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.
Study Note
Study Note
'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.' This paradoxical conclusion follows the revelation of Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' and the divine response 'my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness' (12:9). The inversion of the conventional Greco-Roman honor system — strength through weakness rather than despite it — is Paul's most radical challenge to his culture's values. It has shaped Christian spirituality from the Desert Fathers through mysticism to modern theologies of the cross as the pattern of genuine power.
Other Translations
Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
wherefore I am well pleased in infirmities, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses--for Christ; for whenever I am infirm, then I am powerful;
So I take pleasure in being feeble, in unkind words, in needs, in cruel attacks, in troubles, on account of Christ: for when I am feeble, then am I strong.
Cross References
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God …
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be …
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with …
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye …
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach …
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his …
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ …
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your …