King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:4 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:4 in the King James Version says “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we sha... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. in him: or, with him

2 Corinthians 13:4 · KJV


Context

2

I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again , I will not spare:

3

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. in him: or, with him

5

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates ?

6

But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For though he was crucified through weakness—Paul grounds his apostolic pattern in Christ's own paradox: apparent astheneia (ἀσθένεια, "weakness") at the cross concealed ultimate power. The phrase yet he liveth by the power of God (ek dynameōs theou, ἐκ δυνάμεως θεοῦ) reveals resurrection power emerging from cruciform weakness. This is the pattern of all Christian ministry.

For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him—Paul identifies with Christ's weakness, applying the crucifixion-resurrection pattern to apostolic ministry. The future tense we shall live (zēsomen, ζήσομεν) points both to coming resurrection and present manifestation of resurrection power toward you (eis hymas, εἰς ὑμᾶς)—when Paul arrives, they'll experience this power in discipline. The cross-resurrection dialectic defines all authentic ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman culture glorified military might and rhetorical power. The cross was Rome's ultimate symbol of shame and weakness—reserved for slaves and insurrectionists. Paul's theology of the cross radically inverted these values, claiming God's power operates precisely through apparent weakness, scandalizing both Jews (demanding signs) and Greeks (seeking wisdom) (1 Cor 1:22-25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's 'weakness' at the cross reveal God's power rather than contradict it?
  2. In what ways should Christian leaders today embrace 'weakness in him' rather than worldly displays of power?
  3. How does resurrection power manifest 'toward' others through our participation in Christ's weakness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

also

G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 26

For

G1063

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

εἴ3 of 26

though

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐσταυρώθη4 of 26

he was crucified

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

ἐκ5 of 26

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀσθενείας6 of 26

weakness

G769

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

ἀλλὰ7 of 26

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ζήσομεθα8 of 26

he liveth

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ9 of 26

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δυνάμεως10 of 26

the power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

θεοῦ11 of 26

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ12 of 26

also

G2532

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

γὰρ13 of 26

For

G1063

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

ἡμεῖς14 of 26

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀσθενοῦμεν15 of 26

are weak

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

ἐν16 of 26

in

G1722

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

αὐτῷ17 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀλλὰ18 of 26

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ζήσομεθα19 of 26

he liveth

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

σὺν20 of 26

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτῷ21 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκ22 of 26

by

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δυνάμεως23 of 26

the power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

θεοῦ24 of 26

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

εἰς25 of 26

toward

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑμᾶς26 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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