Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. New Living Translation We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. English Standard Version For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. Berean Standard Bible In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection. Berean Literal Bible For we rejoice when we might be weak, but you might be strong. But this also we pray: for your perfection. King James Bible For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. New King James Version For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. New American Standard Bible For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak, but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you become mature. NASB 1995 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. NASB 1977 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. Legacy Standard Bible For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong. This we also pray for, that you be restored. Amplified Bible We are glad when we are weak [since God’s power comes freely through us], but you [by comparison] are strong. We also pray for this, that you be made complete [fully restored, growing and maturing in godly character and spirit—pleasing your heavenly Father by the life you live]. Christian Standard Bible We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you become fully mature. Holman Christian Standard Bible In fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you become fully mature. American Standard Version For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting. Contemporary English Version Even though we are weak, we are glad that you are strong, and we pray you will do even better. English Revised Version For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting. GOD'S WORD® Translation We're glad when we are weak and you are strong. We are also praying for your improvement. Good News Translation We are glad when we are weak but you are strong. And so we also pray that you will become perfect. International Standard Version We are glad when we are weak and you are strong. That is what we are praying for—your maturity. Majority Standard Bible In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection. NET Bible For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified. New Heart English Bible For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting. Webster's Bible Translation For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Weymouth New Testament and it is a joy to us when we are powerless, but you are strong. This we also pray for--the perfecting of your characters. World English Bible For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor we rejoice when we may be weak, but you may be powerful; and we also pray for this—your perfection! Berean Literal Bible For we rejoice when we might be weak, but you might be strong. But this also we pray: for your perfection. Young's Literal Translation for we rejoice when we may be infirm, and ye may be powerful; and this also we pray for -- your perfection! Smith's Literal Translation For we rejoice when we be weak, and ye be able: and this also we pray, your restoration. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor we rejoice that we are weak, and you are strong. This also we pray for, your perfection. Catholic Public Domain Version For we rejoice that we are weak, while you are strong. This is also what we pray for: your perfection. New American Bible For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. What we pray for is your improvement. New Revised Standard Version For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. This is what we pray for, that you may become perfect. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we pray for, that you may be perfected. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But we rejoice whenever we are weak and you are strong; for we pray for this also, that you may be perfected. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor we rejoice when we are weak, and you are strong. And we pray also for this?your perfection. Godbey New Testament For we rejoice when we may be weak, and you may be strong: we are praying for even this, your perfection. Haweis New Testament For we rejoice when we are weak, but ye are strong: and this also we pray for, even your perfect establishment. Mace New Testament I am therefore glad when I am disarm'd by the strength of your integrity: and this is what I pray for, even your perfection. Weymouth New Testament and it is a joy to us when we are powerless, but you are strong. This we also pray for--the perfecting of your characters. Worrell New Testament For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong; this also we pray for?your perfection. Worsley New Testament For we rejoice when we exert not our power, and when ye are strong: as this is what we wish, even your perfection. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Examine Yourselves…8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection. 10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.… Cross References Ephesians 4:12-13 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Philippians 1:25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith. Hebrews 13:21 equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. 2 Corinthians 12:19 Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up. Romans 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. 2 Timothy 3:17 so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. Philippians 3:15 All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well. Ephesians 3:16-19 I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, / so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, / will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth ... Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. 1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. Treasury of Scripture For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. when. 2 Corinthians 13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities… even. 2 Corinthians 13:7,11 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates… 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Jump to Previous Characters Complete Feeble Glad Improvement Infirm Joy Ourselves Perfecting Perfection Powerful Powerless Prayer Rejoice Strong Weak Whenever WishJump to Next Characters Complete Feeble Glad Improvement Infirm Joy Ourselves Perfecting Perfection Powerful Powerless Prayer Rejoice Strong Weak Whenever Wish2 Corinthians 13 1. Paul threatens severity, and the power of his apostleship, against obstinate sinners.5. And, advising them to a trial of their faith, 7. and to a reformation of their sins before his coming, 11. he concludes his epistle with a general exhortation and a prayer. In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong Paul expresses a paradoxical joy in his own weakness, which is a recurring theme in his letters (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). This reflects the Christian principle that God's power is made perfect in weakness. The apostle's willingness to appear weak contrasts with the worldly view of strength and power, emphasizing spiritual strength over physical or social power. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Paul's joy in the Corinthians' strength indicates his pastoral concern for their spiritual well-being and growth, which he prioritizes over his own status or comfort. and our prayer is for your perfection Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues. 3. The Corinthian Church The recipients of the letter, this early Christian community struggled with internal conflicts and needed guidance and correction from Paul. Teaching Points The Paradox of Strength in WeaknessPaul finds joy in his own weakness if it results in the spiritual strength of others. This reflects the Christian paradox where true strength is found in humility and dependence on God. The Importance of Restoration Paul's prayer for the Corinthians' restoration highlights the importance of spiritual growth and maturity. Restoration involves repentance, healing, and returning to a right relationship with God. Intercessory Prayer Paul's commitment to praying for the Corinthians underscores the power and necessity of intercessory prayer. Believers are called to pray for one another's spiritual well-being and growth. Selflessness in Leadership Paul exemplifies selfless leadership, prioritizing the spiritual welfare of others over his own comfort. Christian leaders are called to serve with humility and a focus on the growth of those they lead.(9) For we are glad, when we are weak . . .--The last words cover many shades of meaning. We may think of the weakness of his bodily presence, of his physical infirmities, of the apparent failure of his supernatural powers because the condition of the Corinthian Church, as walking in faith and truth, presented no opening for their exercise. He can find cause for joy in all these, if only the disciples whom he loves are strong with the strength of God. This also we wish, even your perfection. --Better, your restoration. This is the only passage in the New Testament in which the word occurs; but the corresponding verb is found in the "mending their nets" of Matthew 4:21, Mark 1:19, and in the "restore" of Galatians 6:1. Its proper meaning is to bring back to completeness. This, then, was what the Apostle had been aiming at all along. In his seeming harshness and self-assertion, as in his overflowing tenderness, he was looking forward to their restoration to their first love and their first purity. He would rather threaten than act, even at the cost of the threat appearing an empty vaunt, if only he might be spared the necessity for acting.Verse 9. - When we are weak, and ye are strong (comp. 1 Corinthians 4:8-10). Strong; "powerful (2 Corinthians 10:4). We wish; rather, we pray. Your perfection; rather, your perfect union; "the readjustment of your disordered elements." A similar word occurs in Ephesians 4:10, and the verb in ver. 11; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:10, etc. It is also used in the Gospels for "mending nets" (Mark 1:19, etc.).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek In fact,γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. we rejoice χαίρομεν (chairomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well. when ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. are weak ἀσθενῶμεν (asthenōmen) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble. but δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are ἦτε (ēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. strong, δυνατοὶ (dynatoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. our prayer is for εὐχόμεθα (euchometha) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2172: To pray, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to wish; by implication, to pray to God. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. perfection. κατάρτισιν (katartisin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2676: A perfecting, making fit. From katartizo; thorough equipment. Links 2 Corinthians 13:9 NIV2 Corinthians 13:9 NLT 2 Corinthians 13:9 ESV 2 Corinthians 13:9 NASB 2 Corinthians 13:9 KJV 2 Corinthians 13:9 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 13:9 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 13:9 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 13:9 French Bible 2 Corinthians 13:9 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:9 For we rejoice when we are weak (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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