TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
See on the biblical-era map
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 13:7–10. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here we have,
I.The apostle's prayer to God on the behalf of the Corinthians, that they might do no evil, Co2 13:7.
This is the most desirable thing we can ask of God, both for ourselves and for our friends, to be kept from sin, that we and they may do no evil; and it is most needful that we often pray to God for his grace to keep us, because without this we cannot keep ourselves. We are more concerned to pray that we may not do evil than that we may not suffer evil.
II.The reasons why the apostle put up this prayer to God on behalf of the Corinthians, which reasons have a special reference to their case, and the subject-matter about which he was writing to them. Observe, he tells them,
1.It was not so much for his own personal reputation as for the honour of religion: "Not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, or decent, and for the credit of religion, though we should be reproached and vilified, and accounted as reprobates," Co2 13:7. Note,
(1.)The great desire of faithful ministers of the gospel is that the gospel they preach may be honoured, however their persons may be vilified.
(2.)The best way to adorn our holy religion is to do that which is honest, and of good report, to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ.
2.Another reason was this: that they might be free from all blame and censure when he should come to them. This is intimated in Co2 13:8, We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. If therefore they did not do evil, nor act contrary to their profession of the gospel, the apostle had no power nor authority to punish them. He had said before (Co2 10:8) and says here (Co2 13:10) that the power which the Lord had given him was to edification, not to destruction; so that, although the apostle had great powers committed to him for the credit and advancement of the gospel, yet he could not do anything to the disparagement of the truth, nor the discouragement of those who obeyed it. He could not, that is, he would not, he dared not, he had no commission to act against the truth; and it is remarkable how the apostle did rejoice in this blessed impotency: "We are glad," says he (Co2 13:9), "when we are weak and you are strong; that is, that we have no power to censure those who are strong in faith and fruitful in good works." Some understand this passage thus: "Though we are weak through persecutions and contempt, we bear it patiently, and also joyfully, while we see that you are strong, that you are prosperous in holiness, and persevering in well-doing." For,
3.He desired their perfection (Co2 13:9); that is, that they might be sincere, and aim at perfection (sincerity is our gospel-perfection), or else he wished there might be a thorough reformation among them. He not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness, and that all that was amiss among them might be rectified and reformed. This was the great end of his writing this epistle, and that freedom he used with them by writing these things (those friendly admonitions and warnings), being absent, that so, being present, he should not use sharpness (Co2 13:10), that is, not proceed to the utmost extremity in the exercise of the power which the Lord had given him as an apostle, to revenge all disobedience, Co2 10:6.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
"For we rejoice when we are weak, and ye are strong. For this also we pray for even your perfecting." "For most certainly," he says, "we cannot do any thing against the truth, that is, punish you if you are well pleasing [to God]; besides, because we cannot, we therefore do not wish it, and even desire the contrary. Nay, we are particularly glad of this very thing, when we find you giving us no occasion to show that power of ours for punishment. For even if the doing of such things shows men glorious and approved and strong; still we desire the contrary, that ye should be approved and unblamable, and that we should never at any time reap the glory thence arising."
Wherefore he says, "For we are glad when we are weak." What is, "are weak?" "When we may be thought weak." Not when we are weak, but when we are thought weak; for they were thought so by their enemies, because they displayed not their power of punishing. "But still we are glad, when your behavior is of such a sort as to give us no pretence for punishing you. And it is a pleasure to us to be in this way considered weak, so that only ye be blameless;" wherefore he adds, "and ye are strong," that is, "are approved, are virtuous. And we do not only wish for this, but we pray for this, that ye may be blameless, perfect, and afford us no handle."
This is paternal affection, to prefer the salvation of the disciples before his own good name. This is the part of a soul free from vainglory; this best releaseth from the bonds of the body and makes one to rise aloft from earth to heaven, the being pure from vain-glory; just as therefore the contrary leadeth unto many sins.
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 13:9 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
The Apostle Paul's heartfelt desire for the Corinthian church is encapsulated in this verse, revealing his profound pastoral humility and unwavering commitment to their spiritual well-being. He expresses genuine joy in his own perceived weakness if it contributes to their strength and maturity in faith, ultimately wishing for their complete spiritual restoration and equipping, rather than seeking personal acclaim or demonstrating outward power.
Context
Literary Context
This verse concludes Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, a deeply personal and often emotionally charged epistle. Chapters 10-13 are particularly confrontational, as Paul defends his apostolic authority against false apostles and critics within the church who questioned his legitimacy, often citing his humble demeanor, lack of eloquence, or physical suffering as signs of weakness. In this final chapter, Paul warns of his impending third visit, where he intends to exercise his apostolic authority firmly if necessary, but his ultimate aim, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 13:10, is to build them up, not tear them down. His statement about being "glad when we are weak, and ye are strong" serves as a powerful summary of his pastoral philosophy, emphasizing that his authority is for their edification, not his own exaltation.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Corinthian church was situated in a wealthy, cosmopolitan, and morally lax Roman city. Its diverse population, including many who valued rhetoric, outward displays of power, and philosophical wisdom, often struggled with internal divisions, spiritual pride, and a tendency to evaluate leaders based on worldly standards. Paul's "weakness" (e.g., his physical ailments, lack of impressive oratorical skills, or refusal to accept financial support) was seen by some as a sign of his inadequacy compared to the more charismatic or eloquent false apostles. In this context, Paul's assertion that he rejoices in his weakness for their strength directly challenges the prevailing cultural values that equated power with outward display and success, instead aligning with a counter-cultural, Christ-like model of servant leadership.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes woven throughout 2 Corinthians. First, it highlights the Paradox of Strength in Weakness, a central Pauline concept where God's power is most evident through human frailty, as seen in Paul's earlier declaration in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God's "power is made perfect in weakness." Second, it underscores Paul's profound Pastoral Love and Self-Sacrifice, demonstrating his willingness to endure personal discomfort or perceived humiliation for the spiritual benefit of the believers, reflecting the selfless love of Christ. Third, the verse emphasizes the theme of Spiritual Maturity and Restoration, as Paul's ultimate "wish" for their "perfection" is a desire for their complete equipping and soundness in faith, aligning with his broader goal of presenting every believer mature in Christ (e.g., Colossians 1:28).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primary verb means "to be cheerful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off." It conveys a deep, settled joy or rejoicing. Paul's gladness is not a superficial emotion but a profound contentment derived from seeing the spiritual flourishing of the Corinthians, even if it comes at the cost of his own perceived weakness or suffering.
Derived from a word meaning "without strength," this verb signifies "to be feeble (in any sense)." In Paul's context, it often refers to physical infirmities, lack of impressive outward appearance, or the humble, non-coercive way he exercised his apostleship, which was often contrasted with the worldly displays of power by his detractors.
From dúnamai (to be able), this adjective means "powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible." Here, it refers to the spiritual strength, steadfastness, and maturity of the Corinthian believers, indicating their firm adherence to the truth and their growth in Christ.
Derived from katartízō, this noun denotes "thorough equipment" or "restoration." It carries the sense of mending, repairing, equipping, or making something fit for its intended purpose. Paul's wish for their "perfection" is not for sinless flawlessness but for their complete spiritual restoration, unity, and being fully equipped for Christian life and service, mended and made whole in Christ.
Verse Breakdown
"For we are glad,"
Paul begins by expressing a profound, counter-intuitive joy. His gladness is not for his own sake or reputation, but for a spiritual outcome that transcends personal comfort or worldly esteem. This sets the tone for his selfless pastoral heart.
"when we are weak,"
This clause refers to Paul's state of perceived or actual weakness, which he often embraced as a conduit for God's power. It could encompass his physical sufferings, his humble demeanor, his lack of impressive rhetoric, or his refusal to assert his apostolic authority in a way that would burden the Corinthians. This "weakness" was often the very thing his opponents used to discredit him.
"and ye are strong:"
In stark contrast to his own weakness, Paul rejoices when the Corinthians are spiritually strong. This strength implies their firm faith, moral integrity, unity, and adherence to sound doctrine. Paul's ultimate goal was their spiritual health, not his own demonstration of power. He was willing to appear weak if it meant they would stand firm in Christ.
"and this also we wish, [even] your perfection."
This final clause reveals the ultimate aim of Paul's ministry and the core of his pastoral desire. The word "wish" (eúchomai) indicates a fervent prayer or desire. Their "perfection" (katártisis) signifies their complete spiritual equipping, restoration, and maturity – a state of being fully mended, united, and prepared for their purpose in Christ. This is the culmination of his hopes for them, transcending any immediate conflict or personal challenge.
Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs Paradox by contrasting Paul's desired state of "weakness" with the Corinthians' desired state of "strength," highlighting the counter-intuitive nature of God's kingdom where divine power is often manifested through human frailty. This creates a striking Antithesis between the two conditions. Furthermore, the verse is imbued with a profound Pastoral Tone, revealing Paul's deep affection and selfless concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian believers, prioritizing their growth and maturity above his own reputation or comfort. The phrase "this also we wish, even your perfection" functions as a Climax, articulating the ultimate goal of his apostolic labor and love for them.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly illustrates the New Testament principle that true spiritual strength often emerges from human weakness, and that genuine Christian leadership prioritizes the edification of others over personal glory. Paul's willingness to be "weak" so that the Corinthians might be "strong" mirrors the self-emptying love of Christ and serves as a model for all believers. His desire for their "perfection" underscores the ongoing process of sanctification and the church's call to mature into the fullness of Christ, becoming completely equipped and united in faith.
Reflection and Application
Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 13:9 offer a timeless challenge and encouragement for believers and leaders today. They call us to a radical reorientation of our values, away from worldly measures of strength and success, and towards a Christ-like humility that prioritizes the spiritual health and maturity of others. For leaders, it means embracing vulnerability, being willing to appear less impressive, and even enduring personal discomfort if it serves to build up those under their care. For every believer, it's a reminder that our journey of faith is one of continuous growth, restoration, and equipping, a pursuit of "perfection" that is not about sinless flawlessness but about becoming fully whole and functional in Christ. This verse encourages us to find joy in seeing others flourish, even when it means stepping out of the spotlight, and to always seek opportunities to mend, restore, and strengthen one another in the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "weakness" in this context?
Paul's "weakness" in 2 Corinthians often refers to a combination of factors that his opponents used to discredit him, contrasting with their own perceived strengths. This includes his physical sufferings and hardships endured for the Gospel (e.g., 2 Corinthians 11:23-29), his humble demeanor and lack of impressive oratorical skills (e.g., 2 Corinthians 10:10), and his refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthians, which some might have interpreted as a sign of his unworthiness or lack of apostolic privilege. Ultimately, for Paul, this "weakness" was not a flaw but a deliberate posture that allowed God's power to be more clearly manifested, as he famously states in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Is Paul's "wish" for the Corinthians' "perfection" a call to sinless perfection?
No, the Greek word for "perfection" (katártisis) does not imply sinless perfection in this context. Instead, it carries the sense of "thorough equipment," "restoration," or "mending." It was used in ancient Greek for setting a broken bone, mending a fishing net, or equipping a ship. Therefore, Paul's wish is for the Corinthians to be fully mended, restored, united, and equipped for their purpose in Christ. It's a desire for their spiritual maturity, soundness in faith, and functional completeness as the body of Christ, rather than an absolute state of sinlessness, which is unattainable in this life. This concept aligns with Paul's broader teaching on spiritual growth, as seen in passages like Ephesians 4:11-13.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
This verse, though a deeply personal expression of Paul's pastoral heart, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's willingness to embrace "weakness" for the "strength" and "perfection" of others directly mirrors Christ's ultimate act of self-emptying. Jesus, though fully God, "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). He became "weak" in the flesh, enduring suffering, rejection, and ultimately death on the cross, so that humanity might be made "strong" through His resurrection and granted "perfection" in Him. Our spiritual "perfection" (katártisis) is not achieved by our own efforts but is a gracious gift, as we are "complete in him" (Colossians 2:10). Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrection are the means by which believers are mended, restored, and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Thus, Paul's pastoral desire for the Corinthians' maturity is ultimately a desire for them to fully realize the transformative power of Christ's finished work in their lives.