2 Corinthians 12:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

but he told me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in weakness.” Therefore, I am very happy to boast about my weaknesses, in order that the Messiah’s power will rest upon me.

Berean Standard Bible:

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

American Standard Version:

And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} he said^{G2046} unto me^{G3427}, My^{G3450} grace^{G5485} is sufficient^{G714} for thee^{G4671}: for^{G1063} my^{G3450} strength^{G1411} is made perfect^{G5048} in^{G1722} weakness^{G769}. Most gladly^{G2236} therefore^{G3767} will I^{G2744} rather^{G3123} glory^{G2744} in^{G1722} my^{G3450} infirmities^{G769}, that^{G2443} the power^{G1411} of Christ^{G5547} may rest^{G1981} upon^{G1909} me^{G1691}.

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 12:9

2 Corinthians 12:9 is a part of the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Christian community in Corinth, Greece, written around AD 55-57. In this verse, Paul is sharing a personal revelation he received from the Lord regarding his own struggles, often thought to be a physical ailment or "thorn in the flesh" as mentioned earlier in the chapter (2 Corinthians 12:7). The historical context of this letter is crucial, as it was written during a time when the early Christian church was facing significant persecution and internal challenges.

The themes of 2 Corinthians 12:9 are profound and have resonated with believers throughout the ages. The verse emphasizes the sufficiency of God's grace, which is His unmerited favor and divine assistance. Paul is reassured by Christ that despite his weaknesses, God's grace is all he needs to endure and fulfill his divine purpose. The verse also introduces the paradoxical concept that human weakness is an opportunity for divine strength to be fully realized and displayed. God's power, according to this text, is not diminished by human limitations but is, in fact, made perfect in them.

Paul's response to this divine reassurance is one of acceptance and even joy in his weaknesses. He recognizes that his limitations provide a platform for Christ's power to be more evidently at work in his life. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the world's values, which often glorify human strength and achievement. Paul's willingness to boast in his infirmities is a counter-cultural stance, highlighting a foundational Christian belief that true strength comes from reliance on God, not on one's own capabilities.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 12:9 encapsulates the essence of Christian theology, which teaches that human frailty does not limit the power of God, but rather creates the conditions for it to be most effective. This verse has comforted and inspired countless individuals, encouraging them to embrace their vulnerabilities as a means to experience God's sustaining grace and strength more fully.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2046
   There are 71 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐρέω
   Transliteration: eréō
   Pronunciation: er-eh'-o
   Description: probably a fuller form of ῥέω; an alternate for ἔπω in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say:--call, say, speak (of), tell.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3427
   There are 227 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μοί
   Transliteration: moí
   Pronunciation: moy
   Description: the simpler form of ἐμοί; to me:--I, me, mine, my.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3450
   There are 471 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μοῦ
   Transliteration: moû
   Pronunciation: moo
   Description: the simpler form of ἐμοῦ; of me:--I, me, mine (own), my.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5485
   There are 147 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: χάρις
   Transliteration: cháris
   Pronunciation: khar'-ece
   Description: from χαίρω; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
   
6. Strong's Number: G714
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀρκέω
   Transliteration: arkéō
   Pronunciation: ar-keh'-o
   Description: apparently a primary verb (but probably akin to αἴρω through the idea of raising a barrier); properly, to ward off, i.e. (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory):--be content, be enough, suffice, be sufficient.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4671
   There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σοί
   Transliteration: soí
   Pronunciation: soy
   Description: dative case of σύ; to thee:--thee, thine own, thou, thy.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
9. Strong's Number: G1411
   There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δύναμις
   Transliteration: dýnamis
   Pronunciation: doo'-nam-is
   Description: from δύναμαι; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
   
10. Strong's Number: G5048
    There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: τελειόω
    Transliteration: teleióō
    Pronunciation: tel-i-o'-o
    Description: from τέλειος; to complete, i.e. (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character):--consecrate, finish, fulfil, make) perfect.
    
11. Strong's Number: G1722
    There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐν
    Transliteration: en
    Pronunciation: en
    Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
    
12. Strong's Number: G769
    There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀσθένεια
    Transliteration: asthéneia
    Pronunciation: as-then'-i-ah
    Description: from ἀσθενής; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:--disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.
    
13. Strong's Number: G2236
    There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἥδιστα
    Transliteration: hḗdista
    Pronunciation: hay'-dis-tah
    Description: neuter plural of the superlative of the same as ἡδέως; with great pleasure:--most (very) gladly.
    
14. Strong's Number: G3767
    There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: οὖν
    Transliteration: oûn
    Pronunciation: oon
    Description: apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.
    
15. Strong's Number: G2744
    There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καυχάομαι
    Transliteration: kaucháomai
    Pronunciation: kow-khah'-om-ahee
    Description: from some (obsolete) base akin to that of (to boast) and εὔχομαι; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense):--(make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice.
    
16. Strong's Number: G3123
    There are 81 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μᾶλλον
    Transliteration: mâllon
    Pronunciation: mal'-lon
    Description: neuter of the comparative of the same as μάλιστα; (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather:--+ better, X far, (the) more (and more), (so) much (the more), rather.
    
17. Strong's Number: G2443
    There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἵνα
    Transliteration: hína
    Pronunciation: hin'-ah
    Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
    
18. Strong's Number: G5547
    There are 530 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Χριστός
    Transliteration: Christós
    Pronunciation: khris-tos'
    Description: from χρίω; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.
    
19. Strong's Number: G1981
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐπισκηνόω
    Transliteration: episkēnóō
    Pronunciation: ep-ee-skay-no'-o
    Description: from ἐπί and σκηνόω; to tent upon, i.e. (figuratively) abide with :--rest upon.
    
20. Strong's Number: G1909
    There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐπί
    Transliteration: epí
    Pronunciation: ep-ee'
    Description: a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
    
21. Strong's Number: G1691
    There are 77 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐμέ
    Transliteration: emé
    Pronunciation: em-eh'
    Description: a prolonged form of μέ; me:--I, me, my(-self).