2 Corinthians 12:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G5228} such an one {G5108} will I glory {G2744}: yet {G1161} of {G5228} myself {G1683} I will {G2744} not {G3756} glory {G2744}, but {G1508} in {G1722} mine {G3450} infirmities {G769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

About such a man I will boast; but about myself I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.

Berean Standard Bible

I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.

American Standard Version

On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 12:5, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound paradox central to his apostolic ministry and Christian theology: while he could boast in extraordinary divine revelations experienced by "such an one" (referring to himself in the third person), he deliberately chooses not to glory in himself or his spiritual privileges. Instead, he declares his intention to boast solely in his "infirmities," setting the stage for his subsequent teaching on God's power perfected in human weakness, a cornerstone of his theology of suffering and divine sufficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's "fool's speech" (2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13), a section where he reluctantly defends his apostolic authority against false apostles and critics in Corinth. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul recounts a highly personal and unparalleled spiritual experience—being caught up to the "third heaven" or "Paradise" and hearing inexpressible words (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). He speaks of this in the third person ("I knew a man in Christ") to avoid self-exaltation, even while acknowledging the profound nature of the revelation. Verse 5 serves as a crucial pivot, demonstrating Paul's humility and his deliberate redirection of glory away from himself, even concerning such a transcendent experience, towards his weaknesses. This sets the theological foundation for the subsequent explanation of his "thorn in the flesh" and God's declaration, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by factions and challenges to Paul's authority. False apostles, likely boasting in their eloquence, impressive signs, and perhaps even their Jewish heritage or perceived spiritual superiority, had infiltrated the community. These opponents likely presented themselves as strong, charismatic, and privileged, contrasting sharply with Paul's often humble demeanor, physical afflictions, and lack of impressive rhetoric (as perceived by some). In a culture that valued strength, honor, and outward displays of power, Paul's decision to "glory in infirmities" would have been counter-cultural and shocking. His message directly confronts the prevailing Greco-Roman emphasis on human achievement and self-sufficiency, instead championing a theology where divine power is most evident through human frailty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. It underscores **Authentic Apostolic Authority**, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership is marked not by self-promotion or outward strength, but by humility and reliance on God. It powerfully introduces the theme of **God's Power Perfected in Weakness**, a central tenet of Paul's theology, which he elaborates upon in the following verses. Furthermore, it highlights Paul's consistent emphasis on **Humility and the Rejection of Boasting in Self**, echoing his earlier admonitions to "let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Boasting in the Lord")). This passage also touches on the **Paradox of Christian Life**, where suffering and weakness become avenues for divine strength and glory, a concept explored throughout Paul's letters, particularly in his discussions of the "treasure in jars of clay" ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** This verb signifies to boast, exult, or take pride in something. Paul frequently uses this term, often contrasting human boasting with boasting in the Lord. Here, he deliberately distinguishes between boasting in a divinely given, extraordinary experience (which he attributes to "such an one") and refusing to boast in himself, redirecting the concept of glorying towards his weaknesses. This highlights his consistent theological conviction that all true glory belongs to God, not to human achievements or even spiritual privileges.
* **Myself (Greek, _emautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun emphasizes the self, indicating Paul's personal agency. His explicit declaration "of myself I will not glory" underscores a conscious, intentional choice to deflect any praise or honor from his own person, even in the context of profound spiritual experiences. This self-denial is crucial for understanding his radical embrace of humility and his desire to ensure that God alone receives the glory.
* **Infirmities (Greek, _asthéneia'_):** This powerful noun denotes feebleness, weakness, sickness, or frailty, encompassing physical ailments, personal limitations, and the various sufferings Paul endured for the gospel. By choosing to glory "in mine infirmities," Paul makes a counter-intuitive and profound statement. He is not celebrating suffering for its own sake, but rather recognizing that these very weaknesses are the conduits through which God's supernatural power is most clearly manifested, preventing self-reliance and ensuring divine glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of such an one will I glory:"** Paul refers to himself in the third person, creating a rhetorical distance from the extraordinary heavenly vision. This allows him to speak of the revelation without appearing arrogant or self-exalting, yet still acknowledging its profound reality. His willingness to "glory" in "such an one" implies that the experience itself, as a divine act, is worthy of praise, but not the human vessel through whom it occurred.
* **"yet of myself I will not glory,"** This clause presents a sharp contrast, introduced by the adversative particle "yet" (G1161, _dé_). Despite the profound spiritual privilege, Paul firmly rejects any self-glory or boasting in his own person, abilities, or even his unique spiritual experiences. This highlights his deep-seated humility and his understanding that any spiritual gift or experience is from God, not a basis for personal pride. The "not" (G3756, _ou_) is an absolute negative, emphasizing his resolute refusal.
* **"but in mine infirmities."** This final clause introduces the profound paradox. Instead of boasting in strength, revelation, or personal achievement, Paul declares his intention to glory "in" (G1722, _en_) his weaknesses (G769, _asthéneia_). This radical statement sets up the subsequent explanation of his "thorn in the flesh" and the theological principle that God's power is perfected through human frailty, making weakness a paradoxical source of divine strength and a testament to God's grace. The particle "but" (G1508, _ei mḗ_) emphasizes this stark alternative.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Paradox**, as he juxtaposes the potential for glorying in an extraordinary spiritual experience with his deliberate choice to glory in his weaknesses. This creates a striking and memorable contrast that challenges conventional notions of strength and power. He also uses **Irony**, as the very things that might be perceived as hindrances or shameful (infirmities) are declared to be the objects of his boasting. Furthermore, the use of **Third-Person Reference** ("such an one") for himself in the context of the heavenly vision is a subtle form of **Humility** and **Rhetorical Deflection**, allowing him to speak of the unspeakable without appearing self-aggrandizing. This rhetorical choice underscores his commitment to avoiding pride, even in the face of unparalleled divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 12:5 is a cornerstone of his theology of suffering and divine sufficiency. It reveals a profound understanding that God's power is not merely *present* in weakness, but is *perfected* through it. This counter-intuitive truth challenges human tendencies to rely on self-strength, accomplishments, or even spiritual gifts as sources of pride. Instead, Paul models a radical humility that finds its boast not in what he possesses or experiences, but in his utter dependence on God, especially in his moments of greatest vulnerability. This theological insight reshapes our understanding of strength, leadership, and the very nature of God's work in and through humanity, demonstrating that divine glory is most brightly revealed when human frailties are most evident.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")
* [2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's radical posture in 2 Corinthians 12:5 offers a profound challenge and liberation for believers today. In a world that often celebrates strength, success, and self-sufficiency, Paul invites us to re-evaluate where we place our confidence and what we truly value. To "glory in infirmities" is not to wallow in self-pity or to seek out suffering, but to humbly acknowledge our limitations, weaknesses, and areas of dependence, recognizing them as potential arenas for God's power to be most clearly displayed. This perspective frees us from the exhausting burden of pretending to be strong when we are weak, or of striving for perfection in our own might. Instead, it encourages us to embrace our humanity, trusting that God's grace is indeed sufficient, and that His strength is made perfect precisely in our weakness. When we cease to glory in ourselves, we create space for God to receive all the glory, transforming our struggles into testimonies of His faithfulness and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "infirmities" in your life—your weaknesses, struggles, or limitations—that you are tempted to hide or be ashamed of?**
* **How might embracing these weaknesses, rather than trying to overcome them in your own strength, allow God's power to be more evident in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "glory in yourself" rather than in God's grace?**
* **How can a deeper understanding of 2 Corinthians 12:5 reshape your view of success, leadership, and spiritual maturity?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul speak of "such an one" instead of directly referring to himself when describing his heavenly vision?**

Answer: Paul uses the third-person phrase "such an one" (or "I knew a man in Christ" in [2 Corinthians 12:2](/2_corinthians/12-2 "2 Corinthians 12:2 - Paul's Vision of Paradise")) to maintain humility and avoid any appearance of self-exaltation. He had just described an unparalleled, profound spiritual experience of being caught up to the third heaven. In a context where false apostles were boasting in their own credentials, Paul deliberately deflects personal glory, even from such a divine revelation. By speaking in the third person, he attributes the experience to a "man in Christ" (who is implicitly himself) while simultaneously emphasizing that the glory belongs to God for granting such a vision, not to Paul for receiving it. This rhetorical device underscores his commitment to humility and prevents spiritual pride.

**What exactly does Paul mean by "infirmities," and why would he "glory" in them?**

Answer: The Greek word for "infirmities" (G769, _asthéneia_) encompasses a broad range of weaknesses, including physical ailments, personal limitations, external pressures, persecutions, and sufferings. It refers to any human frailty that highlights dependence on God. Paul's "glorying" in these infirmities is not a masochistic celebration of pain, but a theological paradox. He boasts in them because they are the very conditions through which God's power is most clearly and powerfully manifested. As he explains in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness"), God told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, Paul glories in his weaknesses because they are the direct conduits for demonstrating God's strength, preventing him from relying on himself, and ensuring that all glory redounds to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's radical declaration to glory in his infirmities finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Incarnation itself is a profound act of divine "infirmity," as the eternal Son of God "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Jesus, though God, embraced human weakness, suffering, and ultimately, death on a cross, which to the world appeared as the ultimate defeat and infirmity ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block")). Yet, it was precisely through this profound weakness and humiliation that God's greatest power—the power to save humanity from sin and death—was perfectly displayed. The cross, a symbol of weakness and shame, became the very means of victory and glory. Therefore, when Paul boasts in his infirmities, he is not merely embracing a personal spiritual discipline, but echoing the very pattern of his Savior. His weakness allows Christ's strength to be revealed, just as Christ's human weakness on the cross revealed the unparalleled power of God's love and redemption, culminating in the resurrection ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ, Raised to New Life")). In Christ, weakness is not an impediment to divine power, but its most profound expression.

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 11:30

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

1 Corinthians 2:3

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

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.

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.