2 Corinthians 13:4
New International Version
For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.

New Living Translation
Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.

English Standard Version
For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

Berean Standard Bible
For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.

Berean Literal Bible
For indeed He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God's power. For we also are weak in Him, but we will live with Him by God's power toward you.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives 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.

New American Standard Bible
For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we too are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

NASB 1995
For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

NASB 1977
For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we shall live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

Legacy Standard Bible
For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God toward you.

Amplified Bible
For even though He was crucified in weakness [yielding Himself], yet He lives [resurrected] by the power of God [His Father]. For we too are weak in Him [as He was humanly weak], yet we are alive and well [in fellowship] with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

Christian Standard Bible
For he was crucified in weakness, but he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by God’s power.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In fact, He was crucified in weakness, but He lives by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, yet toward you we will live with Him by God’s power.

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

Contemporary English Version
Although he was weak when he was nailed to the cross, he now lives by the power of God. We are weak, just as Christ was. But you will see that we will live by the power of God, just as Christ does.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He was weak when he was crucified, but by God's power he lives. We are weak with him, but by God's power we will live for you with his help.

Good News Translation
For even though it was in weakness that he was put to death on the cross, it is by God's power that he lives. In union with him we also are weak; but in our relations with you we shall share God's power in his life.

International Standard Version
Though he was crucified in weakness, he lives by God's power. We are weak with him, but by God's power we will live for you.

Majority Standard Bible
For although He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.

NET Bible
For indeed he was crucified by reason of weakness, but he lives because of God's power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live together with him, because of God's power toward you.

New Heart English Bible
For indeed he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 towards you.

Weymouth New Testament
For though it is true that He was crucified through weakness, yet He now lives through the power of God. We also are weak, sharing His weakness, but with Him we shall be full of life to deal with you through the power of God.

World English Bible
For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for even if He was crucified from weakness, yet He lives from the power of God; for we also are weak in Him, but we will live with Him from the power of God toward you.

Berean Literal Bible
For indeed He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God's power. For we also are weak in Him, but we will live with Him by God's power toward you.

Young's Literal Translation
for even if he was crucified from infirmity, yet he doth live from the power of God; for we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him from the power of God toward you.

Smith's Literal Translation
For also if he was crucified from weakness, but he lives from the power of God. For also we are weak in him, but we live with him from the power of God to you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For although 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 towards you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For although he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. And yes, we are weak in him. But we shall live with him by the power of God among you.

New American Bible
For indeed he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives by the power of God. So also we are weak in him, but toward you we shall live with him by the power of God.

New Revised Standard Version
For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For though Jesus was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. As we are weak with him, so we are alive with him by the power of God who is among you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For although he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of God; and we also are weak with him, but we are living with him by the power of God, who is in you.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for though he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives 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.

Godbey New Testament
For indeed he was crucified from weakness, but he lives by the power of God: for we indeed are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God unto you.

Haweis New Testament
For though he was crucified in 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 displayed towards you.

Mace New Testament
for tho' he was crucified with the appearance of weakness, yet he lives by the power of God; tho' we are afflicted upon his account, we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Weymouth New Testament
For though it is true that He was crucified through weakness, yet He now lives through the power of God. We also are weak, sharing His weakness, but with Him we shall be full of life to deal with you through the power of God.

Worrell New Testament
for, indeed, He was crucified through weakness, but He liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him through the power of God toward you.

Worsley New Testament
For if He was crucified as from weakness, yet He now liveth by the power of God: for we also are weak in Him, but shall live with Him by the power of God manifested to you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Examine Yourselves
3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you. 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?…

Cross References
Philippians 2:7-8
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.

Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

Romans 1:4
and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

Hebrews 2:14
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,

Colossians 2:12
And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Romans 8:11
And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

1 Corinthians 15:43
It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

Ephesians 1:19-20
and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, / which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

John 10:17-18
The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again. / No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:10-12
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. / After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. / Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Psalm 22:14-15
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. / My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.


Treasury of Scripture

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives 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.

he was.

Luke 22:43,44
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him…

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 15:43
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

yet.

Acts 2:36
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 4:10-12
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole…

Romans 6:4,9,10
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life…

we also.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us…

2 Corinthians 10:3,4,10
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: …

1 Corinthians 2:3
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

in him.

Philippians 3:10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2 Timothy 2:11,12
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: …

but.

Acts 3:16
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Romans 6:8-11
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: …

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Cross Crucified Deal Dealing Death Directed Feeble Full God's Indeed Live Power Serve Sharing Towards True. Weak Weakness
2 Corinthians 13
1. Paul threatens severity, and the power of his apostleship, against obstinate sinners.
5. And, advising them to a trial of their faith,
7. and to a reformation of their sins before his coming,
11. he concludes his epistle with a general exhortation and a prayer.














For indeed
This phrase serves as an emphatic introduction, underscoring the certainty and importance of the statement that follows. In the Greek, the word "γάρ" (gar) is often used to provide explanation or reason, indicating that what follows is a foundational truth. This sets the stage for a profound theological assertion about Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

He was crucified in weakness
The term "weakness" (Greek: "ἀσθένεια" - astheneia) here refers to the human frailty and vulnerability that Christ willingly embraced. Historically, crucifixion was a method of execution reserved for the most despised criminals, symbolizing utter humiliation and powerlessness. Yet, this "weakness" was part of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the paradox of divine strength manifested through apparent human frailty.

yet He lives by God’s power
The contrast between weakness and power is central to Paul's message. The Greek word for "power" is "δύναμις" (dynamis), which conveys the idea of miraculous strength and ability. Christ's resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, overcoming death and affirming His divine nature. This power is not just a past event but a present reality, sustaining and empowering believers.

And though we are weak in Him
Paul identifies with Christ's weakness, acknowledging the human limitations and sufferings that believers experience. The phrase "in Him" signifies a deep, mystical union with Christ, where believers share in both His sufferings and His glory. This identification with Christ's weakness is not a cause for despair but a pathway to experiencing His power.

yet by God’s power we will live with Him
Here, Paul assures the Corinthians that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in believers. The future tense "we will live" points to both the present spiritual life and the future resurrection hope. This promise is rooted in the believer's union with Christ, ensuring that His victory over death is also theirs.

to serve you
The purpose of this divine empowerment is service. Paul emphasizes that the power believers receive is not for personal exaltation but for the edification and benefit of others. This reflects the servant leadership modeled by Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. In the historical context of the Corinthian church, this service was crucial for building up the community in love and truth.

(4) For though he was crucified through weakness . . .--The better MSS. give another reading, without the contingent or concessive clause: For even He was crucified. St. Paul seems to see in Christ the highest representative instance of the axiomatic law by which he himself had been comforted, that strength is perfected in infirmities. For He too lived encompassed with the infirmities of man's nature, and the possibility of the crucifixion flowed from that fact, as a natural sequel.

For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him.--The thought that underlies the apparently hard saying is that the disciples of Christ share at once in their Lord's weakness and in His strength. "We, too, are weak," the Apostle says; "we have our share in infirmities and sufferings, which are ennobled by the thought that they are ours because we are His; but we know that we shall live in the highest sense, in the activities of the spiritual life, which also we share with Him, and which comes to us by the power of God; and this life will be manifested in the exercise of our spiritual power towards you and for your good." To refer the words "we shall live" to the future life of the resurrection, though the thought is, of course, true in itself, is to miss the special force of the words in relation to the context.

Verse 4. - For though. The "though" should be omitted. Through weakness; literally, out of weakness; i.e. as a result of that human weakness of our nature which he took upon him, and which rendered him liable to agony and death (2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:7, 8; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 2:10-18). But we shall live with him... toward you. This thought of participation alike in Christ's humiliation and his glory, alike in his weakness and his might, was very familiar to St. Paul (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Ephesians 1:19, 20), Here, however, the following words," toward you," i.e." with reference to you," show that the life of which he is thinking is the vigorous reestablishment of his spiritual authority in Christ over the Church of Corinth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

He was indeed crucified
ἐσταυρώθη (estaurōthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4717: From stauros; to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish passion or selfishness.

in
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

weakness,
ἀσθενείας (astheneias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 769: From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.

yet
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

He lives
ζῇ (zē)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

by
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

power.
δυνάμεως (dynameōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

And though
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

we
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

are weak
ἀσθενοῦμεν (asthenoumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 770: To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

yet
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

by
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

power
δυνάμεως (dynameōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

we will live
ζήσομεν (zēsomen)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

with
σὺν (syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

Him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

to serve
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:4 For he was crucified through weakness yet (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 13:3
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