King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:10 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:10 in the King James Version says “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sak... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10 · KJV


Context

8

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9

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.

10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

11

I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles , though I be nothing.

12

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Paul lists five categories of suffering: astheneiais (ἀσθενείαις, "infirmities," physical weaknesses), hybresin (ὕβρεσιν, "reproaches," insults), anankais (ἀνάγκαις, "necessities," distresses), diōgmois (διωγμοῖς, "persecutions"), and stenochōriais (στενοχωρίαις, "distresses," constraints). The comprehensive catalog shows that all forms of suffering become occasions for experiencing Christ's power.

The phrase I take pleasure (eudokō, εὐδοκῶ) is remarkable—not resignation but active delight, the same word describing God's pleasure in Christ (Matthew 3:17, 17:5). Paul finds joy in suffering itself? No—joy in suffering for Christ's sake, because it becomes the arena where divine power operates. This isn't masochism but mature faith that sees suffering as Christ-union and power-display.

The concluding paradox: when I am weak, then am I strong (hotan gar asthenō tote dynatos eimi, ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ τότε δυνατός εἰμι). Not "after I'm weak, then I'm strong" (temporal sequence) but "when I am weak, then [at that very moment] I am strong" (simultaneous). Weakness doesn't give way to strength; weakness is strength when Christ's power rests upon it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote this from Macedonia bearing fresh scars from ministry hardships catalogued in 11:23-29. The Corinthians viewed suffering as divine disapproval; Paul reinterprets it as the context for experiencing resurrection power (4:7-12). This theology wasn't theoretical—Paul lived it through beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and now the ongoing thorn.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Paul "take pleasure" in suffering without promoting unhealthy masochism or denying that suffering is genuinely evil?
  2. What's the difference between suffering "for Christ's sake" versus general human suffering—does location determine meaning?
  3. How does the simultaneous "when weak, then strong" paradox challenge both prosperity theology (denying weakness) and victim theology (denying strength)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
διὸ1 of 20

Therefore

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

εὐδοκῶ2 of 20

I take pleasure

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

ἐν3 of 20

in

G1722

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

ἀσθενείαις4 of 20

infirmities

G769

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

ἐν5 of 20

in

G1722

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

ὕβρεσιν6 of 20

reproaches

G5196

insolence (as over-bearing), i.e., insult, injury

ἐν7 of 20

in

G1722

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

ἀνάγκαις8 of 20

necessities

G318

constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress

ἐν9 of 20

in

G1722

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

διωγμοῖς10 of 20

persecutions

G1375

persecution

ἐν11 of 20

in

G1722

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

στενοχωρίαις12 of 20

distresses

G4730

narrowness of room, i.e., (figuratively) calamity

ὑπὲρ13 of 20

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

Χριστοῦ·14 of 20

Christ's

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ὅταν15 of 20

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

γὰρ16 of 20

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀσθενῶ17 of 20

I am weak

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

τότε18 of 20

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

δυνατός19 of 20

I strong

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

εἰμι20 of 20

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 12:10 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 2 Corinthians 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study