2 Corinthians 13:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/13-10 "2 Corinthians 13:10 - Paul's Purpose for Authority"), 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](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient") 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](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Presenting Every Man Perfect in Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glad (Greek, _chaírō'_):** 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.
* **weak (Greek, _asthenéō'_):** 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.
* **strong (Greek, _dynatós'_):** 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.
* **perfection (Greek, _katártisis'_):** 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.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace and Strength in Weakness"): "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."
* [Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Growing into the Fullness of Christ"): "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
* [Colossians 1:28](/colossians/1-28 "Colossians 1:28 - Presenting Every Man Perfect in Christ Jesus"): "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."

### 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
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to prioritize my own perceived strength or reputation over the spiritual well-being of others?**
* **How can I embrace vulnerability and acknowledge my weaknesses, trusting that God's strength can be made perfect through them?**
* **What does "perfection" mean in the context of my own spiritual journey, and what steps can I take to pursue greater spiritual maturity and equipping?**
* **How can I contribute to the "strength" and "perfection" of my local church community, even if it means personal sacrifice or humility?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "weakness" in this context?**

Answer: 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](/2_corinthians/11-23-29 "2 Corinthians 11:23-29 - Paul's Sufferings")), his humble demeanor and lack of impressive oratorical skills (e.g., [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Opponents' Criticism")), 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](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

**Is Paul's "wish" for the Corinthians' "perfection" a call to sinless perfection?**

Answer: 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](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints").

### 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](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). 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](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). 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](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")). 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.

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 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.