King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 2:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 2:3 in the King James Version says “And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.”

1 Corinthians 2:3 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

1

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: enticing: or, persuasible

5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. stand: Gr. be

Read 1 Corinthians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. Paul confesses three states: astheneia (ἀσθένεια, "weakness")—possibly physical infirmity or deliberate restraint from rhetorical power; phobos (φόβος, "fear")—not cowardice but sober awareness of gospel stakes; and tromos (τρόμος, "trembling")—visceral anxiety about faithful witness. This self-portrait contradicts triumphalistic Christian ministry models.

Acts 18:9-10 records Christ encouraging Paul in Corinth: "Do not be afraid... for I have many people in this city." Paul's fear wasn't lack of faith but recognition of human inadequacy for divine commission. His trembling authenticates 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "When I am weak, then I am strong." Paradoxically, Paul's manifest weakness became the medium for Spirit-power (v. 4), demonstrating that gospel effectiveness depends on God's work, not human confidence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul arrived in Corinth after hostile receptions in Philippi (beaten, jailed), Thessalonica (mob violence), Berea (pursued by agitators), and Athens (mocked by philosophers). This succession of trials would shake any preacher. Additionally, Corinth's reputation for immorality and its status as Roman administrative center added pressure. Paul's vulnerability here contrasts sharply with the Corinthian Christians' later boasting in spiritual superiority (4:8-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's admission of fear and weakness challenge contemporary expectations of confident, charismatic Christian leadership?
  2. When have you experienced God's power made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)?
  3. Why might human strength and self-confidence actually hinder gospel effectiveness rather than enhance it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγὼ2 of 14

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἐν3 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀσθενείᾳ4 of 14

“weakness”

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

καὶ5 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν6 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

φόβῳ7 of 14

“fear”

G5401

alarm or fright

καὶ8 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν9 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τρόμῳ10 of 14

“trembling”

G5156

a "trembling", i.e., quaking with fear

πολλῷ11 of 14

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐγενόμην12 of 14

“was”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

πρὸς13 of 14

“with”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς14 of 14

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 2:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:41 Corinthians 4:10-132 Corinthians 12:5-102 Corinthians 13:9Galatians 4:13-142 Corinthians 4:16

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 2 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes