King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:5 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:5 in the King James Version says “Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.”

2 Corinthians 12:5 · KJV

Context

3

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

4

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. lawful: or, possible

5

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

Read 2 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. Paul finally drops pretense—"such an one" is himself—but immediately pivots from the vision to his astheneiais (ἀσθενείαις, "infirmities," "weaknesses"). The contrast is stark: he will boast about the man caught to paradise (because that glorifies God's sovereign grace), but regarding his present self, he boasts only in infirmities.

This isn't morbid self-deprecation but theological precision: the Damascus Road Paul who received blinding revelation is dead (Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ"). The resurrection-life Paul now living bears Christ's death in his body (4:10-11). Therefore boasting in present weakness—not past visions—displays gospel power: Christ's strength perfected in human frailty (v. 9).

The grammar matters: of such an one (genitive) versus of myself (genitive)—same construction, opposite content. Paul glories in what God did to him (passive rapture) but not in what he is (weak apostle), except as that weakness showcases divine power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthians, influenced by Greco-Roman rhetoric valuing strength, eloquence, and impressive credentials (1 Corinthians 1:22, 2:1-5), struggled with Paul's weakness theology. The "super-apostles" likely boasted in their spiritual experiences as proof of superiority. Paul's strategic boasting in weakness rather than the paradise vision inverts all worldly and religious values, establishing the cruciform shape of Christian ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul distinguish between glorying in the passive revelation ("such an one") versus his present active self ("mine infirmities")?
  2. How does boasting in weaknesses rather than spiritual experiences redefine what constitutes valid apostolic credentials?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christians boast in past spiritual highs while avoiding present weaknesses that would display Christ's power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὑπὲρ1 of 15

“Of”

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

τοῦ2 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοιούτου3 of 15

“such an one”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

καυχήσομαι4 of 15

“I will”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ὑπὲρ5 of 15

“Of”

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

δὲ6 of 15

“yet”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐμαυτοῦ7 of 15

“myself”

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

οὐ8 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

καυχήσομαι9 of 15

“I will”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

εἰ10 of 15
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ11 of 15
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν12 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

ταῖς13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενείαις14 of 15

“infirmities”

G769

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

μου15 of 15

“mine”

G3450

of me

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 12:5 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 12:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:32 Corinthians 11:302 Corinthians 12:9-10

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