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I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/11-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/11-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-22.htm" title="2 Corinthians 11:22">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 11:23 <a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm" title="2 Corinthians 11:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/11.htm">New International Version</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? I speak as being beside myself, I too above measure: more abundantly in labors, more abundantly in imprisonments, in beatings above measure, in deaths often. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">King James Bible</a> Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/11.htm">New King James Version</a> Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> Are they servants of Christ?— I speak as if insane— I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if insane) I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, in beatings without number, in frequent danger of death. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Are they [self-proclaimed] servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if I were out of my mind—I am more so [for I exceed them]; with far more labors, with far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, and often in danger of death. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, many times near death. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? I&#8217m talking like a madman—I&#8217m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, near death many times. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Are they servants of Christ? I am a fool to talk this way, but I serve him better than they do. I have worked harder and have been put in jail more times. I have been beaten with whips more and have been in danger of death more often. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labours more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Are they Christ's servants? It's insane to say it, but I'm a far better one. I've done much more work, been in prison many more times, been beaten more severely, and have faced death more often. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> Are they Christ's servants? I sound like a madman--but I am a better servant than they are! I have worked much harder, I have been in prison more times, I have been whipped much more, and I have been near death more often. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Are they the Messiah's servants? I am insane to talk like this, but I am a far better one! I have been involved in far greater efforts, far more imprisonments, countless beatings, and have faced death more than once. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in worse beatings, in more imprisonments, in frequent danger of death. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/11.htm">NET Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if I were out of my mind.) <a href="/web/2_corinthians/11.htm">World English Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself.) I am more so: in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, and in deaths often. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Are they servants of Christ? As [if] beside myself I speak—I [am] more; in labors more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths many times. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Are they servants of Christ? I speak as being beside myself, I too above measure: more abundantly in labors, more abundantly in imprisonments, in beatings above measure, in deaths often. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> ministrants of Christ are they? -- as beside myself I speak -- I more; in labours more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths many times; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Are they Christ's servants? (I speak being light-headed) I above; in toils more abundant, in blows more excessively, in watchings more abundantly, in deaths often.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as if I were less wise); more so am I: with many more labors, with numerous imprisonments, with wounds beyond measure, with frequent mortifications. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/11.htm">New American Bible</a> Are they ministers of Christ? (I am talking like an insane person.) I am still more, with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, far worse beatings, and numerous brushes with death. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If they are ministers of Christ, I speak as a fool, I am greater than they; in labor more than they, in wounds more than they, in imprisonments more frequent than they, and in danger of death many times. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> If they are Ministers of The Messiah, in stupidity I say that I am greater than they, in more toil than they, with more wounds than they, in chains more than they, in death many times.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Are they ministers of Christ? (I say it foolishly,) I am above them. In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Are they the ministers of Christ? (I speak as a mad man,) I am more; in labors more abundantly, in stripes more abundantly, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often; <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Are they the ministers of Christ? (I speak foolishly) I am above them: in labours more abundantly, in stripes exceedingly more, in prisons more frequently, in the most immediate danger of death often. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> so am I: are they ministers of Christ? is it my vanity? I am more so: in toilsome labours I surpass them, in stripes I am exceedingly beyond them, in prisons I have been oftner, and frequently in the very jaws of death. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if I were out of my mind.) <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as beside myself) I am more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often; <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> so am I: are they ministers of Christ? (if I may speak as a fool) I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes far exceeding, in prisons more frequently, and often even in deaths. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=2088" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/11.htm">Paul's Suffering and Service</a> …22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23<a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Are they</a> <a href="/greek/1249.htm" title="1249: diakonoi (N-NMP) -- Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.">servants</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ?</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalō (V-PIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">I am speaking</a> <a href="/greek/3912.htm" title="3912: paraphronōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To be out of my senses, be beside myself. From para and phroneo; to misthink, i.e. Be insane.">like I am out of my mind,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">but I am</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Adv) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">so much more:</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4057.htm" title="4057: perissoterōs (Adv) -- Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly.">harder</a> <a href="/greek/2873.htm" title="2873: kopois (N-DMP) -- From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains.">labor,</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4057.htm" title="4057: perissoterōs (Adv) -- Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly.">more</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakais (N-DFP) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">imprisonments,</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5234.htm" title="5234: hyperballontōs (Adv) -- Beyond measure. Adverb from present participle active of huperballo; excessively.">worse</a> <a href="/greek/4127.htm" title="4127: plēgais (N-DFP) -- A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity.">beatings,</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4178.htm" title="4178: pollakis (Adv) -- Many times, often, frequently. Multiplicative adverb from polus; many times, i.e. Frequently.">frequent</a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanatois (N-DMP) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">danger of death.</a> 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/9-16.htm">Acts 9:16</a> I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5-6</a> circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; / as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Colossians 1:24</a> Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church. <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">2 Timothy 2:9</a> for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! <a href="/acts/14-19.htm">Acts 14:19-22</a> Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. / But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. / They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ... <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4-5</a> Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; <a href="/galatians/6-17.htm">Galatians 6:17</a> From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">1 Corinthians 4:11-13</a> To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. / We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23-24</a> And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. <a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. <a href="/2_timothy/3-11.htm">2 Timothy 3:11</a> my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. <a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23</a> I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-13</a> Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. <a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Hebrews 11:36-38</a> Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. / They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. / The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.ministers.<a href="/2_corinthians/3-6.htm">2 Corinthians 3:6</a> Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.<a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4</a> But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,<a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5</a> Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?I am.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a> For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11,12</a> I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing… in labours.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.<a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29</a> Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.in stripes.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm">2 Corinthians 11:24,25</a> Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one… <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4,5</a> But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, … <a href="/acts/9-16.htm">Acts 9:16</a> For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.in prison.<a href="/acts/9-16.htm">Acts 9:16</a> For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.<a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Acts 16:24</a> Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.<a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23</a> Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.in deaths.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-9.htm">2 Corinthians 1:9,10</a> But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Abundantly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Christ-I</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Countless</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-10.htm">Deaths</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-9.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Exposed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">Far</a> <a href="/acts/22-24.htm">Flogged</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">Frequent</a> <a href="/romans/15-22.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">Harder</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">Imprisonments</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">Labors</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-11.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-15.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-25.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">Often</a> <a href="/romans/16-7.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">Prisons</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">Stripes</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">Times</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-11.htm">Worked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">Abundantly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-31.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Christ-I</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">Countless</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-17.htm">Deaths</a> <a href="/galatians/3-4.htm">Experience</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-13.htm">Exposed</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Far</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-2.htm">Flogged</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">Frequent</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">Harder</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">Imprisonments</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-10.htm">Labors</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-16.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">Often</a> <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Prisons</a> <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm">Stripes</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-4.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm">Times</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">Worked</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 11</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself,</a> 5. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">of his equality with the chief apostles,</a> 7. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them;</a> 13. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative;</a> 23. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div 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Paul is addressing the claims of false apostles who were challenging his authority and credentials as a true apostle of Christ. This rhetorical question highlights the irony and sarcasm in Paul's tone, as he contrasts his genuine service to Christ with the superficial claims of his opponents. The term "servants" (Greek: diakonoi) implies a role of humble service, which Paul exemplifies through his sacrifices and sufferings.(I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) Paul acknowledges the absurdity of boasting about his sufferings, which is contrary to the humility expected of a Christian leader. This parenthetical remark underscores his reluctance to engage in self-promotion, yet he feels compelled to do so to defend his apostolic authority. The phrase reflects the cultural context of Greco-Roman rhetoric, where boasting was common, but Paul subverts this by boasting in his weaknesses.I am so much more: Paul asserts his superiority not in terms of status or power, but in the extent of his sufferings for the sake of the Gospel. This statement is a prelude to the list of hardships he endured, which serve as evidence of his genuine commitment to Christ. It echoes the biblical theme that true greatness in God's kingdom is measured by service and sacrifice (<a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43-45</a>).in harder labor, Paul's ministry involved intense physical and mental toil, as he traveled extensively to spread the Gospel and establish churches. His labor is reminiscent of the apostolic work described in Acts, where Paul is depicted as tirelessly preaching, teaching, and working to support himself (<a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a>). This dedication is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his mission.in more imprisonments, Paul's frequent imprisonments are well-documented in the New Testament, including his imprisonments in Philippi (<a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23-24</a>) and Rome (<a href="/acts/28-16.htm">Acts 28:16</a>). These experiences highlight the opposition he faced from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, symbolizing the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for believers.in worse beatings, Paul endured physical violence on multiple occasions, as recorded in Acts and his own epistles. He was beaten with rods (<a href="/acts/16-22.htm">Acts 16:22</a>) and received the "forty lashes minus one" from the Jews (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm">2 Corinthians 11:24</a>). These beatings were not only physically painful but also socially humiliating, yet Paul bore them as a testament to his faithfulness to Christ.in frequent danger of death. Paul's life was constantly at risk due to his missionary activities. He faced threats from both natural elements, such as shipwrecks (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">2 Corinthians 11:25</a>), and human adversaries, including plots against his life (<a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-13</a>). This phrase underscores the perilous nature of Paul's apostolic journey and his willingness to face death for the sake of the Gospel, echoing Jesus' call to take up one's cross and follow Him (<a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his apostleship and the authenticity of his ministry against false apostles who were misleading the Corinthian church. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was known for its wealth and moral challenges, making it a significant place for early Christian ministry. 3. <a href="/topical/f/false_apostles.htm">False Apostles</a> Individuals who were challenging Paul's authority and leading the Corinthians astray with a different gospel. Paul refers to them earlier in the chapter as deceitful workers. 4. <a href="/topical/i/imprisonments_and_beatings.htm">Imprisonments and Beatings</a> Paul references his own sufferings, which include multiple imprisonments and beatings, as evidence of his dedication and authenticity as a servant of Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/d/danger_of_death.htm">Danger of Death</a> Paul frequently faced life-threatening situations due to his commitment to spreading the Gospel, highlighting the seriousness and sincerity of his mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/authenticity_in_ministry.htm">Authenticity in Ministry</a> True ministry is often marked by sacrifice and suffering. Paul’s hardships authenticate his commitment to Christ and serve as a model for genuine Christian service. <a href="/topical/e/endurance_through_trials.htm">Endurance Through Trials</a> Believers are called to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel. Paul’s example encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when facing adversity. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_against_false_teachings.htm">Discernment Against False Teachings</a> The presence of false apostles in Corinth serves as a warning to be discerning about teachings and leaders, ensuring they align with the truth of Scripture. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Following Christ may involve significant personal cost. Paul’s life exemplifies the reality that discipleship can lead to suffering, but it is ultimately for the glory of God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11</a> <a href="/q/are_paul's_hardships_historically_supported.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23–27 – Are Paul’s extensive hardships, including multiple shipwrecks, supported by any historical or archaeological records? </a> <a href="/q/bible's_teachings_on_affliction.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on affliction?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_pain_foster_spiritual_growth.htm">How does affliction lead to spiritual growth?</a> <a href="/q/what_means_'from_everlasting_to_everlasting'.htm">What does 'struck down, but not destroyed' signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Are they ministers of Christ?--It is obvious that this title was claimed by the rival teachers in some special sense. They were "ministers of Christ" in a nearer and a higher sense than others. This again falls in with all that has been said as to the nature and pretensions of those who said, "I am of Christ." (See Notes on <a href="/2_corinthians/10-7.htm" title="Do you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.">2Corinthians 10:7</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm" title="Now this I say, that every one of you said, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.">1Corinthians 1:12</a>.)I speak as a fool.--The form of the Greek verb is slightly varied, and means, more emphatically than before, I speak as one who is insane; I speak deliriously. In this instance, as before, we must believe that the Apostle is using, in a tone of indignant irony, the very words of insult which had been recklessly flung at him.In labours . . .--All that follows up to <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm" title="Beside those things that are without, that which comes on me daily, the care of all the churches.">2Corinthians 11:28</a>, inclusive, is a proof of his claim to call himself a minister of Christ. The word "labours" is, of course, too vague to admit of more than a general comparison with the picture of his life presented in the Acts of the Apostles. The more specific statements show us that the writer of that book tends to understate rather than exaggerate the labours and sufferings of the Apostle. It tells us, up to this time, only of one imprisonment, at Philippi (<a href="/acts/16-23.htm" title="And when they had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:">Acts 16:23</a>), and leaves us to conjecture where and under what circumstances we are to look for the others. In the "deaths oft," we trace an echo of the "sentence of death," the "dying daily" (see Notes on <a href="/2_corinthians/1-9.htm" title="But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead:">2Corinthians 1:9</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/4-10.htm" title="Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.">2Corinthians 4:10</a>); but the words probably include dangers to life of other kinds as well as those arising from bodily disease. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - I speak as a fool. Not merely as before aphron, but paraphronon," I speak as a madman." It is downright insanity on my part to enter into this contest of rival egotism. The verb does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament; the substantive is used of "downright infatuation" in <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">2 Peter 2:16</a>. I am more. I may claim to be something beyond an ordinary servant of Christ (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a>). This is the "frantic" boast which he proceeds to justify in a fragment of biography which must ever be accounted as the most remarkable and unique in the world's history. And when St. Paul lived the life was, as Dean Stanley says, "hitherto without precedent in the history of the world." No subsequent life of saint or martyr has ever surpassed St. Paul's, as here sketched, in self-devotion; and no previous life even remotely resembled it. The figure of the Christian missionary was, until then, unknown. In labours more abundant; literally, more abundantly. The best comment is <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>. In stripes above measure. The expression is partly explained in the next verse. In prisons. St. Clement of Rome says that St. Paul was imprisoned seven times. The only imprisonment up to this date recorded in the Acts is that at Philippi (<a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23</a>). The imprisonments in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Rome all took place later. He says later," The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city that bonds and imprisonment await me" (<a href="/acts/20-23.htm">Acts 20:23</a>). In deaths oft. He alludes to the incessant opposition, peril, and anguish which make him say in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-31.htm">1 Corinthians 15:31</a>, "I die daily" (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">2 Corinthians 4:11</a>; <a href="/romans/8-36.htm">Romans 8:36</a>). With the whole passage we may compare <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4, 5</a>. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Are they εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. servants διάκονοι (diakonoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1249.htm">Strong's 1249: </a> Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor. of Christ? Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. I am speaking λαλῶ (lalō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. like I am out of my mind, παραφρονῶν (paraphronōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3912.htm">Strong's 3912: </a> To be out of my senses, be beside myself. From para and phroneo; to misthink, i.e. Be insane. [but] I am ἐγώ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. so much more: ὑπὲρ (hyper) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. harder περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly. labor, κόποις (kopois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2873.htm">Strong's 2873: </a> From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. more περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly. imprisonments, φυλακαῖς (phylakais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. worse ὑπερβαλλόντως (hyperballontōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5234.htm">Strong's 5234: </a> Beyond measure. Adverb from present participle active of huperballo; excessively. beatings, πληγαῖς (plēgais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4127.htm">Strong's 4127: </a> A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. frequent πολλάκις (pollakis) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4178.htm">Strong's 4178: </a> Many times, often, frequently. Multiplicative adverb from polus; many times, i.e. Frequently. danger of death. θανάτοις (thanatois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I speak (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>