2 Corinthians 12:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1352} I take pleasure {G2106} in {G1722} infirmities {G769}, in {G1722} reproaches {G5196}, in {G1722} necessities {G318}, in {G1722} persecutions {G1375}, in {G1722} distresses {G4730} for {G5228} Christ's {G5547} sake {G5228}: for {G1063} when {G3752} I am weak {G770}, then {G5119} am {G1510} I strong {G1415}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I am well pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties endured on behalf of the Messiah; for it is when I am weak that I am strong.

Berean Standard Bible

That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 12:10, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound spiritual paradox: finding joy and strength in the midst of suffering and weakness endured for Christ's sake. This verse serves as a powerful summation of his theological understanding that God's power is most clearly manifested not through human strength or self-sufficiency, but precisely through human frailty and vulnerability, thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to God alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic declaration following Paul's deeply personal and vulnerable account of his "thorn in the flesh" in [2 Corinthians 12:7-9](/2_corinthians/12-7-9 "2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - Paul's Thorn and God's Grace"). Having been granted extraordinary revelations, Paul was given this mysterious affliction to prevent him from becoming conceited. He recounts his fervent pleas to the Lord to remove it, only to receive the divine answer: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). Verse 10 is Paul's immediate and joyful embrace of this divine principle, transitioning from a plea for relief to a profound acceptance and even "pleasure" in his weaknesses, understanding them as conduits for God's power. It stands as a testament to his authentic apostleship, contrasting with the self-aggrandizing claims of false apostles in Corinth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, to whom Paul writes, was heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture, which highly valued strength, eloquence, worldly wisdom, and social status. In this environment, weakness, suffering, and humility were often seen as signs of failure or divine disfavor. Paul's opponents in Corinth likely boasted of their own impressive credentials and abilities, implicitly or explicitly criticizing Paul's apparent lack of these qualities, his physical ailments, and his experiences of hardship. Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 12:10](/2_corinthians/12-10 "2 Corinthians 12:10 - Paul's Paradoxical Joy in Weakness") directly challenges these cultural norms and the false apostles' self-exalting theology. He redefines strength not as human capability but as divine power made manifest through human weakness, a concept utterly counter-cultural and scandalous to many in his audience.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **Paradox of Strength in Weakness**, a cornerstone of Paul's theology. This theme directly confronts worldly notions of power, asserting that true spiritual efficacy is found not in human self-sufficiency but in utter dependence on God. When human resources are exhausted, divine power flows unhindered, making God's glory evident, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"). Another key theme is **Joy in Suffering for Christ**. Paul's "pleasure" in various hardships is not masochism but a transcendent joy rooted in the knowledge that these trials are endured "for Christ's sake," uniting him with Christ's own sufferings and advancing the Kingdom. This perspective on Christian suffering is echoed throughout his epistles, notably in [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Boasting in Suffering"), where he speaks of boasting in tribulations. Lastly, the verse highlights the **Sufficiency of God's Grace and Power**, emphasizing that God's strength is not merely adequate but "perfected" (made complete) in human frailty, ensuring that God alone receives the glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleasure (Greek, _eudokéō'_):** This word (G2106) means "to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)." Paul's "pleasure" is not a superficial happiness but a deep, settled approval and contentment with his circumstances, recognizing them as divinely ordained opportunities for God's power to be displayed. It signifies a profound spiritual alignment with God's will, even when that will involves hardship.
* **infirmities (Greek, _asthéneia'_):** This term (G769) denotes "feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty." It encompasses physical ailments, emotional vulnerabilities, and general human limitations. Paul's willingness to embrace these "infirmities" underscores his understanding that God's strength is made perfect precisely in these areas of human weakness.
* **strong (Greek, _dynatós'_):** This adjective (G1415) means "powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible." When Paul declares, "then am I strong," he is not referring to a newfound human resilience but to the divine power and capability that indwells and works through him, enabling him to accomplish God's purposes despite his weaknesses. This strength is God's, not his own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:"** Paul begins with "Therefore" (G1352, _dió_), linking this declaration directly to the Lord's revelation in the preceding verse. His "pleasure" (G2106, _eudokéō_) is a deliberate, joyful acceptance, not a passive endurance, of a litany of hardships: "infirmities" (G769, _asthéneia_ - physical weakness, sickness), "reproaches" (G5196, _hýbris_ - insults, indignities), "necessities" (G318, _anánkē_ - unavoidable hardships, severe pressure), "persecutions" (G1375, _diōgmós_ - active harassment for faith), and "distresses" (G4730, _stenochōría_ - extreme pressure, anguish). The crucial qualifier "for Christ's sake" (G5228, _hypér_ Christós) transforms these trials from mere suffering into purposeful participation in the redemptive work of Christ.
* **"for when I am weak, then am I strong."** This second clause, introduced by "for" (G1063, _gár_), provides the theological rationale for Paul's paradoxical pleasure. The word "weak" (G770, _asthenéō_) refers to his state of human feebleness and vulnerability. The phrase "then am I strong" (G5119, _tóte_ G1510, _eimí_ G1415, _dynatós_) reveals the divine exchange: it is precisely when Paul's human strength is depleted and his reliance on God is absolute that God's omnipotent power (G1415, _dynatós_) is fully manifested through him. This is not a human achievement but a divine enablement.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [2 Corinthians 12:10](/2_corinthians/12-10 "2 Corinthians 12:10 - Paul's Paradoxical Joy in Weakness") is **Paradox**. Paul's statement, "for when I am weak, then am I strong," presents a seemingly contradictory truth that defies conventional logic. It highlights a divine principle where human insufficiency becomes the very condition for divine sufficiency, challenging the world's understanding of power and success. This paradox is further emphasized by the **Juxtaposition** of Paul taking "pleasure" in a list of negative experiences (infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, distresses). This stark contrast underscores the counter-intuitive nature of the Christian life, where suffering for Christ's sake is transformed into a source of joy and spiritual empowerment. The verse also functions as a powerful **Personal Testimony**, providing Paul's firsthand witness to the truth of God's grace and strength, making the theological concept deeply relatable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 12:10](/2_corinthians/12-10 "2 Corinthians 12:10 - Paul's Paradoxical Joy in Weakness") is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's power and human dependence. It asserts that God's strength is not merely a supplement to human ability but is perfected and fully displayed in human weakness. This principle ensures that all glory belongs to God, preventing human boasting and fostering radical reliance on divine grace. It redefines suffering, transforming it from a punitive experience into a purposeful pathway for spiritual growth, Christ-like conformity, and the demonstration of God's surpassing power. This theological truth liberates believers from the pressure to appear strong or self-sufficient, inviting them instead to embrace their limitations as opportunities for God to work mightily through them.

* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Boasting in Tribulations")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [2 Corinthians 12:10](/2_corinthians/12-10 "2 Corinthians 12:10 - Paul's Paradoxical Joy in Weakness") offers immense encouragement and a transformative perspective on personal struggles. Instead of despairing over our weaknesses—be they physical limitations, emotional vulnerabilities, financial hardships, or spiritual struggles—we are invited to see them as fertile ground for God's strength to flourish. This verse calls us to move beyond a performance-based faith and embrace a radical dependence on God's grace. It teaches us that true spiritual power is found not in our self-sufficiency but in our utter reliance on Christ, allowing His divine power to be made perfect in our imperfections. When we are weak, we are reminded of our need for God, and it is in that very space of need that His power can most profoundly manifest, bringing glory to His name and building unwavering trust in His provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, or distresses" are you currently experiencing, and how might you view them as opportunities for God's strength to be displayed?**
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength or capabilities, rather than fully surrendering to God's grace?**
* **How does understanding that God's strength is "made perfect in weakness" change your perspective on personal failures or limitations?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God's power in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh" mentioned in the preceding verses?**

Answer: While [2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "2 Corinthians 12:7 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh") explicitly mentions Paul's "thorn in the flesh," its exact nature remains a mystery. Scholars have proposed various possibilities, including a chronic physical illness (like an eye ailment or malaria), a speech impediment, persistent opposition from false teachers, or even spiritual attacks. Paul deliberately leaves it unnamed, perhaps to allow every believer to identify their own "thorn"—whatever persistent weakness or affliction God allows for their humility and reliance on His grace. The specific nature is less important than its divine purpose: to keep Paul humble and to demonstrate that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, as stated in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

**Does this verse mean Christians should actively seek out suffering or weakness?**

Answer: No, [2 Corinthians 12:10](/2_corinthians/12-10 "2 Corinthians 12:10 - Paul's Paradoxical Joy in Weakness") does not advocate for masochism or intentionally seeking out suffering. Instead, it teaches us how to respond when suffering and weakness inevitably come our way, especially "for Christ's sake." Paul's "pleasure" is not in the pain itself, but in the divine purpose and outcome of that pain—that through it, Christ's power is revealed. The Christian life, by its very nature, involves trials and opposition (see [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World") and [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "1 Peter 4:12-13 - Suffering for Christ")). The verse encourages us to embrace these inevitable hardships with a God-centered perspective, recognizing them as opportunities for deeper reliance on Him and for His strength to be magnified.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 12:10](/2_corinthians/12-10 "2 Corinthians 12:10 - Paul's Paradoxical Joy in Weakness") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Christ, though fully God, willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His ultimate act of weakness and vulnerability on the cross, where He bore the sins of humanity, was precisely the means through which God's ultimate power and victory over sin and death were achieved. The crucifixion, a symbol of profound weakness and humiliation, became the very instrument of God's strength and salvation. Jesus's identification with human suffering and weakness ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Our High Priest")) allows Him to perfectly sympathize with our infirmities. Thus, Paul's experience of strength in weakness is a participation in the pattern of Christ's own life, death, and resurrection. Through Christ, believers are empowered to find joy in their weaknesses, knowing that His life-giving power is made perfect in their frailty, enabling them to live lives that reflect the triumph of the Lamb of God ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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 12:9

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.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

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.

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

1 Peter 1:6

¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: