New International Version That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. New Living Translation That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. English Standard Version For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible Therefore I am well pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions and difficulties—for Christ; for when I may be weak, then I am powerful. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. New American Standard Bible Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. NASB 1995 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. NASB 1977 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. Legacy Standard Bible Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and hardships, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong. Amplified Bible So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]. Berean Annotated Bible That is why, for the sake of Christ (the Anointed One), I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Christian Standard Bible So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Holman Christian Standard Bible So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. American Standard Version Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Contemporary English Version Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong. English Revised Version Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. GOD'S WORD® Translation Therefore, I accept weakness, mistreatment, hardship, persecution, and difficulties suffered for Christ. It's clear that when I'm weak, I'm strong. Good News Translation I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. International Standard Version That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for the Messiah's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong. NET Bible Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. New Heart English Bible Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Weymouth New Testament In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults, in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat 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. World English Bible Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor this reason I am well pleased in weaknesses, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses—for Christ; for whenever I may be weak, then I am powerful; Berean Literal Bible Therefore I am well pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions and difficulties—for Christ; for when I may be weak, then I am powerful. Young's Literal Translation wherefore I am well pleased in infirmities, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses -- for Christ; for whenever I am infirm, then I am powerful; Smith's Literal Translation Therefore am I contented in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities in expulsions, in extremities for Christ: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful. Catholic Public Domain Version Because of this, I am pleased in my infirmity: in reproaches, in difficulties, in persecutions, in distresses, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful. New American Bible Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. New Revised Standard Version Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ’s sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Because of this, I am pleased with suffering, with disgrace, with distress, with persecution, with imprisonment, which is for the person of The Messiah, for when I am weak, then I am strong. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor this reason, I take pleasure in infirmities, in outrages, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. Godbey New Testament Therefore I delight in infirmities, in insults, in difficulties, in persecutions, and in tight places, for Christ's sake: for when I am without strength, then I am dynamite. Haweis New Testament 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. Mace New Testament I take pleasure then in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am afflicted, then it is I have fortitude. Weymouth New Testament In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults, in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. Worrell New Testament Wherefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I powerful. Worsley New Testament And therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, and in straits for the sake of Christ: for when I am thus weak, then am I made strong. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Paul's Thorn and God's Grace…9But 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. 10That 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. 11I 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.… Cross References That is why, for the sake of Christ, Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, Acts 5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. I delight in weaknesses, James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. in insults, Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way. 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. in hardships, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. / He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, 2 Timothy 2:3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. in persecutions, Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. John 15:20 Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. in difficulties. Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 13:4 For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 1 Peter 4:13-14 But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Treasury of Scripture 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. I take. 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10,17 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; … 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. in infirmities. 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft… for Christ's. 2 Corinthians 4:5,11 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake… 2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. for when. 2 Corinthians 12:9 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. 2 Corinthians 13:4,9 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you… Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Jump to Previous Account Attacks Bearing Calamities Christ Christ's Content Cruel Damages Delight Difficulties Distress Distresses Fact Feeble Grievous Hardships Infirmities Insults Necessities Needs Persecutions Pleased Pleasure Powerful Reproaches Sake Straits Strong Troubles Unkind Weak Weaknesses WordsJump to Next Account Attacks Bearing Calamities Christ Christ's Content Cruel Damages Delight Difficulties Distress Distresses Fact Feeble Grievous Hardships Infirmities Insults Necessities Needs Persecutions Pleased Pleasure Powerful Reproaches Sake Straits Strong Troubles Unkind Weak Weaknesses Words2 Corinthians 12 1. For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,9. yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities; 11. blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting. 14. He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father; 20. although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there. That is why, for the sake of Christ, Paul accepts suffering because union with Christ governs his life and ministry. Christ’s glory, not personal comfort or reputation, becomes the measure of faithfulness. Like Paul’s confession that “to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21), every loss endured in obedience serves the Lord who redeemed him. Php 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ… I delight in weaknesses, Paul does not celebrate pain as good in itself, but receives human limitation as the setting in which Christ’s sufficient grace is displayed. Physical frailty, emotional burdens, and inadequate resources expose the limits of self-reliance and lead believers to depend on God’s power. Jas 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials… in insults, Reproach and slander were frequent weapons against Christ and His servants. Jesus was mocked before His crucifixion, and Paul was repeatedly maligned by opponents who questioned his authority and message. Bearing such contempt for Christ identifies believers with their rejected Lord. Luk 6:22-23 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude… in hardships, Paul’s ministry involved deprivation, exhausting labor, danger, hunger, sleeplessness, and other severe trials (2 Corinthians 11:23–27). Hardships do not prove God’s absence; they often become occasions for perseverance, tested character, and deeper confidence in His provision. 2Co 1:8-10 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers,… in persecutions, The early church faced hostility from religious leaders, local authorities, and hostile crowds. Paul himself had once persecuted Christians, yet later endured beatings, imprisonment, and threats because he proclaimed Jesus as Messiah and Lord. Persecution reveals the cost of discipleship and the reality of allegiance to Christ in a world opposed to Him. Mat 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted,… in difficulties. Pressures and distress surrounded Paul’s work, yet they could not defeat the gospel entrusted to him. God sustained His servant through circumstances beyond human strength, just as He sustained Israel in the wilderness by teaching them daily dependence on His provision. Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD… For when I am weak, then I am strong. Spiritual strength emerges when human strength is exhausted and Christ’s power is trusted. The cross displays the same divine pattern: what appeared to be weakness became God’s decisive victory over sin and death. Paul’s weakness therefore became a platform for the strength of the risen Christ. 2Co 13:4 For He was indeed crucified in weakness,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He shares his personal experiences and revelations to teach and encourage the believers. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, known for its challenges with immorality and division. Paul writes to them to provide guidance and correction. 3. Christ Central to Paul's message, Christ is the reason Paul can find strength in weakness. His life and sacrifice are the foundation of Paul's teachings. 4. Paul's Thorn in the Flesh Earlier in the chapter, Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," a metaphor for a persistent trial or affliction that keeps him humble and reliant on God's grace. 5. Persecutions and Hardships Paul lists various forms of suffering he endures for the sake of Christ, emphasizing that these trials are opportunities for God's power to be displayed. Teaching Points Embrace Weakness for Christ's SakeRecognize that our weaknesses are not hindrances but opportunities for Christ's power to be made perfect in us. Redefine Strength Understand that true strength is not self-sufficiency but reliance on God's grace and power. Find Joy in Trials Learn to find joy in the midst of trials, knowing that they serve a greater purpose in God's plan for our lives. Dependence on God Cultivate a lifestyle of dependence on God, especially during times of difficulty, to experience His strength and provision. Witness Through Suffering Use personal hardships as a testimony to others of God's sustaining power and grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 12:10?2. How does 2 Corinthians 12:10 encourage embracing weaknesses for Christ's sake today? 3. What does "when I am weak, then I am strong" mean practically? 4. How can Paul's attitude in 2 Corinthians 12:10 inspire our daily struggles? 5. What other Scriptures emphasize strength through weakness in Christ? 6. How can we apply "delight in weaknesses" to modern challenges and trials? 7. How does 2 Corinthians 12:10 define strength in weakness from a Christian perspective? 8. Why does Paul find contentment in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties? 9. How does 2 Corinthians 12:10 challenge modern views on strength and success? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12? What Does 2 Corinthians 12:10 Mean That is why– Paul links this sentence to the previous verses where he recounts his “thorn in the flesh” and the Lord’s reply, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). – His conclusion flows logically: since Christ’s power shines brightest in human frailty, everything that exposes that frailty becomes a stage for divine strength. Compare Romans 5:3-5, where sufferings produce perseverance, and James 1:2-4, which urges believers to “consider it pure joy” when trials come. for the sake of Christ – The motive is pivotal. Paul is not chasing pain for its own sake; he embraces it because it magnifies Christ. Philippians 1:20 echoes this, “Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” – When trials are received “for the sake of Christ,” they gain eternal value (Matthew 5:11-12). The focus shifts from personal comfort to Christ’s honor. I delight in weaknesses – “Weaknesses” covers every kind of human limitation—physical, emotional, or circumstantial—that reminds us of our dependence on the Lord (Isaiah 40:29). – Rather than resenting these limits, Paul “boasts” in them (2 Corinthians 11:30), trusting that God’s grace meets him there. in insults – Verbal attacks aimed at believers because of their allegiance to Christ (Luke 6:22). – 1 Peter 4:14 assures, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” The sting of ridicule is replaced by the sweetness of God’s approval. in hardships – These are pressing circumstances—financial strain, illness, deprivation (2 Corinthians 6:4-5). – Romans 8:18 reminds us that present sufferings are not worth comparing with future glory, enabling believers to find joy even in tight situations. in persecutions – Active hostility for following Jesus (John 15:20). – 2 Timothy 3:12 states that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. For Paul, this predictable opposition serves as proof of genuine discipleship and an opportunity to mirror Christ’s endurance (Acts 5:41). in difficulties – A broad term for all kinds of pressures or distresses (Philippians 4:12). – 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 highlights how such pressures “beyond our ability to endure” teach us to rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. For when I am weak – Admitting weakness is not defeat; it is the doorway to divine intervention (Psalm 73:26). – The believer’s transparency about need invites God’s all-sufficient grace. then I am strong – Strength here is Christ’s power operating through surrendered vessels (Philippians 4:13). – Hebrews 11:34 lists heroes who “from weakness were made strong,” illustrating that God’s might consistently flows through human inadequacy. summary Paul’s statement is a lived confession: every form of weakness or opposition becomes an avenue for Christ’s power to be displayed. Embracing trials for His sake transforms them from burdens into blessings, for the moment we acknowledge our lack, His strength takes center stage. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities.—The thoughts of the Apostle go back to the sufferings of which he had spoken fully in 2 Corinthians 11 and elsewhere. One new word is added, “reproaches” (better, insults), which elsewhere in the New Testament meets us only in Acts 27:10; Acts 27:21, in the sense of material damage. Here the reference is probably to the taunts and sneers to which we have traced allusions in 2Corinthians 1:17; 2Corinthians 3:1; 2Corinthians 7:8; 2Corinthians 8:2...Verse 10. - I take pleasure in; I am content to bear them cheerfully (2 Corinthians 7:4; Romans 5:3). Strong; rather, powerful, mighty. The resemblance to Philo ('Vit. Mos.,' Opp., 1:613, "Your weakness is might") is probably accidental (see 1 Corinthians 15:54; Colossians 3:4).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek That is why,διὸ (dio) Conjunction Strong's 1352: Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently. for the sake ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. of Christ, Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. I delight εὐδοκῶ (eudokō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2106: To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. weaknesses, ἀσθενείαις (astheneiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 769: From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. insults, ὕβρεσιν (hybresin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 5196: (a) insult, injury, outrage, (b) damage, loss. From huper; insolence, i.e. Insult, injury. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. hardships, ἀνάγκαις (anankais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 318: From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. persecutions, διωγμοῖς (diōgmois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 1375: Chase, pursuit; persecution. From dioko; persecution. [in] καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. difficulties. στενοχωρίαις (stenochōriais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 4730: A narrow space, great distress, anguish. From a compound of stenos and chora; narrowness of room, i.e. calamity. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. when ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. I am weak, ἀσθενῶ (asthenō) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble. then τότε (tote) Adverb Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. I am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. strong. δυνατός (dynatos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible. Additonal Resources 2 Corinthians 12:10 Blue Letter Bible2 Corinthians 12:10 Bible Gateway 2 Corinthians 12:10 Bible.com 2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV |
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