2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) with Greek, Strong’s Concordance, and Deeper Insight
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV):
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Greek Text with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
Καὶ (G2532) εἴρηκέν (G2046) μοι (G3427), Ἀρκεῖ (G714) σοι (G4671) ἡ (G3588) χάρις (G5485) μου (G3450)· ἡ (G3588) γὰρ (G1063) δύναμις (G1411) ἐν (G1722) ἀσθενείᾳ (G769) τελεῖται (G5048).
Ἥδιστα (G2236) οὖν (G3767) μᾶλλον (G3123) καυχήσομαι (G2744) ἐν (G1722) ταῖς (G3588) ἀσθενείαις (G769) μου (G3450), ἵνα (G2443) ἐπισκηνώσῃ (G1981) ἐπ’ (G1909) ἐμὲ (G1691) ἡ (G3588) δύναμις (G1411) τοῦ (G3588) Χριστοῦ (G5547).
Transliteration with Strong’s Concordance Numbers:
“Kai-G2532 eirēken-G2046 moi-G3427, Arkei-G714 soi-G4671 hē-G3588 charis-G5485 mou-G3450; hē-G3588 gar-G1063 dynamis-G1411 en-G1722 astheneia-G769 teleitai-G5048. Hēdista-G2236 oun-G3767 mallon-G3123 kauchēsomai-G2744 en-G1722 tais-G3588 astheneiais-G769 mou-G3450, hina-G2443 episkenōsē-G1981 ep’-G1909 eme-G1691 hē-G3588 dynamis-G1411 tou-G3588 Christou-G5547.”
Key Greek Words and Their Meanings:
- Ἀρκεῖ (Arkei – G714) → Is sufficient, is enough, fully satisfies
- χάρις (Charis – G5485) → Grace, favor, unmerited kindness
- δύναμις (Dynamis – G1411) → Power, strength, might, miraculous ability
- ἀσθενείᾳ (Astheneia – G769) → Weakness, frailty, lack of strength
- τελεῖται (Teleitai – G5048) → Is perfected, accomplished, brought to completion
- καυχήσομαι (Kauchēsomai – G2744) → I will boast, glory, rejoice
- ἐπισκηνώσῃ (Episkenōsē – G1981) → To dwell, rest upon, take residence
Deeper Insight & Meaning:
This verse is God’s response to Paul’s request to remove his affliction, teaching a profound lesson on grace, weakness, and divine power:
- “My grace is sufficient for thee” (Arkei soi hē charis mou)
- “Grace” (Charis) means God’s unmerited favor and sustaining power.
- “Sufficient” (Arkei) means completely enough, lacking nothing—God’s grace fully supplies what we need.
- Even in hardship, God’s grace is all we need to endure and overcome.
- “For my strength is made perfect in weakness” (Hē gar dynamis en astheneia teleitai)
- “Strength” (Dynamis) refers to God’s power and ability, not human effort.
- “Perfected” (Teleitai) means completed, fulfilled—God’s power is fully revealed when we are weak.
- Human weakness allows God’s power to shine even brighter.
- “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities” (Hēdista oun mallon kauchēsomai en tais astheneiais mou)
- Paul chooses to rejoice in his weaknesses because they allow God’s power to rest upon him.
- “Glory” (Kauchēsomai) means to boast, take joy in, or take pride in.
- This shifts the focus from personal strength to complete dependence on God.
Practical Application:
✅ Rely on God’s Grace – His grace is always enough, even when we feel weak.
✅ Embrace Weakness as a Strength – Our limitations allow God’s power to be fully revealed.
✅ Find Joy in Trials – Challenges draw us closer to God and deepen our dependence on Him.
✅ Trust That God’s Power Works Through You – Even when you feel inadequate, God’s strength is working in you.
Cross-Reference Verses:
📖 Philippians 4:13 (KJV): “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
📖 Isaiah 40:29 (KJV): “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
Conclusion:
2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches that God’s grace is always enough, and His power is fully displayed when we rely on Him in our weaknesses. Instead of feeling discouraged by hardships, we should rejoice in them, knowing that God’s strength is at work in us.
Lazarevic Ministries 