Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 13:9
In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church at the close of his letter, clarifying his stance before a forthcoming visit and defining the purpose of his apostolic authority.
The words — χαίρομεν (chairomen) translates literally as "we rejoice," while δυνατοί (dunatoi) means "strong."
The thread — The contrast between apostolic weakness and congregational strength appears in 1 Corinthians 4:10, the emphasis on earnest prayer for spiritual maturity runs through 1 Thessalonians 3:10, and the call to communal harmony follows in 2 Corinthians 13:11.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to find joy in their own limitations rather than demanding visible power, and it directs their focus toward praying for the spiritual maturity of others instead of asserting personal authority.
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
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
- 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
- 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.
- 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 Corinthians 12:5 I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
- 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed.
- Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
- Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.