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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />If it behooves <i>me</i> to boast, I will boast <i>in</i> the things of my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that reveal my weakness [the things by which I am made weak in the eyes of my opponents].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If I have to brag, I will brag about how weak I am. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If I must brag, I will brag about the things that show how weak I am.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast about things that show how weak I am. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show how weak I am. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern my infirmities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If boast I must, it shall be of things which display my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If it is necessary to boast, I will boast of the things of my weakness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />If it behooves <i>me</i> to boast, I will boast <i>in</i> the things of my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if to boast it behoveth me, of the things of my infirmity I will boast;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast things of my weakness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If it is necessary to glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weaknesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I must needs boast, I will boast of my sufferings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />If it is fitting to boast, I shall boast in my sufferings.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast in my infirmities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But if it behooves me to glory, I will glory in those things appertaining to my infirmities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />If I must glory, I will glory in the things which respect my infirmities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />If I must be compell'd to glory, I will glory on the account of my sufferings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If boast I must, it shall be of things which display my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />If I must glory, I will glory in the things that pertain to my weakness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />If I must boast, I will boast of the <i>things</i> which relate to my infirmity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=2163" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Paul's Suffering and Service</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">29</span>Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief? <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">I must</a> <a href="/greek/2744.htm" title="2744: kauchasthai (V-PNM/P) -- To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.">boast,</a> <a href="/greek/2744.htm" title="2744: kauchēsomai (V-FIM-1S) -- To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.">I will boast</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the things</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that show</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/769.htm" title="769: astheneias (N-GFS) -- From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.">weakness.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">31</span>The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a></span><br />But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Philippians 3:7-8</a></span><br />But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Galatians 6:14</a></span><br />But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-31</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-5</a></span><br />Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. / And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9-10</a></span><br />The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13-14</a></span><br />But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ / I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Hebrews 11:34</a></span><br />quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Isaiah 40:29-31</a></span><br />He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2</a></span><br />My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-8.htm">Psalm 44:8</a></span><br />In God we have boasted all day long, and Your name we will praise forever. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-4.htm">Psalm 105:4</a></span><br />Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern my infirmities.</p><p class="hdg">must.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">2 Corinthians 11:16-18</a></b></br> I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1,11</a></b></br> It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-27.htm">Proverbs 25:27</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> not good to eat much honey: so <i>for men</i> to search their own glory <i>is not</i> glory.</p><p class="hdg">I will.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm">2 Corinthians 12:5-10</a></b></br> Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Colossians 1:24</a></b></br> Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/15-25.htm">Behoveth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Concern</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Display</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Infirmities</a> <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Infirmity</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Needful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/hosea/5-1.htm">Pertains</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Show</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-43.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm">Behoveth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">Concern</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Display</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm">Infirmities</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">Infirmity</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Needful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Pertains</a> <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">of his equality with the chief apostles,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If I must boast</b><br>Paul addresses the issue of boasting, a common practice in the Greco-Roman world where personal achievements and credentials were often highlighted to gain respect and authority. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is countering the claims of false apostles who boasted of their own credentials and spiritual experiences. By using the conditional "if," Paul acknowledges the necessity of boasting only as a rhetorical strategy to make a point, not as a genuine desire to elevate himself.<p><b>I will boast of the things</b><br>Paul's approach to boasting is countercultural. Instead of boasting about his strengths or accomplishments, he chooses to focus on aspects that would typically be seen as weaknesses. This reflects a deep understanding of the Christian paradox where true strength is found in acknowledging one's limitations and dependence on God. This is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility and servanthood (<a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a>).<p><b>that show my weakness</b><br>Paul's emphasis on weakness is a recurring theme in his letters, particularly in 2 Corinthians. He highlights his sufferings, hardships, and inadequacies as a way to demonstrate the power of Christ working through him. This is a direct challenge to the worldly view of power and success. In <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a>, Paul further elaborates on this by stating that God's power is made perfect in weakness. This concept is rooted in the life of Jesus Christ, who, though possessing divine power, chose the path of humility and suffering, ultimately leading to the cross (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>). Paul's boasting in weakness serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, where human frailty becomes the canvas for divine strength.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his apostleship and contrasting his weaknesses with the false apostles' boasts of strength.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and false teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_apostles.htm">False Apostles</a></b><br>Individuals in Corinth who were challenging Paul's authority and boasting of their own credentials and strengths.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_paradox_of_weakness.htm">The Paradox of Weakness</a></b><br>In a world that values strength and self-sufficiency, Paul teaches that true strength comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God's power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>Paul exemplifies humility by boasting in his weaknesses, setting a model for Christian leaders to follow. True leadership is not about showcasing personal achievements but about pointing others to Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Recognizing our weaknesses leads us to depend more fully on God. This dependence is not a sign of failure but a pathway to experiencing God's grace and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/counter-cultural_values.htm">Counter-Cultural Values</a></b><br>The Christian life often runs counter to societal values. While society may encourage self-promotion, Christians are called to boast in their weaknesses, highlighting God's work in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/authenticity_in_faith.htm">Authenticity in Faith</a></b><br>Paul’s transparency about his weaknesses encourages believers to be authentic in their faith journey, fostering genuine community and support within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_paul's_2_cor_12_journey_unclear.htm">Why doesn't Paul clarify whether his experience in 2 Corinthians 12 was a physical or purely spiritual journey, and what evidence supports either view?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_paul_reconcile_boasting.htm">How can Paul’s admonition against boasting in 2 Corinthians 10:13–15 be reconciled with similar exhortations in other epistles where he appears to boast about his hardships?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_early_super-apostles.htm">Who were the super-apostles in early Christianity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_details_on_paul's_'inexpressible'.htm">If Paul heard 'inexpressible things' (2 Corinthians 12:4), why does he offer no verifiable details, and should this cast doubt on his account?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) <span class= "bld">If I must needs glory . . .</span>--The words form a transition to the narratives that follow. The question, "Who is weak and I am not weak?" has suggested <span class= "ital">the</span> thought of the weakness and infirmity of various kinds with which his enemies reproached him. He will glory--here also with a touch of grave irony--in these and will leave his rivals to find what ground for boasting they can in what they call their strength. He is confident that his weak points are stronger than their strong ones.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 30.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If I must needs</span>. If boasting is forced on me as a moral necessity (<span class="greek">δεῖ</span>). <span class="cmt_word">The things which concern mine infirmities.</span> After all, St. Paul cannot keep up even for a few verses anything which can be regarded as "boasting after the flesh" (ver. 18). Practically his boasting has been only of those afflictions which to others might sound like a record of disgraces, but which left on him the marks of the Lord Jesus. His hairbreadth escapes were to him, as Bossuet said of the wounds of the Prince of Conde, "marks of the protection of Heaven." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="grk">Εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(Ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I must</span><br /><span class="grk">δεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(dei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> </span><span class="str2">Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">boast,</span><br /><span class="grk">καυχᾶσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(kauchasthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2744.htm">Strong's 2744: </a> </span><span class="str2">To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will boast</span><br /><span class="grk">καυχήσομαι</span> <span class="translit">(kauchēsomai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2744.htm">Strong's 2744: </a> </span><span class="str2">To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[of] the things</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰ</span> <span class="translit">(ta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that show]</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weakness.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενείας</span> <span class="translit">(astheneias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_769.htm">Strong's 769: </a> </span><span class="str2">From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast I will boast (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:31" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>