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.
What does 2 Corinthians 12:9 mean?
The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 12:5-9 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:9
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. And he said unto me - The Saviour replied. In what way this was done, or whether it was done at the time when the prayer was offered, Paul does not inform us. It is possible, as Macknight supposes, that Christ appeared to him again and spoke to him in an audible manner. Grotius supposes that this was done by the Bath-qowl - "daughter of the voice," so frequently referred to by the Jewish writers, and which they suppose to be referred to in 1 Kings 19:12 , by the phrase, "a still small voice.
Context in 2 Corinthians 12
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2 Corinthians 12 belongs to the late 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
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Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.
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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 peace with God, peace in the heart, peace in community, and the biblical difference between true peace and false reassurance.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.