King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 13:9 Mean?

2 Corinthians 13:9 in the King James Version says “For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. perfection: or, refor...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. perfection: or, reformation, or, restoration”

2 Corinthians 13:9 · KJV

Context

7

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

8

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

9

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. perfection: or, reformation, or, restoration

10

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

11

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Read 2 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong—Paul rejoices in role reversal: his weakness (asthenōmen, ἀσθενῶμεν, "we are weak") alongside their strength (dynatoi, δυνατοί, "you are strong"). If they're spiritually strong, Paul appears weak (no discipline needed), but that's precisely his desire. This inverts worldly power dynamics: the apostle's joy comes from congregation's strength, not from exercising authority over them.

And this also we wish, even your perfection—The Greek katartisis (κατάρτισις, "perfection/restoration/completion") appears only here in the NT. It means "mending, restoring to proper condition" (used of mending nets in Matt 4:21), pointing to sanctification—becoming what God intends. Paul's ultimate goal is their katartisis, not his vindication. This echoes Ephesians 4:12 where leaders exist "for the perfecting (katartismon) of the saints."

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient patronage systems created dependency—benefactors maintained power by keeping clients subordinate. Paul's model radically differs: true apostolic success is measured by believers' maturity and independence in Christ, not by maintaining hierarchical control. Paul aims to work himself out of a job, producing mature saints who need less intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's rejoicing in his own 'weakness' and their 'strength' challenge modern leadership models?
  2. What does 'perfection' (katartisis—restoration/completion) look like in Christian sanctification?
  3. How do we measure pastoral success: by leader's authority being exercised, or by congregation's maturity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
χαίρομεν1 of 16

“are glad”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

γὰρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

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

ὅταν3 of 16

“when”

G3752

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

ἡμεῖς4 of 16

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀσθενῶμεν5 of 16

“we are weak”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

ὑμεῖς6 of 16

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δὲ7 of 16

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

δυνατοὶ8 of 16

“strong”

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

ἦτε·9 of 16

“are”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

τοῦτο10 of 16

“this”

G5124

that thing

δὲ11 of 16

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ12 of 16

“also”

G2532

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

εὐχόμεθα13 of 16

“we wish”

G2172

to wish; by implication, to pray to god

τὴν14 of 16
G3588

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

ὑμῶν15 of 16

“even your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

κατάρτισιν16 of 16

“perfection”

G2676

thorough equipment (subjectively)

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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:111 Corinthians 4:101 Thessalonians 3:101 Peter 5:102 Corinthians 12:5-102 Corinthians 13:7-8

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