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NASB | 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 but He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough--always available--regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness." Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. |
Bible Question:
Philippians 4:13 comes to mind. "I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me". This is another place where the manuscripts differ. It is a place where the capitalized "Who" or "the One who" would be voted for. The Greek has the definite article (Strong's 3588) and some manuscripts have the word "Christ" later in the verse. Whose power is perfected in weakness? |
Bible Answer: I think John Gill explained it best whose power is perfected: "for My strength is made perfect in weakness; by the "strength" of Christ is meant, not his strength as the mighty God, but that communicative strength which he has, and is in him as Mediator, and which saints look to him for, and receive from him; this is "made perfect in" their "weakness"; not that their weakness can add perfection to his strength, for his strength is perfect in itself, not to say anything of the contradiction such a sense carries in it; but the meaning is, that the strength of Christ is made to appear, is illustrated and shines forth in its perfection and glory, in supplying, supporting, and strengthening his people under all their weakness; and if they were not left to some weaknesses in themselves, his strength would not be so manifest" Robertson's Word Pictures explains: "Is perfected (teleitai). Present passive indicative of teleo, to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See note on Phi. 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ’s power and grace." the note on Phil 4:13 is: "In him that strengtheneth me (en toi endunamounti me). Late and rare verb (in lxx) from adjective endunamos (en, dunamis). Causative verb to empower, to pour power into one. See same phrase in 1Ti. 1:12 toi endunamosanti me (aorist tense here). Paul has such strength so long as Jesus keeps on putting power (dunamis) into him." |