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Infirmity

/in-FER-mih-tee/

Summary

Physical weakness, illness, or moral frailty, which Scripture presents as an opportunity for divine grace and power.

Physical Weakness

Infirmity often refers to bodily ailments or chronic weakness. Jesus healed many who had infirmities of long standing. Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' was some kind of physical infirmity through which God's power was perfected. Such weaknesses remind believers of their dependence on God.

Key verses:Luke 13:11-12John 5:52 Corinthians 12:7-10Galatians 4:13

Christ's Sympathy

Christ Himself bore our infirmities and carried our sorrows. The great High Priest can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, having been tempted in all points yet without sin. This compassion flows from His incarnate experience of human weakness.

Key verses:Matthew 8:17Isaiah 53:4Hebrews 4:15

Spiritual Weakness

The Spirit also helps our infirmities in prayer when we do not know how to pray as we ought. Human weakness in spiritual matters becomes the occasion for divine assistance. God chooses the weak things of the world to confound the mighty.

Key verses:Romans 8:261 Corinthians 1:272 Corinthians 12:9-10

Related Verses11 mentions

Luke· 2 verses

Hebrews· 2 verses

Joshua· 1 verse

Galatians· 1 verse

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Infirmity," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).