2 Corinthians 12:9

7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from 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.

10 That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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.
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.
WEB
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
ASV
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.
DARBY
And he said to me, My grace suffices thee; for [my] power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may dwell upon me.
BLB
And He has said to me, “My grace suffices for you, for the power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, rather, I will boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
ÅB
og han sa til meg: Min nåde er deg nok; for min kraft fullendes i skrøpelighet. Derfor vil jeg helst rose meg av min skrøpelighet, for at Kristi kraft kan bo i meg.
OTB
Og Han har sagt til meg: "Min nåde er nok for deg, for kraften fullendes i svakhet." Derfor vil jeg med glede rose meg av mine svakheter, så Kristi kraft kan bo i meg.
B1930
og han sa til mig: Min nåde er dig nok; for min kraft fullendes i skrøpelighet. Derfor vil jeg helst rose mig av min skrøpelighet, forat Kristi kraft kan bo i mig.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Short explanation

God says: My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. Paul did not get the “thorn in the flesh” removed, but he was promised grace.

Context: Paul tells of an affliction he asked to be rid of.

See also: Philippians 4:13

The explanation was written by an AI and has not yet been reviewed by a person. All explanations

Cross references

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

    Read in context
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10

    That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 40:29–31

    He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 3:16

    I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,

    Read in context
  • Joshua 1:9

    Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 43:2

    When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 4:16

    Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

    Read in context