STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS

Exegesis of II Corinthians 12:7-10

V7 “And lest I should be exalted above measure (huperairomai = to raise oneself over, above, superior to, become haughty, exalt self) through the abundance (huperbole = a throwing beyond others, supereminence, pre-eminently, exceeding, beyond, to surpass) of the revelations (apokalupsis = appearing, manifestation, reveal, revelation, disclose, disclosure, to take off the cover), there was given to me a thorn (skolops = a point, prickle, bodily annoyance, disability; from skelos = to parch, leanness, leg as lank) in the flesh (sarx = flesh, body, human nature with its physical frailties, carnality), the messenger (aggelos = to bring, tidings, a messenger, angel) of Satan (Satan = the devil; from Satan an opponent, adversary, accuser) to buffet (kolaphizo to rap with the fist,; from kalazo = to curtail, to chastise, punish, inflict) me, lest I should be exalted above measure (huperairomai = to raise oneself over, above, become haughty, superior to, exalt self).

V8 “For this thing I besought (parakaleo = to call, to call forth, to call near, invite, invoke, implore, beseech, call for, desire, entreat, to urge on) the Lord (kurios = supremacy, supreme in authority, controller, master, God) thrice (tris = three times) that it might depart (aphistemi = to remove, desist, depart, refrain, withdraw self, separate from) from me.”

V9 “And he said unto me, My grace (charis = graciousness, of manner or act, divine influence, benefit, favor, gift, liberality) is sufficient (arkeo = raising a barrier, ward off, to avail, be satisfactory, be content, be enough, suffice, be sufficient) for thee: for my strength (dunamis = miraculous power, a miracle itself, ability, be able, be possible, abundance, might, miracle, power, strength, mighty work)) is made perfect (teleioo = to complete, accomplish, consummate, finish, consecrate, fulfill, make perfect, finish, of full age, maturity) in weakness (astheneia = feebleness, malady, frailty, disease, infirmity, sick, sickness, weakness, impotent, without strength).  Most gladly (hedista = with great pleasure, very gladly,) therefore will I rather glory (kauchaomai = to boast, to vaunt, boast, glory, joy, rejoice, to wish, pray to God) in my infirmities (astheneia = same as weakness above), that the power (dunamis = force, miraculous power, ability, abundance, might, mighty work, strength) of Christ (Christos = anointed, Messiah, Jesus the Christ) may rest (episkenoo = to tent upon, encamp, to occupy, reside, symbol of protection and communion, dwell that is abide with or upon) upon me (epi = over, upon, above, about, towards; eme = I, me, myself).”

V10 “Therefore (dio = through which thing, consequently, for which cause, wherefore) I take pleasure (eudokeo = to think well of, approve, think good, be well pleased, be willing, have pleasure) in infirmities (astheneia = feebleness, malady, frailty, disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness, impotent, strength less), in reproaches (hubris = over bearing, insult, injury, harm, hurt, reproach), in necessities (anagke = constraint, distress, needs, needful; from agkale = ache), in persecutions (diogmos = persecution; from dioko = to flee, to pursue, persecute, ensue, follow after, suffer, to be pressed), in distresses (stenochoria = narrowness of room, calamity, anguish, distress, strait, obstacles standing close about) for Christ’s (Christos = anointed, Messiah, Jesus the Christ) sake (huper = for the sake of): for when I am weak (astheneo = to be feeble, diseased, impotent, sick, weak, strength less), then am I strong (dunatos = powerful, be of power, capable, possible, able, mighty, strong).”