2 Corinthians 11 30

2 Corinthians 11:30 kjv

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

2 Corinthians 11:30 nkjv

If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.

2 Corinthians 11:30 niv

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

2 Corinthians 11:30 esv

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

2 Corinthians 11:30 nlt

If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 30 Meaning

This verse encapsulates a profound paradox of Christian ministry and life, where weakness is not a hinderance but a channel for divine power. Paul, compelled to defend his apostleship against those who boast in worldly credentials, deliberately chooses to "boast" not in his strengths or achievements, but in his vulnerabilities, sufferings, and perceived failures. He reveals that his "infirmities"—his human limitations, persecutions, and physical weaknesses—are precisely what highlight God's sovereign strength working through him, contradicting worldly notions of power and effectiveness.

2 Corinthians 11 30 Context

This verse is situated within Paul's "fool's speech" (2 Cor 10-12), where he reluctantly defends his apostolic authority and ministry against "super-apostles" who were challenging him in Corinth. These rival teachers likely boasted in their eloquence, spiritual visions, Jewish heritage, or impressive outward appearances, implying Paul lacked these credentials. Paul, under duress, ironically engages in boasting, but with a radical twist. Rather than listing worldly accomplishments (as he could have, given his past), he inverts the standard of boasting, using it to highlight the exact opposite: his numerous sufferings, persecutions, weaknesses, and perceived failings (as enumerated in 2 Cor 11:23-29). His true point is not to boast at all, but to expose the emptiness of worldly boasting and redirect attention to where true power and glory reside—in God, made manifest through human weakness.

2 Corinthians 11 30 Word analysis

• If I must needs glory (εἰ καυχᾶσθαι δεῖ - ei kauchasthai dei):
  • εἰ (ei): "If." Introduces a condition or premise, highlighting the hypothetical and reluctant nature of Paul's boast. He is not eager to do this, but sees it as a necessity due to his opponents' behavior.
  • καυχᾶσθαι (kauchasthai): "To boast," "to glory," "to brag." This term usually carries negative connotations in biblical Greek, signifying prideful self-exaltation. Paul intentionally uses his opponents' chosen mode of argumentation against them. Its use here is deeply ironic, setting up a subversion of typical boasting.
  • δεῖ (dei): "It is necessary," "it is proper," "one must." Conveys a sense of obligation or compulsion, not enthusiasm. Paul feels forced into this display to protect the Corinthian believers and defend his God-given ministry.
• I will glory (καυχήσομαι - kauchēsomai):
  • "I will boast." This future indicative reinforces Paul's resolute intention, even though he dislikes the act. He signals he is about to present a stark contrast to typical boasting.
  • This verb echoes the preceding "καυχᾶσθαι," forming a literary link that emphasizes Paul's decision to play by their rules, but in his own, kingdom-reversing way.
• of the things which concern my infirmities (τῶν τῆς ἀσθενείας μου - tōn tēs astheneias mou):
  • τῶν (tōn): "Of the things." The genitive plural article sets up the specific domain of his boasting.
  • τῆς ἀσθενείας (tēs astheneias): "Of the weakness," "of the infirmity," "of the frailty." This is a crucial Greek term, denoting a state of lacking strength, physical sickness, moral feebleness, or human vulnerability. It covers Paul's entire experience of persecution, hardship, lack of eloquence, physical ailments, and general human limitations. It is the antithesis of worldly power, wisdom, and strength. This is the radical turning point of the verse, redefining what counts as "glory."
  • μου (mou): "My." The possessive pronoun roots these infirmities in Paul's personal experience as an apostle. These are not abstract concepts but tangible realities he endured for the gospel.

• "If I must needs glory, I will glory": This phrase establishes Paul's ironic posture. He's cornered into boasting but chooses to do so in a manner that dismantles the very premise of worldly boasting. It sets up the radical redefinition that follows.
• "I will glory of the things which concern my infirmities": This is the heart of Paul's counter-cultural message. Instead of listing accomplishments, he embraces his weaknesses as the true indicators of his authentic ministry and, more importantly, of God's power. His vulnerabilities reveal divine strength, not human deficiency.

2 Corinthians 11 30 Bonus section

This statement from Paul provides a deep theological insight into the nature of true spiritual power, directly challenging ancient Roman and Greek ideals of hero worship and self-sufficiency, which permeate worldly thought even today. Paul implies that God's ways are antithetical to human expectations, elevating the humble and empowering the weak. This perspective on weakness is not a call for intentional failure or self-depreciation, but rather a recognition of human limitation as a necessary prerequisite for experiencing and displaying God's boundless power. His "infirmities" become badges of authenticity, proving his reliance on God alone rather than personal abilities. This principle serves as a safeguard against pride, preventing ministers from taking credit for God's work, and reminds believers that their usefulness to God is not contingent upon their natural gifts, but upon their availability and openness to His Spirit, even in their brokenness.

2 Corinthians 11 30 Commentary

Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 11:30 is a powerful reversal of worldly values and a cornerstone of his theology of weakness. Forced into the undignified act of boasting by his opponents' challenge to his authority, he turns the very concept of "glorying" on its head. He rejects boasting in human strength, status, or achievement—the very things his rivals likely touted. Instead, he strategically chooses to boast in his "infirmities," a term encompassing not only physical ailments but also his profound experiences of suffering, persecution, deprivation, and every human limitation encountered in ministry. This seemingly illogical boast serves several purposes: it exposes the superficiality of his opponents' claims; it underscores that his true strength comes from God, not himself; and it offers a model for ministry and discipleship where God's power is most evident precisely when human strength is at its weakest point. It is a profound theological statement that true divine power is perfected and magnified through human vulnerability and reliance on God.