2 Corinthians 13:9

9 So we rejoice whenever we are weak and you are strong; indeed, what we pray for is that you become perfect.

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 to God that you will do nothing wrong. We are not concerned with our appearing successful, but with your doing what is right, even if we appear to be failures.
8 For we cannot act against the truth, only for it.
9 So we rejoice whenever we are weak and you are strong; indeed, what we pray for is that you become perfect.
10 I write these things while away from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to use my authority to deal sharply with you, for the Lord gave it to me for building up and not for tearing down.
11 And now, brothers, shalom! Put yourselves in order, pay attention to my advice, be of one mind, live in shalom - and the God of love and shalom will be with you.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.