What is an Infirmity and Does the Bible Say about It?

　　Infirmity is mentioned throughout the Bible as a spiritual or physical weakness or ailment. Learn more about the implication of our infirmities and how to glorify God through them.

　　

Infirmity Definition

According to Dictionary.com, Infirmity is defined as the following:

　　1. a physical weakness or ailment: i.e. "the infirmities of age."

　　2. quality or state of being infirm; lack of strength.

　　3. a moral weakness or failing.

　　

Infirmity Meaning in the Bible

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, "infirmity" is used either in the singular or plural (the latter only in the New Testament) and with somewhat different meanings.

　　(1) As sickness or bodily disease. In the last instance, the affections seem to have been dyspeptic, the discomfort of which might be relieved by alcohol, although the disease would not be cured thereby. It is probable that this condition of body produced a certain slackness in Timothy's work against which Paul several times cautions him. In Luke 7:21 the Revised Version (British and American) has "diseases," which is a better rendering of the Greek noson, used here, than the King James Version "infirmities."

　　(2) Imperfections or weaknesses of the body (Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 11:30 the King James Version; Galatians 4:13).

　　(3) Moral or spiritual weaknesses and defects. In this sense it is often used by the classic English writers, as in Milton's "the last infirmity of noble minds"; compare Caesar, IV, iii, 86. The infirmity which a man of resolution can keep under his will (Proverbs 18:14) may be either moral or physical. In Luke 13:11 the woman's physical infirmity is ascribed to the influence of an evil spirit.

　　

What We Can Learn from Paul's Infirmity

"You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus." Galatians 4:13-14

　　The Galatians were just one of the churches that Paul started on his missionary journeys. They were Gentiles who converted to Christianity, all because of Paul’s passion to preach and teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul was able to preach the gospel despite his own physical infirmities. Speculation as to Paul’s true afflictions (i.e. his thorn in the flesh) has been debated and discussed by many theologians, but Paul does not give specifics or details that draw attention to his weaknesses. He, instead, uses them as a means to give glory to God. In our weakness, God is strong.

　　Remember today that God is in everything that happens in your life. No matter what ails you, God is with you. He will use your afflictions to bring Him glory and to bless you and others. Sometimes God does the greatest work through our weaknesses and pain, but that only happens when we take our eyes off ourselves and put them on Jesus. Try putting your focus on the Lord instead of your pain, and let His Holy Spirit be your strength in weakness. ~ Excerpt from Daily Disciples Devotional

　　

Quotes about Infirmity

"Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal." ~ C. S. Lewis

　　Recommended

　　9 Ways the Bible Defines True Manliness

　　"Our wickedness shall not overpower the unspeakable goodness and mercy of God; our dullness shall not overpower God's wisdom, nor our infirmity God's omnipotence." ~ Saint John of Kronstadt

　　"A friend should bear his friend's infirmities." ~ William Shakespeare

　　"When the pangs shoot through our body, and ghastly death appears in view, people see the patience of the dying Christian. Our infirmities become the black velvet on which the diamond of God's love glitters all the more brightly. Thank God I can suffer! Thank God I can be made the object of shame and contempt, for in this way God shall be glorified." ~ Charles Spurgeon

　　

Bible Verses about Infirmity

"Woe is me for my hurt! My wound is severe. But I say, "Truly this is an infirmity, And I must bear it." ~ Jeremiah 10:19 NKJV

　　"And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up." ~ Luke 13:11 NKJV

　　"But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." ~ Luke 13:12 NKJV

　　"that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." ~ Matthew 8:17 NKJV

　　"However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities." ~ Luke 5:15 NKJV

　　"And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight." ~ Luke 7:21 NKJV

　　"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV