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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

"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."

Commentary

This verse is God's direct response to the Apostle Paul's repeated prayer concerning a debilitating "thorn in the flesh" (mentioned in the preceding verses, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8). Paul had asked for this affliction to be removed three times, but God gave him a different answer – a promise of sufficient grace and perfected strength.

The key themes here are God's abundant grace, the paradox of divine strength being fully displayed in human weakness, and the believer's proper response to suffering and limitations. God's grace is not just 'enough', but it is fully 'sufficient' (Greek: arketos) for every need, particularly in times of weakness. His strength is 'made perfect' (Greek: teleioō - brought to completion or fully realized) not in our self-sufficiency, but precisely when we are weak and therefore rely on Him.

Paul's remarkable response is to shift from praying for removal to embracing his "infirmities" (Greek: astheneiai - weaknesses, frailties, illnesses). He resolves to "glory" in them, not because he enjoys suffering, but because it creates the necessary condition for "the power of Christ" to "rest upon" him (Greek: episkenoo - literally, to pitch a tent upon, suggesting dwelling or abiding). He understands that his weakness is the stage upon which God's power is most clearly demonstrated.

This passage teaches us that God often works most powerfully not by removing our struggles, but by sustaining us through them and revealing His strength in our acknowledged inability. It encourages believers to find hope and even a form of joy in their weaknesses, knowing that these are opportunities for Christ's power to be evident in their lives.

Compare this idea with Philippians 4:13, where Paul states, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." This strength comes not from self, but from Christ, often in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth 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.

  • Isaiah 40:29

    He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

  • Isaiah 40:31

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

  • Ephesians 3:16

    That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

  • Joshua 1:9

    Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

  • Isaiah 43:2

    When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
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