2 Corinthians 11:30

KJV

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} I must needs {G1163} glory {G2744}, I will glory {G2744} of the things which concern {G3588} mine {G3450} infirmities {G769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If I must boast, I will boast about things that show how weak I am.

Berean Standard Bible

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

American Standard Version

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:30, the Apostle Paul makes a profoundly counter-intuitive declaration, stating that if he is compelled to boast, he will choose to boast not in his strengths or accomplishments, but in his weaknesses and the many hardships he has endured. This statement serves as a radical redefinition of true spiritual authority and power, shifting the focus from human capability and worldly credentials to divine power made manifest through human frailty and dependence on God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly polemical and ironic section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, often referred to as his "fool's speech" or "boasting speech" (specifically [2 Corinthians 11:16-12:13](/2-corinthians/11-16 "Paul's Fool's Speech")). Paul reluctantly engages in boasting, not out of self-aggrandizement, but to expose the superficiality and false claims of "super-apostles" who were challenging his apostolic authority and integrity in the Corinthian church. These false teachers likely boasted in their eloquence, Jewish heritage, and apparent lack of suffering, presenting these as marks of divine favor and superior ministry. Paul, by contrast, lists an extensive catalog of his sufferings, persecutions, and vulnerabilities in [2 Corinthians 11:23-29](/2-corinthians/11-23 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ"), culminating in this declaration, which sets the stage for his profound theological explanation of the "thorn in the flesh" in [2 Corinthians 12:7-10](/2-corinthians/12-7 "Paul's Thorn in the Flesh and God's Grace").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Greco-Roman society, including the city of Corinth, placed high value on rhetoric, eloquence, social status, and visible signs of success and strength. Boasting was common, but it was always about one's achievements, lineage, or power. The false apostles in Corinth were likely appealing to these cultural values, presenting themselves as strong, impressive, and unburdened by hardship, which would have resonated with the Corinthians' desire for a powerful and impressive leader. Paul's radical reversal of this boasting paradigm—choosing to boast in weakness—would have been utterly scandalous and counter-cultural, challenging the very foundations of their societal understanding of power and authority. His ministry, marked by suffering and apparent weakness, stood in stark contrast to the self-promotion of his rivals.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme Paul develops here is the **paradox of strength in weakness**, a foundational principle of his theology. He argues that true spiritual power is not found in human self-sufficiency or worldly credentials but is made perfect in acknowledged dependence on God through human frailty. This theme is intricately linked to **humility and authenticity**, as Paul's boasting in infirmities underscores his genuine reliance on God and the unadulterated nature of his ministry, directly contrasting with the deceptive and self-serving boasts of the false apostles. Furthermore, this passage profoundly contributes to the theme of **God's power manifested through human frailty**, setting the stage for the revelation that God's grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in weakness, as articulated in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "God's Strength Perfected in Weakness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Greek, _kaucháomai_):** This verb means "to boast, brag, or take pride in something." Paul uses it with profound irony here. While boasting was typically associated with one's accomplishments or superior qualities, Paul subverts this conventional meaning, redirecting the object of his boasting from worldly strengths to spiritual weaknesses. This redefinition challenges the Corinthian understanding of what constitutes true spiritual authority and worth.
* **must needs (Greek, _deî_):** This impersonal verb signifies that something "is necessary" or "is binding." Paul's use of "if I must needs glory" indicates a reluctant compulsion rather than a desire. He is not naturally inclined to boast, especially not in his own experiences, but he feels it is necessary in this specific context to defend his legitimate apostleship and expose the false claims of his opponents. It implies a divine or moral imperative driving his unusual discourse.
* **infirmities (Greek, _asthéneia_):** Derived from a word meaning "without strength," this noun denotes "feebleness (of mind or body)," "malady," or "frailty." It encompasses not only physical ailments but also the vast array of weaknesses, persecutions, hardships, and vulnerabilities Paul faced as an apostle. This includes beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, hunger, and other forms of suffering detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-29](/2-corinthians/11-23 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ"). These are precisely the circumstances where Paul was utterly dependent on God, not his own power or resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I must needs glory,"**: Paul begins with a conditional clause that conveys his reluctance and the forced nature of his boasting. He is not boasting out of pride or desire for self-promotion, but because the circumstances (the challenge from false apostles) necessitate it. The phrase "must needs" emphasizes a compelling obligation rather than a personal inclination.
* **"I will glory"**: This clause indicates Paul's firm resolve once he has established the necessity of boasting. Having conceded the need to engage in this culturally expected act, he immediately pivots to redefine its content, preparing the audience for a shocking revelation.
* **"of the things which concern mine infirmities."**: This is the radical and paradoxical core of the verse. Instead of listing impressive achievements, spiritual gifts, or signs of worldly success, Paul declares that the only things he will boast about are his weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and the many sufferings he has endured. This directly counters the self-promotion of the false apostles and sets the stage for the profound theological truth that God's power is most evident in human weakness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **literary devices** in this verse and the surrounding context. The most prominent is **Irony**, as he engages in a "fool's speech" where he boasts, but in a manner completely contrary to conventional expectations. He uses the very act of boasting, typically associated with pride and self-exaltation, to highlight his humility and dependence on God. This creates a powerful **Paradox**, where weakness becomes the source of strength, and suffering becomes the ground for boasting. This counter-intuitive truth challenges the Corinthians' worldly wisdom and provides a profound theological insight. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between Paul's authentic, suffering-laden ministry and the superficial, self-aggrandizing ministry of the false apostles. Paul's choice to glory in his infirmities serves as a stark and deliberate counterpoint to their boasts in human strength and worldly credentials.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 11:30 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates a profound theological truth central to Paul's understanding of ministry and the Christian life: God's power is perfected in human weakness. This concept stands in stark opposition to worldly notions of strength and success, which often prioritize self-sufficiency, impressive credentials, and visible triumphs. Paul reveals that true spiritual authority and effectiveness are not derived from human capability but from a humble, dependent reliance on God, especially in moments of frailty and suffering. This divine paradox ensures that all glory ultimately redounds to God, as His strength shines brightest when human strength is absent, preventing any human boasting except in the Lord.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "God's Strength Perfected in Weakness"): "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."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1-corinthians/1-27 "God Chooses the Weak and Foolish"): "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "I Can Do All Things Through Christ"): "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 11:30 offers a liberating and counter-cultural perspective for believers today. In a world that often celebrates strength, success, and self-reliance, this verse invites us to embrace our weaknesses, limitations, and even our sufferings as potential conduits for God's power. It challenges us to redefine what true strength looks like, shifting our focus from our own capabilities to God's boundless grace. When we are weak, vulnerable, or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, it is precisely then that God's strength can be most profoundly displayed through us, preventing us from taking credit for His work and ensuring that His glory is magnified. This perspective transforms how we view personal difficulties, seeing them not as hindrances to ministry or signs of failure, but as opportunities for God to work in ways that transcend human ability, fostering deeper humility and dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "infirmities" or weaknesses in your life do you tend to hide or feel ashamed of?**
* **How might boasting in these weaknesses, in the way Paul describes, actually open doors for God's power to be displayed?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or achievements rather than God's grace?**
* **How can embracing humility and dependence on God transform your perspective on challenges and suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why would Paul choose to "glory" in his infirmities? Isn't boasting a sin?**

Answer: Paul's "boasting" in 2 Corinthians 11:30 is highly ironic and serves a specific theological and apologetic purpose, not self-exaltation. While typical boasting (pride in oneself) is indeed condemned in Scripture (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23 "Boasting in the Lord")), Paul here subverts the very act of boasting. He is compelled to boast by the false apostles who are challenging his authority and ministry, but he chooses to boast in the exact opposite of what they would consider praiseworthy—his weaknesses and sufferings. His aim is to highlight that true apostolic authority and divine power are not found in human strength or worldly credentials but are made perfect in human weakness and dependence on God. This sets the stage for his profound statement in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "God's Strength Perfected in Weakness") that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, ensuring that all glory belongs to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 11:30 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the paradox of strength in weakness. While possessing all divine power and glory, Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). His earthly ministry was marked by humility, self-emptying, and ultimately, the ultimate "infirmity" of the cross. It was through His apparent weakness, suffering, and death on the cross that God's greatest power—the power to overcome sin and death—was fully manifested ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1-corinthians/1-18 "The Message of the Cross")). Just as Paul's infirmities became the vessels for God's power, so too did Christ's voluntary humiliation and suffering become the means of our salvation and God's ultimate triumph. Believers are called to follow Christ's example, embracing their own weaknesses and sufferings, knowing that "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" ([2 Corinthians 13:4](/2-corinthians/13-4 "Christ's Power in Weakness")). Thus, Paul's boasting in his infirmities is a profound echo of the gospel itself, where God's strength is most gloriously revealed through the weakness of His Son and His suffering servants.

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 12:5

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

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

1 Corinthians 2:3

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

Jeremiah 9:23

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Jeremiah 9:24

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

2 Corinthians 12:1

¶ It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Proverbs 25:27

¶ [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory.