2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, [even] your perfection.

For {G1063} we {G2249} are glad {G5463}, when {G3752} we are weak {G770}, and {G1161} ye {G5210} are {G5600} strong {G1415}: and {G1161} this {G5124} also {G2532} we wish {G2172}, even your {G5216} perfection {G2676}.

So we rejoice whenever we are weak and you are strong; indeed, what we pray for is that you become perfect.

In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting.

2 Corinthians 13:9 is a poignant expression of the Apostle Paul's pastoral heart and his ultimate desire for the Corinthian church: their spiritual growth and maturity over his own reputation or perceived power.

Context

This verse comes at the end of Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians, a letter filled with both stern warnings and tender appeals. Paul is defending his apostleship against detractors and preparing for his third visit. He has been addressing issues of spiritual pride, immorality, and challenges to his authority within the Corinthian church. In this chapter, he emphasizes his commitment to using his apostolic authority for their edification, not destruction. His "weakness" often refers to his humble demeanor, lack of impressive outward appearance, or even the physical sufferings he endured for the Gospel, which some in Corinth might have seen as a sign of his inadequacy. In contrast, their "strength" would signify their spiritual health, adherence to truth, and genuine faith.

Key Themes

  • Humility in Leadership: Paul demonstrates a profound humility, valuing the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians above his own perceived strength or authority. He is content to appear weak if it means they are strong in faith. This counters the worldly view of leadership.
  • Spiritual Maturity and Growth: The core desire for the Corinthians is their "perfection." This isn't about sinless flawlessness, but about their spiritual completeness, restoration, and being fully equipped in Christ. Paul's goal is to see them stand firm in the truth and live out their faith authentically.
  • Pastoral Love and Concern: The verse overflows with Paul's deep affection and concern for the Corinthian believers. His focus is entirely on their spiritual welfare, even if it means personal discomfort or appearing less impressive.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "perfection" is katartisis (or related forms like katartizo). It carries the sense of mending, equipping, restoring, or making complete. It was used for mending nets, setting bones, or making something fit for its intended purpose. Thus, Paul's wish for their "perfection" is a desire for them to be fully mended, restored, and equipped for Christian life and service, united in truth and purpose. It is about their spiritual health and functional completeness, not an absolute sinless state.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 13:9 offers several powerful lessons:

  1. Prioritize Others' Spiritual Health: True Christian leadership and fellowship involve genuinely desiring the spiritual strength and maturity of others, even if it means personal sacrifice or appearing less impressive.
  2. Embrace Humility: God often works most powerfully through our weaknesses, not our perceived strengths. When we acknowledge our limitations, we create space for God's power to be evident.
  3. Strive for Maturity: The call to "perfection" is a call to continuous growth, restoration, and equipping in our faith. It encourages us to pursue a deeper understanding of God's Word and a more complete walk with Him.
  4. Focus on Edification: Our interactions within the church should always aim to build up, restore, and strengthen one another in faith and truth, rather than tear down or criticize.
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.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:11

    ¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:10

    We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:10

    Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

  • 2 Corinthians 12:5

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

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:7

    ¶ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

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