What does 2 Corinthians 11:30 mean?

Explanation

The verse from 2 Corinthians 11:30 comes from a section where the Apostle Paul is reluctantly boasting about his qualifications and the harsh realities he has faced in his service for Christ.

When he says "If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities," he means that if there is a reason for him to boast or take pride in anything, it will not be in his strengths or accomplishments, but rather in his weaknesses and struggles.

In essence, Paul is flipping the common understanding of glory and pride on its head.

Instead of boasting in his achievements or strength, he chooses to highlight his weaknesses, because it is in those infirmities that the power of Christ has been displayed in his life.

This creates a paradox: his weakness becomes the vessel through which God's strength is made visible.

Historical Context

This verse is from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, one of the books of the New Testament.

The epistle is believed to have been written approximately 55-57 A.D.

The letter reflects a time when Paul is defending his apostleship against some in the Corinthian church who were impressed by false apostles boasting of their credentials.

These "super-apostles" were likely questioning Paul's authority and boasting of their own strengths, which prompted Paul to provide a defense of his ministry but in a way that emphasizes not human strength, but divine power made perfect in weakness.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the idea of boasting in one's infirmities can be seen as a reflection of the Christian belief in God's grace being sufficient for believers (2 Corinthians 12:9).

This boasts is not in human achievements, but in how human weakness showcases divine strength.

In Christian theology, this perspective is meant to keep believers humble, reliant upon God, and aware of the source of their salvation and strength.

Other theological views may question this perspective, suggesting that it might encourage passivity or a lack of self-improvement.

However, the traditional Christian view would argue that this understanding actually invites active reliance on God and a journey toward sanctification that recognizes human limitations.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a reminder to individuals that they do not need to present an image of perfection or pretend to be strong when they are not.

It teaches humility and reliance on God.

It can provide comfort to those going through difficulties, reminding them that their struggles are not indicators of failure, but opportunities for God's power to shine through them.

Moreover, this principle can encourage authenticity and vulnerability within communities, as people are encouraged to share their weaknesses and find support and strength from one another and from their faith.

Cross-References

• [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/new-testament/2-corinthians/12/9/what-does-2-corinthians-12-9-mean): "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."

• 1 Corinthians 1:27-29: "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence."

• James 1:2-3: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek in this verse is "ἀσθένεια" (astheneia), generally translated as "infirmity" or "weakness".

It can refer to physical sickness, but also to a wider state of weakness or vulnerability.

In the context of Paul's letters, "ἀσθένεια" encapsulates not just physical ailment but also his human limitations and any source of hardship that makes him dependent on God's strength.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, boasting about one’s strengths and achievements was common and glorying in weakness would have been counter-cultural.

In comparison, many Eastern philosophies, like Buddhism, also emphasize the concept of embracing suffering, recognizing impermanence, and finding strength in what may seem as weakness or surrender.

In the Greco-Roman context, the boasting of accomplishments, lineage, and personal abilities was typical of leaders and teachers, making Paul's boast in weaknesses an unusual stance.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific or psychological perspective, acknowledging and discussing one's weaknesses rather than suppressing or denying them can lead to greater mental health and well-being.

It aligns with modern concepts of authenticity and vulnerability as elements of emotional intelligence and resilience.

This level of self-acceptance and the social support that can come from sharing struggles openly have been found to be beneficial for human psychological health.

Commentaries

Various commentaries emphasize the counter-intuitive nature of Paul's boasting in weakness.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, notes that Paul's intention is to show that the things that seemed to his detractors as disadvantages – his sufferings and challenges – were actually the means through which God's power was made most evident.

The Expositor's Greek Testament also remarks on the peculiarity of Paul's glorying in infirmities as opposed to achievements but recognizes this as central to Paul's understanding of Christian ministry – that the messenger is not to be glorified, but the one who gave the message, God himself, through the efficacy of his power in human weakness.