Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
He hath said (eirhken). Perfect active indicative, as if a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and needs this word of Christ.
Is sufficient (arkei). Old word of rich meaning, perhaps kin to Latin arceo, to ward off against danger. Christ's grace suffices and abides.
Is perfected (teleitai). Present passive indicative of telew, to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See Philippians 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ's power and grace.
Most gladly rather (hdista mallon). Two adverbs, one superlative (hdista), one comparative (mallon). "Rather" than ask any more (thrice already) for the removal of the thorn or splinter "most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses." Slowly Paul had learned this supreme lesson, but it will never leave him (Romans 5:2; II Timothy 4:6-8).
May rest upon me (episkhnwsh ep eme). Late and rare verb in first aorist active subjunctive with ina (final clause), to fix a tent upon, here upon Paul himself by a bold metaphor, as if the Shechinah of the Lord was overshadowing him (cf. Luke 9:34), the power (dunamiv) of the Lord Jesus.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 2 Corinthians 12:9:
1 Corinthians 14:19
2 Corinthians 1:9
1 Timothy 6:8
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