Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:5KJV
Know the Bible

2 Corinthians 12:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:5 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:5 means that Paul is willing to boast about someone else’s remarkable spiritual experiences, but he refuses to boast about himself—except when it comes to his own weaknesses. Paul wants to highlight his limitations rather than his strengths.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his approach to boasting. He has just described extraordinary visions and revelations, but instead of drawing attention to his own spiritual achievements, Paul insists on focusing on his "infirmities"—his hardships and weaknesses. This sets the tone for his message that God’s strength is shown most clearly when Paul is weak.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:5

  • "Glory" (καυχάομαι, kauchaomai): This Greek word means to boast or take pride in. Paul uses it to show he is careful about what he takes pride in—choosing to boast only in things that reveal his dependence on God.
  • "Infirmities" (ἀσθένεια, astheneia): This word means weaknesses, frailties, or limitations. Paul’s use of it here emphasizes that he sees value in his struggles, not in his accomplishments.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:5 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that spiritual leaders should always present themselves as strong or impressive; Paul does the opposite, pointing to his own weaknesses.
  • It connects to the wider passage where Paul argues that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness, shaping how Christians understand strength and humility.
  • The verse challenges the culture of self-promotion, both in Paul’s time and today, by showing that true spiritual maturity is found in honest humility.

Where else these words appear

“infirmities” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Acts 28:9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“glory” Greek G2744 · used in 33 verses

  • Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
  • 2 Corinthians 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

“myself” Greek G1683 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

“one” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.