Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
What does 2 Corinthians 11:29 mean?
The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 11:28-29 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:29
- I sympathize with all. I feel where others feel, and their sorrows excite deep sympathetic emotions in my bosom. Like a tender and compassionate friend I am affected when I see others in circumstances of distress. The word "weak" here may refer to any lack of strength, any infirmity or feebleness arising either from body or mind. It may include all who were feeble by persecution or by disease; or it may refer to the weak in faith and doubtful about their duty (see 1 Corinthians 9:22 ), and to those who were burdened with mental sorrows. The idea is, that Paul had a deep sympathy in all who needed such sympathy from any cause.
Context in 2 Corinthians 11
Show chapter context
2 Corinthians 11 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as fool’s speech and weakness. Second Corinthians is Paul’s deepest letter on apostolic suffering, consolation, generosity, reconciliation, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of weakness, ministry, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.
Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.