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2 Corinthians 12 · a question people ask

"For when I am weak, then am I strong." (12:10). How can both be true?

In the text

The chapter gives its own words for it. After "He has said to me" (12:9), it quotes the words "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (12:9), and it goes on, "Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me." (12:9). Then: "Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong." (12:10). These notes say no more of how than these verses do, and apply them to no one's own weakness, illness or prayers.

The verses

“He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12: When I am weak

2 Corinthians 12 will boast on behalf of a man in Christ, but on its own behalf, "I will not boast, except in my weaknesses." (12:5). And it says, "For when I am weak, then am I strong." (12:10).

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions