aspect of his ministry, emphasizing that he was not an abstract figure but physically present among them, sharing in their lives and challenges. The verb "was" (G1096, _gínomai_) implies a state of being or becoming, suggesting that this was his consistent demeanor during his time there.
* **"in weakness":** This clause describes Paul's internal and external state, characterized by a lack of human strength or impressive qualities. It implies a deliberate rejection of worldly displays of power or self-sufficiency, aligning with his broader theological emphasis on God's strength being made perfect in human frailty.
* **"and in fear":** This further specifies Paul's emotional and spiritual posture. As analyzed above, this "fear" is not cowardice but a profound reverence for God, a deep sense of responsibility for the gospel message, and an earnest concern for the spiritual well-being of his audience.
* **"and in much trembling":** The addition of "much" (G4183, _polýs_) intensifies the "trembling" (G5156, _trómos_), underscoring the depth of his humility and the awe he felt in fulfilling his divine calling. This state of intense agitation or reverence served to highlight that the power at work was not his own, but God's.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device in this passage. He deliberately sets his humble, vulnerable demeanor ("weakness, fear, much trembling") against the backdrop of the Corinthian culture's high regard for eloquent rhetoric and human wisdom, which he explicitly disavows in the preceding verses. This stark contrast serves to highlight the counter-intuitive nature of God's power, which operates most effectively through human inadequacy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Paradox** in Paul's presentation: his weakness becomes the very conduit for God's strength, and his fear and trembling underscore the profound reverence and seriousness with which he approached a task that worldly wisdom would deem foolish. This paradoxical approach is central to his argument that the gospel's power is divine, not human.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's humble approach in [1 Corinthians 2:3](/1_corinthians/2-3 "1 Corinthians 2:3 - Paul's Weakness and Fear") is deeply rooted in his understanding of God's character and the nature of the gospel. It is a theological statement that God chooses to work through what the world deems insignificant or weak to demonstrate His own power and wisdom, thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone. This principle is a cornerstone of biblical theology, emphasizing divine sovereignty and human dependence. It challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, redirecting focus from the messenger's abilities to the message's divine origin and the Spirit's power. This posture of humility and reliance on God is not merely a personal preference for Paul, but a fundamental theological conviction about how God's kingdom advances.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Grace is Sufficient")
* [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Work Out Your Salvation")
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Boasting in Knowing God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's transparent admission of "weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often values self-promotion, confidence, and outward strength, Paul reminds us that true spiritual effectiveness flows from a posture of humility and radical dependence on God. Our perceived inadequacies or vulnerabilities are not hindrances to God's work, but rather potential platforms for His power to be unmistakably displayed. When we feel overwhelmed by the task of sharing our faith, serving in ministry, or facing personal challenges, this verse encourages us to lean into God's strength rather than relying on our own. It calls us to authentic transparency, acknowledging our human limitations, and trusting that God can and will work powerfully through imperfect vessels who are fully surrendered to Him. This frees us from the burden of having to be "impressive" and allows us to simply be faithful in proclaiming the simple, yet profound, truth of Christ crucified, knowing that the Spirit will provide the power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel most "weak, and in fear, and in much trembling"? How might God be inviting you to trust His power in those very areas?**
* **How does Paul's approach challenge the modern tendency to rely on human charisma, eloquence, or impressive credentials in Christian service?**
* **What does it mean for your faith to rest "not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God" ([1 Corinthians 2:5](/1_corinthians/2-5 "1 Corinthians 2:5 - Faith on God's Power")) in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul truly afraid, or was he just being humble?**

Answer: Paul's use of "fear" (Greek, _phóbos_) and "trembling" (Greek, _trómos_) in [1 Corinthians 2:3](/1_corinthians/2-3 "1 Corinthians 2:3 - Paul's Personal State") should be understood as a profound reverence and awe, coupled with a deep sense of the immense responsibility of his divine commission, rather than a paralyzing personal fear or cowardice. While he certainly faced dangers and opposition, his primary concern here is not personal safety but the immense weight and sacredness of proclaiming God's truth. This is a "holy fear," an intense awareness of God's presence and the gravity of his mission, which often accompanies a deep humility before the Almighty. It highlights his dependence on God and ensures that any success would be attributed to divine power, not his own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's experience in [1 Corinthians 2:3](/1_corinthians/2-3 "1 Corinthians 2:3 - Paul's Humble Demeanor") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Christ, though fully God, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He embraced weakness, not as a deficiency, but as the chosen path for God's redemptive power. The cross, the ultimate symbol of weakness and foolishness to the world, became the very demonstration of God's ultimate power and wisdom, where sin was conquered and salvation secured ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Power of the Cross")). Just as Jesus's earthly ministry was characterized by humility and dependence on the Father, culminating in His death and resurrection, so too Paul's ministry mirrors this divine pattern. Paul's weakness was a participation in Christ's suffering and a testament to the power of Christ's resurrection, ensuring that the glory for any spiritual fruit belonged entirely to the One who works through the weak to shame the strong ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")). Thus, Paul's personal vulnerability was not a flaw, but a profound theological statement echoing the very heart of the gospel: God's strength is perfected in weakness, most perfectly displayed in Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 13:4

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.

1 Corinthians 4:10

We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised.

1 Corinthians 4:13

Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, [and are] the offscouring of all things unto this day.

2 Corinthians 12:5

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

2 Corinthians 12:10

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.

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, [even] your perfection.

Acts 18:12

¶ And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,