What does the Bible say about weakness?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that human weakness is not a barrier to God’s grace but a setting in which his strength, compassion, and sufficiency are displayed. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Christ assures Paul that his grace is sufficient and his power is perfected in weakness. The Spirit helps believers when they do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26), and the Lord hears the afflicted and remains near to the brokenhearted (Psalms 34:17-20). Because Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses, we may draw near confidently for mercy and help (Hebrews 4:15-16). God calls us to humble dependence, supplies every true need, and strengthens his people for faithful obedience through Christ (James 4:6; Philippians 4:13, 19).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

  • Romans 8:26

    In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.

  • Psalms 34:17-20

    [17] The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But Yahweh delivers him out of them all. [20] He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

  • Hebrews 4:15-16

    [15] For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.

  • Philippians 4:19

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • Luke 18:1

    He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,

  • James 4:6

    But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

  • 2 Corinthians 12:10

    Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

    [19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

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