“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.”
My Notes
What Does 2 Corinthians 13:9 Mean?
Paul makes a paradoxical declaration: "we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong." His joy comes from their strength, even when that strength is demonstrated at his expense—even when their growth means he looks diminished. The apostle's goal isn't his own prominence. It's their maturity. If they outgrow their need for him, he's glad.
The word "perfection" (katartisis) means complete restoration, thorough adjustment, full mending. Paul's deepest wish for the Corinthians isn't their obedience to him or their loyalty to his ministry. It's their wholeness. He wants them mended—put together, fully functional, restored to what God designed them to be. The wish transcends the relational tension between Paul and Corinth.
The gladness-in-weakness principle reveals the deepest motive of genuine spiritual leadership: the leader's joy isn't in their own strength but in their people's. The true shepherd celebrates when the sheep can feed themselves. The genuine parent rejoices when the child outgrows dependence. Paul is glad to be weak if it means they are strong.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Can you genuinely celebrate when the people you serve outgrow their need for you?
- 2.Is your leadership producing dependence or wholeness? Which one secretly feels better to your ego?
- 3.What would 'perfection' or full restoration look like for the people you lead or mentor?
- 4.Paul was glad to be weak if they were strong. Are you glad for others' strength, or does it threaten you?
Devotional
"We are glad when we are weak and ye are strong." Paul's gladness isn't in his own success. It's in theirs. Even if their strength comes at the cost of his appearing weak. Even if their growth makes him look unnecessary. The genuine spiritual leader celebrates being outgrown.
The word Paul uses for what he wishes them—"perfection" or "restoration"—means complete mending. Not partial improvement. Full restoration. He wants them whole—not dependent on him, not cycling through the same problems, not needing another correction letter. Fully mended. Fully functional. Complete.
This is the test of genuine spiritual leadership: can you celebrate being made unnecessary? Can you rejoice when the people you've served grow strong enough to not need you? Can you be glad in your own weakness if it means their strength? False leaders need their followers to stay dependent. Genuine leaders work toward making their followers independent.
If you lead anyone—as a parent, a mentor, a pastor, a friend—this verse defines your goal. Not their loyalty to you. Not their dependence on you. Their perfection. Their wholeness. Their strength. Even if your role in their life diminishes as they grow. Paul wished for their perfection above everything—above his reputation, above their relationship, above his own comfort. What do you wish for the people you lead?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
For we are glad when we are weak,.... Appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority; the…
For we are glad when we are weak ... - We rejoice in your welfare, and are willing to submit to self-denial and to…
For we are glad, when we are weak - It will give me indescribable pleasure that I should still appear to be poor,…
Here we have,
I. The apostle's prayer to God on the behalf of the Corinthians, that they might do no evil, Co2 13:7.…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture