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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/2.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/1_corinthians/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I came to you in [a state of] weakness and fear and great trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />At first, I was weak and trembling with fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When I came to you, I was weak. I was afraid and very nervous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So when I came to you, I was weak and trembled all over with fear, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It was in weakness, fear, and great trembling that I came to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness and in fear and with much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When I was with you, I was weak and afraid and I shook. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And so far as I myself was concerned, I came to you in conscious feebleness and in fear and in deep anxiety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and I, in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling, was with you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and I, in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling, was with you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I, in weakness, and in fear, and in much tremor, was with you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and with much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And I was with you with much reverence for God and in trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And I was with you in much fear and in trembling.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And in weakness, and in fear, and in much timidity, was I among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in great agony:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And so far as I myself was concerned, I came to you in conscious feebleness and in fear and in deep anxiety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/2-3.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/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=290" 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/1_corinthians/2.htm">Paul's Message by the Spirit's Power</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2504.htm" title="2504: kagō (PPro-N1S) -- To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egenomēn (V-AIM-1S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">came</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/769.htm" title="769: astheneia (N-DFS) -- From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.">weakness</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5401.htm" title="5401: phobō (N-DMS) -- (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.">fear,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollō (Adj-DMS) -- Much, many; often. ">much</a> <a href="/greek/5156.htm" title="5156: tromō (N-DMS) -- A trembling, quaking, fear. From tremo; a trembling, i.e. Quaking with fear.">trembling.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,…<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="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9-10</a></span><br />One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10</a></span><br />For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">2 Corinthians 11:30</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="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="/2_corinthians/13-4.htm">2 Corinthians 13:4</a></span><br />For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19-20</a></span><br />Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, / for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:2</a></span><br />As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:7</a></span><br />For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7-8</a></span><br />For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. / So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10-12</a></span><br />“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15-16</a></span><br />“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” / “Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">1 Kings 19:3-4</a></span><br />And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, / while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6-8</a></span><br />“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/20-7.htm">Jeremiah 20:7-9</a></span><br />You have deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived. You have overcome me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. / For whenever I speak, I cry out; I proclaim violence and destruction. For the word of the LORD has become to me a reproach and derision all day long. / If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">1 Corinthians 4:10-13</a></b></br> We <i>are</i> fools for Christ's sake, but ye <i>are</i> wise in Christ; we <i>are</i> weak, but ye <i>are</i> strong; ye <i>are</i> honourable, but we <i>are</i> despised… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/17-1.htm">Acts 17:1,6-12</a></b></br> Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-18.htm">Acts 20:18,19</a></b></br> And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Anxiety</a> <a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Far</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/jonah/2-7.htm">Feebleness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/acts/16-29.htm">Trembling</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">Anxiety</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">Concerned</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-8.htm">Far</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Feebleness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">Trembling</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-43.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Paul declares that his preaching, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">though it bring not excellence of speech, or of human wisdom, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">yet consists in the power of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">and so far excels the wisdom of this world, that the natural man cannot understand it.</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/1_corinthians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I came to you in weakness</b><br>Paul's admission of weakness highlights his reliance on God's power rather than his own strength. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>). In the Greco-Roman world, orators were expected to display confidence and eloquence, yet Paul intentionally contrasts this cultural expectation by emphasizing his own frailty. This approach underscores the message that the gospel's power does not depend on human ability but on the Spirit's work.<p><b>and fear</b><br>Paul's fear can be understood in the context of the challenges he faced in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and idolatry (<a href="/acts/18.htm">Acts 18:1-17</a>). His fear may also reflect a reverent awe of the responsibility of preaching the gospel. This aligns with the biblical concept of the "fear of the Lord," which is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Paul's fear is not a lack of faith but a recognition of the gravity of his mission and the spiritual opposition he encountered.<p><b>and with much trembling</b><br>The phrase "much trembling" indicates Paul's deep sense of responsibility and the emotional weight of his mission. This trembling can be seen as a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil and dependence on God. It also connects to the broader biblical narrative where God's servants often experience trembling in the presence of divine revelation or mission (<a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7</a>, <a href="/habakkuk/3-16.htm">Habakkuk 3:16</a>). Paul's trembling serves as a reminder that the proclamation of the gospel is a serious and sacred task, requiring humility and reliance on God's power rather than human 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 the letter to the Corinthians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.<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 moral issues.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, this early Christian community struggled with issues of unity, spiritual gifts, and moral conduct.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/embracing_weakness.htm">Embracing Weakness</a></b><br>Paul’s admission of weakness serves as a reminder that God often works through our vulnerabilities. In a culture that values strength and self-sufficiency, Christians are called to rely on God’s power rather than their own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_trembling_in_ministry.htm">Fear and Trembling in Ministry</a></b><br>Paul’s approach to ministry with fear and trembling highlights the seriousness and reverence with which we should approach our service to God. It is a call to humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/authenticity_in_leadership.htm">Authenticity in Leadership</a></b><br>Paul’s transparency about his own struggles encourages leaders to be authentic and honest about their limitations. This authenticity can foster deeper connections and trust within the Christian community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_power_in_human_frailty.htm">God’s Power in Human Frailty</a></b><br>The acknowledgment of human frailty allows for the demonstration of God’s power. When we are weak, God’s strength is more evident, and His glory is magnified.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_manifold_grace_of_god.htm">What does 'weak in the faith' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_paul's_vision_be_verified_outside_luke.htm">Acts 18:9 – Can Paul’s claimed divine vision be independently verified, or does it rely solely on Luke’s narrative? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_2_cor_10_10_conflict_with_paul's_charisma.htm">In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul is described as unimpressive in person yet bold in letters; does this conflict with other biblical portrayals of him as a charismatic figure?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_believers_fear_despite_faith.htm">If 1 John 4:18 states 'perfect love drives out fear,' why do many believers still struggle with fear despite their faith?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">And I was with you.</span>--To show that the real force of his teaching lay in its subject-matter, and not in any power with which he may have proclaimed the gospel, the Apostle now dwells upon his own physical weakness. The "weakness and fear and trembling" of which St. Paul speaks here had in it probably a large element of that self-distrust which so noble and sensitive a nature would feel in the fulfilment of such an exalted mission as the preaching of the Cross. I cannot think, however, the allusion is only to that. There is, I believe, a reference also to what we may call a physical apprehension of danger. The bravest are not those who do not experience any sensation of fear, but rather those who keenly appreciate danger, who have an instinctive shrinking from it, and yet eventually by their moral might conquer this dread. There are traces of this element in St. Paul's character to be found in several places, as, for example, in <a href="/acts/18-9.htm" title="Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace:">Acts 18:9</a>, when the Lord encourages him when labouring at Corinth with the hopeful words, "Be not afraid;" again in <a href="/acts/23-11.htm" title="And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you bear witness also at Rome.">Acts 23:11</a>, when the terrible scene before Ananias had depressed him, the Lord is with him to strengthen him, "Be of good cheer, Paul;" and in <a href="/acts/27-24.htm" title="Saying, Fear not, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar: and, see, God has given you all them that sail with you.">Acts 27:24</a>, when the angel of the Lord appears to him amid the storm and shipwreck, "Fear not, Paul."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I was with you;</span> literally, <span class="accented">I became</span> or <span class="accented">proved myself, towards you</span>, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/16-10.htm">1 Corinthians 16:10</a>. <span class="cmt_word">In weakness</span>. St. Paul was physically weak and liable also to nervous weakness and depression (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7-12</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Galatians 4:13</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1, 10</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7, 10</a>). He shows an occasional self distrust rising from the consciousness of personal infirmities. This enhances our sense of his heroic courage and endurance. Doubtless this physical weakness and nervous depression were connected with his "stake in the flesh," which seems to have been an acute and distressing form of ophthalmia, accompanied with cerebral disturbance (see my 'Life of St. Paul,' 1:215-221). <span class="cmt_word">In fear, and in much trembling.</span> Probably the words are even literally true, though they are a common phrase (<a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">2 Corinthians 7:15</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12, 13</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5</a>). It must be remembered that in his first visit to Corinth St. Paul had gone through stormy and troubled days (<a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-12</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/2-3.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">I</span><br /><span class="grk">κἀγὼ</span> <span class="translit">(kagō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2504.htm">Strong's 2504: </a> </span><span class="str2">To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγενόμην</span> <span class="translit">(egenomēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weakness</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενείᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(astheneia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative 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 /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">fear,</span><br /><span class="grk">φόβῳ</span> <span class="translit">(phobō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5401.htm">Strong's 5401: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">much</span><br /><span class="grk">πολλῷ</span> <span class="translit">(pollō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many; often. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">trembling.</span><br /><span class="grk">τρόμῳ</span> <span class="translit">(tromō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5156.htm">Strong's 5156: </a> </span><span class="str2">A trembling, quaking, fear. From tremo; a 'trembling', i.e. Quaking with fear.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:3 I was with you in weakness (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 2:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 2:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 2:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 2:4" /></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>