2 Corinthians 13 9

2 Corinthians 13:9 kjv

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

2 Corinthians 13:9 nkjv

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.

2 Corinthians 13:9 niv

We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.

2 Corinthians 13:9 esv

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.

2 Corinthians 13:9 nlt

We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.

2 Corinthians 13 verses

2 Corinthians 13 9 Meaning

This verse expresses a desire for the Corinthians to grow stronger in Christ, not for the purpose of Paul and his companions exercising authority, but so that those in Corinth might be strengthened in their faith and witness, allowing the apostles to be truthful in their ministry among them. The aim is constructive growth and sound community, not punitive judgment.

2 Corinthians 13 9 Context

Second Corinthians 13 is the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church. This chapter functions as a concluding exhortation and warning. Paul had faced significant opposition and criticism in Corinth from false apostles. He has demonstrated his apostolic authority throughout the letter, recounting his sufferings and acknowledging his weaknesses which highlight God's power. In this concluding section, Paul directly addresses his intent to visit Corinth a third time and states that this visit will be characterized by either tenderness or severity, depending on their response to his letter and his apostolic ministry. This specific verse, 13:9, reveals Paul's deeper pastoral desire for their spiritual growth and stability, prioritizing their edification over any punitive exercise of his authority. He wants them to be strong and mature, a state which would confirm his ministry's success and God's work among them.

2 Corinthians 13 9 Word Analysis

• εὐχόμενος (euchomenos): "praying" or "making a wish." It signifies a sincere and earnest desire or petition. It is the present passive participle of euchomai, a verb expressing deep yearning or petition, often used for serious prayer.
• ὑμῖν (hymin): "for you" (plural). This refers directly to the believers in the Corinthian church.
• οὐν (oun): "therefore" or "then." It indicates a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding context, likely from his discussions on his apostolic authority and power.
• μὴ (mē): "not." A particle of negation, specifically indicating prohibition or negation of a wish/purpose.
• ἐπὶ (epi): "for" or "unto" or "in order to." It marks the purpose or goal for which something is done. Here, it connects the desire to their strengthening.
• τὸ (to): "the." A definite article.
• ἐπιζητεῖν (epizētein): "to seek after," "to desire," "to long for." It implies a conscious effort to find or achieve something. It suggests looking for the welfare or maturity of the others.
• τὸ (to): "the."
• ὑμᾶς (hymas): "you" (plural accusative). Referring to the Corinthians themselves.
• εἰς (eis): "unto," "into," "for." It denotes direction or purpose. Here, it specifies the result of their seeking.
• κατάρτισιν (katartisin): "completion," "perfection," "restoration," "strengthening." This is a crucial word for spiritual growth. It signifies making something complete, bringing it to its intended state, fitting it together, and preparing it for use. It relates to mending or fitting perfectly.
• ἀλλ’ (all'): "but." A strong adversative conjunction, contrasting his motive.
• ὑπὲρ (hyper): "for the sake of," "on behalf of." It clarifies whose benefit is paramount.
• τῆς (tēs): "the."
• ἐμῆς (emēs): "my" (feminine possessive pronoun, referring to Paul's).
• παραρσιος (pararsios): "strengthening" or "confirming." This word, appearing only here in the New Testament, is derived from the same root as katartisin. It reinforces the idea of strengthening or building up. It might imply a secondary or resultant strengthening, arising from the katartisin of the Corinthians. Some scholars suggest a potential textual variant, though this form conveys a relevant meaning.
• ἵνα (hina): "that," "so that." Introduces a purpose clause.
• ἀμήμητον (amēmiton): "unshakeable," "unfeigned," "genuine." This adjective suggests authenticity and sincerity in the pararsios. Paul desires to confirm them in a genuine and unwavering way.
• εὐεργετικὴν (euergetikēn): "beneficial," "useful," "good." An adjective indicating a positive and helpful outcome. It implies that his ministry is indeed doing good, and he wishes to confirm that good.

Grouped Analysis:

• "praying that you may not seek...for our strengthening": This phrase highlights the purpose of his prayer – not for his own vindication or power demonstration, but for their growth.
• "seek...your completion/strengthening": The primary goal is their perfection and stability in Christ.
• "for the sake of my strengthening": This contrasts the superficial view of his power with his genuine aim to confirm the work God had already begun in them, making it steadfast and authentic.
• "so that my confirming [which is] beneficial": This reiterates the beneficial nature of his confirmed ministry and the strengthened state of the Corinthians. The genuineness of his authority is tied to their spiritual welfare.

2 Corinthians 13 9 Bonus Section

The word katartisin carries significant theological weight, referring to the equipping and perfecting of believers. It speaks to the restoration and maturing of the church body so that it can fulfill its God-given purpose. The word pararsios here, possibly carrying a nuanced meaning of strengthening or confirming, ties directly back to Paul’s broader concern for the Corinthians’ spiritual stability in the face of divisive influences. His hope is for a confirming presence that leads to their strengthening, not for a punitive action that would bring them low. The underlying tension Paul addresses is the danger of authority being misused for subjugation rather than for genuine edification, a concern echoed throughout his ministry.

2 Corinthians 13 9 Commentary

Paul's plea in this verse reveals his humble yet authoritative pastoral heart. He is not seeking to assert dominance, but rather to foster genuine spiritual maturity in the Corinthians. His ultimate desire is that they would become strong and well-grounded in Christ, a state that would itself be a testament and validation of his apostolic work. He wants their faithfulness to be genuine (amēmiton) and beneficial (euergetikēn), serving the purpose of Christ's kingdom and not his personal ambition. This is the essence of Christ-centered leadership: building up others for their own good and for God's glory, finding confirmation in their flourishing.