2 Corinthians 12:9
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
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.
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.
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be 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 which strengtheneth me.
Read in context2 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.
Read in contextIsaiah 40:29–31
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Read in contextEphesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Read in contextJoshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Read in contextIsaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Read in context1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Read in contextHebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Read in context