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 context
  • 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.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 40:29–31

    He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 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 context
  • Joshua 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 context
  • Isaiah 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 context
  • 1 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 context
  • Hebrews 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