Who is weak, and I am not weak?
In this phrase, Paul is expressing his deep empathy and solidarity with the believers in Corinth. The term "weak" can refer to physical, emotional, or spiritual frailty. Paul identifies with the weaknesses of others, reflecting the heart of a true shepherd who shares in the struggles of his flock. This echoes 1 Corinthians 9:22, where Paul states, "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak." His approach is reminiscent of Christ's own compassion and identification with humanity, as seen in Hebrews 4:15, where Jesus is described as a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. Paul's willingness to share in the weaknesses of others demonstrates the sacrificial love that is central to Christian ministry.

Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?
Here, Paul addresses the issue of sin within the community. The phrase "led into sin" suggests a stumbling or falling away from the path of righteousness, which was a concern in the early church. Paul’s reaction, "I do not burn with grief," indicates a profound emotional response to the spiritual failings of others. This burning grief can be seen as a righteous indignation and sorrow, similar to the zeal Jesus displayed when He cleansed the temple (John 2:17). Paul's grief over sin reflects the heart of God, who desires holiness among His people. This phrase also connects to Galatians 6:1, where believers are encouraged to restore those caught in sin with a spirit of gentleness, highlighting the importance of community accountability and restoration.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, expressing his deep empathy and concern for their spiritual well-being.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced many issues, including divisions and moral lapses.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, they were struggling with internal conflicts and external pressures, leading to spiritual weaknesses and sin.Empathy in Leadership
Paul exemplifies a leader who deeply empathizes with the struggles of his followers. As Christians, we are called to share in the burdens of others, demonstrating genuine care and concern.

Shared Suffering in the Body of Christ
The church is a community where the struggles of one affect all. We are to support each other, recognizing that spiritual battles are not fought alone.

Grief Over Sin
Paul’s grief over sin highlights the seriousness with which we should view sin in our lives and the lives of others. It calls us to a heart of repentance and intercession.

Strength in Weakness
Acknowledging our weaknesses allows us to rely on God's strength. Paul’s admission of shared weakness is a reminder that vulnerability can lead to spiritual growth and reliance on God.(29) Who is weak and I am not weak . . .?--The words obviously spring from a recollection of all that was involved in that "rush" of which he had just spoken. Did any come to him with his tale of body-sickness or soul-sickness, he, in his infinite sympathy, felt as if he shared in it. He claimed no exemption from their infirmities, was reminded by every such tale of his own liability to them. The words that follow have a still stronger significance. The word "offended" (better, made to stumble--i.e., led to fall by a temptation which the man has not resisted) suggests the thought of some grievous sin, as distinct from weakness; and the dominant sense of the word, as in Matthew 5:29-30; Matthew 18:8-9; Mark 9:42-43; Mark 9:45; Mark 9:47; 1Corinthians 8:13, is that of the sins to which men are led by the temptations of the senses. The other word--to "burn"--is even more startling in its suggestiveness. It had been used in 1Corinthians 7:9 of the "burning" of sensual passion, and it is scarcely open to a doubt that the associations thus connected with it mingle with its meaning here. Men came to the Apostle with their tales of shame, and told how they had been tempted and had fallen; and here, too, he, in that illimitable sympathy of his, seemed to have travelled with them on the downward road. He felt himself suffused, as it were, with the burning glow of their shame. He blushed with them and for them, as though the sin had been his own. Simply as a word, it should be added, it is equally applicable to any emotion of intense pain or fiery indignation, and it has been so taken by many interpreters. The view which has been given above seems, however, most in harmony with the Apostle's character. . . . Verse 29. - Who is weak, and I am not weak? See, by way of example, 1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 14:21. Instead of stiffly maintaining my own prejudices, I am always ready to make concessions to weak brethren. Who is offended, and I burn not! That is, "who is ever caused to stumble without my burning with indignation?" In other words, "Is not the intensity of my sympathy whenever any scandal occurs an addition to the trials of my life?"

Parallel Commentaries ...


Who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is weak,
ἀσθενεῖ (asthenei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I am not weak?
ἀσθενῶ (asthenō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.

Who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is led into sin,
σκανδαλίζεται (skandalizetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4624: From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure).

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

{do} not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

burn with grief?
πυροῦμαι (pyroumai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4448: From pur; to kindle, i.e. to be ignited, glow, be refined, or to be inflamed.


2 Corinthians 11:29 NIV
2 Corinthians 11:29 NLT
2 Corinthians 11:29 ESV
2 Corinthians 11:29 NASB
2 Corinthians 11:29 KJV

2 Corinthians 11:29 BibleApps.com
2 Corinthians 11:29 Biblia Paralela
2 Corinthians 11:29 Chinese Bible
2 Corinthians 11:29 French Bible
2 Corinthians 11:29 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:29 Who is weak and I am not (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)