2 Corinthians 13:9

9 For we joy, when we be frail [when we be sick], but ye be mighty; and we pray this thing, your perfection.

2 Corinthians 13:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad when we are weak
Appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority; the apostles rejoiced when they had no occasion of exerting themselves, and of exercising that high office, and extraordinary commission they had received of Christ Jesus:

and ye are strong;
stand fast in the doctrine of faith, and are lively and active in the exercise of the grace of faith; are strong in Christ, and in his grace, and in the power of his might, to withstand every temptation of Satan, every corruption of their own hearts, and to perform every duty aright.

And this also we wish, even your perfection;
or restoration, or jointing in again; a metaphor taken from the setting of bones that are dislocated and out of joint; for the church at Corinth was like a disjointed body, and the apostle's wish was, that their animosities might cease, their divisions be healed, their disorders rectified, and each member be in its proper place, behaving as became the Gospel of Christ; see ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 ) .

2 Corinthians 13:9 In-Context

7 And we pray the Lord, that ye do nothing of evil; not that we seem approved [not that we seem proved], but that ye do that that is good, and that we be as reprovable.
8 For we be able to do nothing against truth, but for the truth. [Forsooth we may do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.]
9 For we joy, when we be frail [when we be sick], but ye be mighty; and we pray this thing, your perfection.
10 Therefore I absent write these things, that I present do not harder, by the power, which the Lord gave to me into edification, and not into your destruction [+after the power, which the Lord gave to me into edification, and not into destruction].
11 Brethren, henceforward joy ye, be ye perfect, excite ye [be ye perfect, and teach ye]; understand ye the same thing; have ye peace, and God of peace and of love shall be with you [and God of peace and love shall be with you].
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.