Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 12:10
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 Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers to conclude his defense of apostolic ministry after recounting his vision and the Lord's response to his prayer. He delivers this statement immediately following the recorded promise that divine grace suffices and power operates through limitation.
The words — εὐδοκῶ (eudokō) literally means "I take pleasure," and ἀσθενείαις (astheneiais) translates to "weaknesses." The text explicitly lists these hardships as the deliberate objects of Paul's chosen delight, establishing a conscious posture rather than mere endurance.
The thread — The pattern of strength emerging through limitation and rejoicing in hardship runs through 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 6:10, and Romans 5:3. These passages collectively trace a consistent biblical sequence where divine power is displayed through human insufficiency rather than human self-reliance.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to stop treating personal limitations as obstacles to be removed and instead accept them as the designated space for Christ's power. It demands a practical reorientation: counting hardship not as evidence of abandonment but as the condition under which strength is actually sustained.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 But 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.
- Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
- Romans 5:3 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
- 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.
- James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
- 1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials
- 2 Corinthians 6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
- Luke 6:22 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.
- 2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
- John 15:21 But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me.