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.

For {G1063}{G2532} though {G1487} he was crucified {G4717} through {G1537} weakness {G769}, yet {G235} he liveth {G2198} by {G1537} the power {G1411} of God {G2316}. For {G1063} we {G2249} also {G2532} are weak {G770} in {G1722} him {G846}, but {G235} we shall live {G2198} with {G4862} him {G846} by {G1537} the power {G1411} of God {G2316} toward {G1519} you {G5209}.

For although he was executed on a stake in weakness, now he lives by God’s power. And we too are weak in union with him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by God’s power.

For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.

for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.

2 Corinthians 13:4 KJV is a profound verse that encapsulates the paradox of divine power manifested through apparent weakness, a central theme in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.

Context

In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul is defending his apostolic authority and ministry against detractors who questioned his legitimacy, often pointing to his humble appearance, suffering, and lack of worldly eloquence as signs of weakness. Paul’s opponents, likely "false apostles," boasted in their outward strengths and impressive rhetoric. In this chapter, Paul is preparing the Corinthians for his third visit, warning them that he will not spare those who persist in sin, yet he grounds his authority not in human might but in the very pattern of Christ.

Key Themes

  • The Paradox of Christ's Power in Weakness: The verse first highlights Jesus Christ's crucifixion, which from a human perspective appeared to be the ultimate weakness and defeat. Yet, it was precisely through this act of voluntary humiliation and vulnerability that God's ultimate power was displayed in His resurrection. Christ's death was not a sign of divine impotence but the means by which God achieved salvation.
  • Apostolic Identification with Christ: Paul draws a direct parallel between Christ's experience and his own ministry. Just as Christ was "crucified through weakness," Paul and his fellow apostles are "weak in him" – embracing humility, suffering, and a lack of worldly prestige. This is not a deficiency but a deliberate alignment with the path of Christ, demonstrating that their effectiveness comes solely from God.
  • God's Power Manifested Through Human Frailty: The core message is that God's power is not hindered by human weakness but is often most powerfully revealed through it. Paul asserts that just as Christ "liveth by the power of God," so too will the apostles "live with him by the power of God toward you." This promises spiritual vitality, effective ministry, and ultimate resurrection life, all empowered by God for the benefit of the Corinthian church. Paul often highlighted his own weaknesses as a vessel for God's grace and strength.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "weakness" is astheneia (ἀσθένεια), which can refer to physical infirmity, lack of strength, or vulnerability. It contrasts sharply with dynamis (δύναμις), meaning inherent power, strength, or ability, from which we get the English word "dynamite." The deliberate juxtaposition of these two terms underscores the verse's central paradox: God's mighty power is perfected and revealed through human weakness, mirroring Christ's journey from crucifixion to resurrection.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our effectiveness in God's service is not dependent on our own strength, talents, or outward impressive qualities, but on His divine power working through us. When we feel weak, inadequate, or face challenges, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, just as it was in Christ and in His apostles. It calls us to embrace humility and rely fully on God, trusting that His life and power will be manifest in and through us for the benefit of others.

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.

  • 1 Peter 3:18

    ¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  • Romans 6:4

    Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:3

    For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4

    (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

  • Romans 6:8

    Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

  • Romans 6:11

    Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • 2 Timothy 2:11

    [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]:

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