For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:4KJV
Know the Bible

2 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 13:4 mean?

2 Corinthians 13:4 says that although Jesus was crucified in weakness, he now lives by God's power, and in a similar way, Paul and his companions may seem weak but will live with Christ by God's power for the benefit of the Corinthians. The verse draws a parallel between Jesus' apparent weakness in death and the real strength shown in his resurrection, applying that same pattern to the lives of believers.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, defending his ministry and addressing doubts about his authority. He reminds them that just as Jesus' suffering and death looked like weakness but led to resurrection power, so Paul’s own hardships are not signs of failure but of sharing in Christ’s pattern. The verse reassures the Corinthians that God’s power is at work, even when things seem weak or unimpressive.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 13:4

  • The word for "weakness" (ἀσθένεια, astheneia) means frailty or lack of strength. Paul uses it to highlight how both Jesus and his followers may appear powerless, but this is not the whole story.
  • The word for "power" (δύναμις, dynamis) refers to strength or ability, especially God's active, life-giving power. The contrast between "weakness" and "power" is central to Paul’s point.
  • The phrase "with him" (σὺν αὐτῷ, syn autō) shows that believers share in both Christ’s suffering and his new life, not just observing but participating in what happened to Jesus.

Why 2 Corinthians 13:4 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that outward weakness or suffering means God is absent or powerless; instead, it shows that God’s power often works through what looks weak.
  • It connects the experience of Jesus directly to the lives of believers, showing that their struggles are not failures but part of following Christ.
  • In the context of the letter, it reassures the Corinthians that Paul’s authority and ministry are genuine, even if they seem unimpressive by worldly standards, because they follow the pattern of Jesus himself.

Where else these words appear

“weakness” 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 12:9 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.

“weak” Greek G770 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

“crucified” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
  • John 19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

“power” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?