2 Corinthians 12:9 Text
King James Version (KJV)
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.
World English Bible (WEB)
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.
What 2 Corinthians 12:9 Means
Paul reports what Christ said when he begged three times to have a painful 'thorn in the flesh' removed. The answer was no, with a reason: my grace is enough for you, because power is shown most fully in weakness. 'Grace' means God's undeserved favor and help, and 'sufficient' means it is adequate for whatever the situation requires. The KJV says 'my strength is made perfect', and the WEB says 'my power is made perfect', since the Greek word is about power. Paul's response is to boast gladly in his weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on him, like a tent over a person. The verse does not praise weakness as such, or say that suffering is always good. It says that God's strength can be most visible when we have none of our own to rely on.
Context of 2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul, an apostle, wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, probably in the mid-50s AD, during a tense time when rival teachers were boasting about their credentials and visions. Paul answers by pointing to his weaknesses instead. Just before this verse he describes a vision and a thorn in the flesh that kept him humble; we do not know what the thorn was. To read the whole book, see random verse from 2 Corinthians.
How to Apply 2 Corinthians 12:9
If you are facing a limit you cannot fix, such as illness, grief, or a failure, this verse invites you to stop pretending to be strong. It is fine to ask for relief, as Paul did. You can also ask for enough grace for today, and let others see you lean on it.
Related Verses
- Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- Isaiah 40:29 – He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
- Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
- 2 Corinthians 4:7 – But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Strength, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?
The Bible does not say. Suggestions have included an illness, poor eyesight, or opposition from people, but nobody knows. What matters in the passage is Christ's answer that his grace was enough for Paul.
What does 'my grace is sufficient for thee' mean?
It means Christ's undeserved help is enough to carry a person through their hardship, even when the hardship itself is not removed. Strength comes through dependence on him, not by getting rid of every weakness.
← 1 Corinthians 10:13Galatians 6:9 →
Want a different verse? Try the Bible verse randomizer or browse all popular Bible verses.