II Corinthians 13:9
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In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
are glad--Greek, "rejoice." when we are weak--having no occasion for displaying our power; and so seeming "weak," as being compassed with "infirmities" (Co2 10:10; Co2 11:29-30). ye . . . strong--"mighty" in faith and the fruits of the Spirit. and--not in the oldest manuscripts. we wish--Greek, "pray for." your perfection--literally, "perfect restoration"; literally, that of a dislocated limb. Compare Co2 13:11, "Be perfect," the same Greek word; also in Co1 1:10, "perfectly joined together"; Eph 4:12, "the perfecting of the saints."
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle threatens to be severe against obstinate sinners, and assigns the reason thereof (Co2 13:1-6); then he makes a suitable prayer to God on the behalf of the Corinthians, with the reasons inducing him thereto (Co2 13:7-10), and concludes his epistle with a valediction and a benediction (Co2 13:11-14).
Open source ↗13:9 become mature: This Greek word sometimes carries the idea of repair or completion, of restoring something to its proper condition, as in a return to good health (a related word is used in 13:11, “grow to maturity”; Mark 1:19, “repairing”; 1 Thes 3:10, “fill”; Heb 13:21, “equip”; 1 Pet 5:10, “restore”).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking from your faith.
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.