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1 Corinthians 2:3

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1 Corinthians 2:3 · King James Version
Parallel translations
  • WEB I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
  • BSB I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
  • NKJV I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
  • NASB I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling,
  • NLT I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Quick answer

Paul came to them in weakness, fear, and trembling. His ministry succeeded despite, even through, his human frailty.

Overview

Paul candidly admits he arrived in Corinth feeling weak and fearful, not as a self-assured orator. This honesty underscores his theme that the gospel's power lies in God, not the messenger. His weakness made it unmistakable that any fruit came from God's Spirit, not human strength.

Cross-references & the web

Cross-references · 19

  • 2 Cor 13:4For 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.
  • 1 Cor 4:10–13We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
  • 2 Cor 13:9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
  • 2 Cor 12:5–10Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
  • 2 Cor 4:1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
  • 2 Cor 4:7–12But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
  • 2 Cor 10:10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
  • 2 Cor 6:4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
  • 2 Cor 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
  • Gal 4:13–14Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
  • Acts 17:6–12And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
  • 2 Cor 7:5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
  • 2 Cor 11:29–30Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
  • Acts 20:18–19And 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,
  • Acts 18:12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
  • Acts 18:6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
  • 2 Cor 10:1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
  • Acts 17:1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
  • Acts 18:1After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

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Christ at the center

Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.

How 1 Corinthians 2:3 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.

Original language

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