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2 Corinthians 12:9

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— 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.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for [my] power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for [my] power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— And he said to 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.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— And he said to me, My grace suffices thee; for [my] power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may dwell upon me.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— And at once he said unto me—Sufficient for thee, is my favour, for, my power, in weakness, is made complete. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may spread a tent over me.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— and He said to me, 'Sufficient for thee is My grace, for My power in infirmity is perfected;' most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may rest on me:
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— And he said vnto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect through weakenesse. Very gladly therefore will I reioyce rather in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— And he said vnto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weaknes. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest vpon me.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— And he said to me, My grace sufficeth thee; for my power in weakness is perfected. Gladly therefore will I boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Meshiha may overshadow me.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my power is perfected in weakness. Gladly, therefore, will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of the Messiah may rest upon me.

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
And 2532
{2532} Prime
καί
kai
{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
he said 2046
{2046} Prime
ἐρέω
ereo
{er-eh'-o}
Probably a fuller form of G4483; an alternate for G2036 in certain tenses; to utter, that is, speak or say.
z5758
<5758> Grammar
Tense - Perfect (See G5778)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 516
unto me, 3427
{3427} Prime
μοί
moi
{moy}
The simpler form of G1698; to me.
My 3450
{3450} Prime
μοῦ
mou
{moo}
The simpler from of G1700; of me.
grace 5485
{5485} Prime
χάρις
charis
{khar'-ece}
From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude).
is sufficient 714
{0714} Prime
ἀρκέω
arkeo
{ar-keh'-o}
Apparently a primary verb (but probably akin to G0142 through the idea of raising a barrier); properly to ward off, that is, (by implication) to avail (figuratively be satisfactory).
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
for thee: 4671
{4671} Prime
σοί
soi
{soy}
Dative case of G4771; to thee.
for 1063
{1063} Prime
γάρ
gar
{gar}
A primary particle; properly assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles).
my 3450
{3450} Prime
μοῦ
mou
{moo}
The simpler from of G1700; of me.
strength 1411
{1411} Prime
δύναμις
dunamis
{doo'-nam-is}
From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself).
is made perfect 5048
{5048} Prime
τελειόω
teleioo
{tel-i-o'-o}
From G5046; to complete, that is, (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character).
z5743
<5743> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Passive (See G5786)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 271
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
weakness. y769
[0769] Standard
ἀσθένεια
astheneia
{as-then'-i-ah}
From G0772; feebleness (of body or mind); by implication malady; moral frailty.
Most gladly y2236
[2236] Standard
ἥδιστα
hedista
{hay'-dis-tah}
Neuter plural of the superlative of the same as G2234; with great pleasure.
x769
(0769) Complement
ἀσθένεια
astheneia
{as-then'-i-ah}
From G0772; feebleness (of body or mind); by implication malady; moral frailty.
therefore 3767
{3767} Prime
οὖν
oun
{oon}
Apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjugationally) accordingly.
will I y2744
[2744] Standard
καυχάομαι
kauchaomai
{kow-khah'-om-ahee}
From some (obsolete) base akin to that of αὐχέω [[aucheo]] (to boast) and G2172; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense).
z0
<0000> Grammar
The original word in the Greek or Hebrew is translated by more than one word in the English. The English translation is separated by one or more other words from the original.
rather 3123
{3123} Prime
μᾶλλον
mallon
{mal'-lon}
Neuter of the comparative of the same as G3122; (adverb) more (in a greater degree) or rather.
glory 2744
{2744} Prime
καυχάομαι
kauchaomai
{kow-khah'-om-ahee}
From some (obsolete) base akin to that of αὐχέω [[aucheo]] (to boast) and G2172; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense).
z5695
<5695> Grammar
Tense - Future (See G5776)
Voice - Middle Deponent (See G5788)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 271
in 1722
{1722} Prime
ἐν
en
{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); 'in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
my 3450
{3450} Prime
μοῦ
mou
{moo}
The simpler from of G1700; of me.
infirmities, 769
{0769} Prime
ἀσθένεια
astheneia
{as-then'-i-ah}
From G0772; feebleness (of body or mind); by implication malady; moral frailty.
that 2443
{2443} Prime
ἵνα
hina
{hin'-ah}
Probably from the same as the former part of G1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare G3588); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result).
the x3588
(3588) Complement

ho
{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
power 1411
{1411} Prime
δύναμις
dunamis
{doo'-nam-is}
From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself).
of Christ 5547
{5547} Prime
Χριστός
Christos
{khris-tos'}
From G5548; anointed, that is, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
may rest 1981
{1981} Prime
ἐπισκηνόω
episkenoo
{ep-ee-skay-no'-o}
From G1909 and G4637; to tent upon, that is, (figuratively) abide with.
z5661
<5661> Grammar
Tense - Aorist (See G5777)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Subjunctive (See G5792)
Count - 512
upon 1909
{1909} Prime
ἐπί
epi
{ep-ee'}
A primary preposition properly meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution [with the genitive case], that is, over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
me. 1691
{1691} Prime
ἐμέ
eme
{em-eh'}
A prolonged form of G3165; me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

2 Corinthians 12:9

_ _ said — literally, “He hath said,” implying that His answer is enough [Alford].

_ _ is sufficient — The trial must endure, but the grace shall also endure and never fail thee [Alford], (Deuteronomy 33:25). The Lord puts the words into Paul’s mouth, that following them up he might say, “O Lord, Thy grace is sufficient for me” [Bengel].

_ _ my strengthGreek, “power.”

_ _ is made perfect — has its most perfect manifestation.

_ _ in weakness — Do not ask for sensible strength, FOR My power is perfected in man’s “strengthlessness” (so the Greek). The “for” implies, thy “strengthlessness” (the same Greek as is translated “weakness”; and in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “infirmities”) is the very element in which My “power” (which moves coincident with “My grace”) exhibits itself more perfectly. So that Paul instead of desiring the infirmity to “depart,” “rather” henceforth “glories in infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest (Greek, ‘tabernacle upon,’ cover my infirmity all over as with a tabernacle; compare Greek, John 1:12) upon” him. This effect of Christ’s assurance on him appears, 2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 2:3, 1 Corinthians 2:4; compare 1 Peter 4:14. The “My” is omitted in some of the oldest manuscripts; the sense is the same, “power” (referring to God’s power) standing absolutely, in contrast to “weakness” (put absolutely, for man’s weakness). Paul often repeats the word “weakness” or “infirmity” (the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth chapters) as being Christ’s own word. The Lord has more need of our weakness than of our strength: our strength is often His rival; our weakness, His servant, drawing on His resources, and showing forth His glory. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity; man’s security is Satan’s opportunity. God’s way is not to take His children out of trial, but to give them strength to bear up against it (Psalms 88:7; John 17:15).

Matthew Henry's Commentary

See commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me — ln answer to my third request. My grace is sufficient for thee — How tender a repulse! We see there may be grace where there is the quickest sense of pain. My strength is more illustriously displayed by the weakness of the instrument. Therefore I will glory in my weaknesses rather than my revelations, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me — The Greek word properly means, may cover me all over like a tent. We ought most willingly to accept whatever tends to this end, however contrary to flesh and blood.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. (4) Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may (i) rest upon me.

(4) He concludes that he will only set his miseries against the vain braggings of the false apostles, and with this also excuses himself, because by their troublesome braggings he was forced to speak as much of those things as he did. That is, because if his apostleship were subverted, his doctrine would necessarily fall.

(i) That I might feel the power of Christ more and more: for the weaker that our tabernacles are, the more does Christ's power appear in them.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
My grace:

2 Corinthians 12:10 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.
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God; ... Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Exodus 3:11-12 And Moses said unto God, Who [am] I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? ... And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
Exodus 4:10-15 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. ... And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
Deuteronomy 33:25-27 Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be]. ... The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them].
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Jeremiah 1:6-9 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child. ... Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Matthew 10:19-20 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. ... For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Colossians 1:28-29 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: ... Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

for:

Psalms 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. ... Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.
Isaiah 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. ... But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 41:13-16 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. ... Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Daniel 10:16-19 And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. ... And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Most:

2 Corinthians 12:10 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.
2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. ... Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

glory:

2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

the power:

2 Kings 2:15 And when the sons of the prophets which [were] to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
Isaiah 4:5-6 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory [shall be] a defence. ... And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
1 Peter 4:13-14 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. ... If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Ex 3:11; 4:10. Dt 33:25. Jsh 1:9. 2K 2:15. Ps 8:2. Is 4:5; 11:2; 35:3; 40:29; 41:13; 43:2. Jr 1:6. Dn 10:16. Zp 3:17. Mt 5:11; 10:19; 28:18, 20. Lk 21:15. 1Co 10:13; 15:10. 2Co 3:5; 11:30; 12:5, 10, 15. Ep 3:16. Php 4:13. Col 1:11, 28. 1Ti 1:14. He 4:16; 11:34. 1P 4:13.

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