Go
Articles on

2 Corinthians 11

2 Cor. 11:23 KJV (With Strong’s)

+
23
Are they
eisi (Greek #1526)
they are
KJV usage: agree, are, be, dure, X is, were.
Pronounce: i-see'
Origin: 3d person plural present indicative of 1510
ministers
diakonos (Greek #1249)
an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess)
KJV usage: deacon, minister, servant.
Pronounce: dee-ak'-on-os
Origin: probably from an obsolete διάκω (to run on errands; compare 1377)
of Christ
Christos (Greek #5547)
anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
KJV usage: Christ.
Pronounce: khris-tos'
Origin: from 5548
? (I
ego (Greek #1473)
a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic)
KJV usage: I, me. For the other cases and the plural see 1691, 1698, 1700, 2248, 2249, 2254, 2257, etc.
Pronounce: eg-o'
speak
laleo (Greek #2980)
to talk, i.e. utter words
KJV usage: preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Compare 3004.
Pronounce: lal-eh'-o
Origin: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb
as a fool
paraphroneo (Greek #3912)
to misthink, i.e. be insane (silly)
KJV usage: as a fool.
Pronounce: par-af-ron-eh'-o
Origin: from 3844 and 5426
) I
huper (Greek #5228)
"over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than
KJV usage: (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very. In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications.
Pronounce: hoop-er'
Origin: a primary preposition
am more
huper (Greek #5228)
"over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than
KJV usage: (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very. In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications.
Pronounce: hoop-er'
Origin: a primary preposition
; in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
labors
kopos (Greek #2873)
a cut, i.e. (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
KJV usage: labour, + trouble, weariness.
Pronounce: kop'-os
Origin: from 2875
g more abundant
perissoteros (Greek #4056)
more superabundantly
KJV usage: more abundant(-ly), X the more earnest, (more) exceedingly, more frequent, much more, the rather.
Pronounce: per-is-sot-er'-oce
Origin: adverb from 4055
, in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
stripes
plege (Greek #4127)
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
KJV usage: plague, stripe, wound(-ed).
Pronounce: play-gay'
Origin: from 4141
h above measure
huperballontos (Greek #5234)
excessively
KJV usage: beyond measure.
Pronounce: hoop-er-bal-lon'-toce
Origin: adverb from present participle active of 5235
, in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
prisons
phulake (Greek #5438)
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or night), literally or figuratively
KJV usage: cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch.
Pronounce: foo-lak-ay'
Origin: from 5442
more frequent
perissoteros (Greek #4056)
more superabundantly
KJV usage: more abundant(-ly), X the more earnest, (more) exceedingly, more frequent, much more, the rather.
Pronounce: per-is-sot-er'-oce
Origin: adverb from 4055
, in
en (Greek #1722)
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
KJV usage: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Pronounce: en
Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537)
deaths
thanatos (Greek #2288)
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: X deadly, (be...) death.
Pronounce: than'-at-os
Origin: from 2348
k oft
pollakis (Greek #4178)
many times, i.e. frequently
KJV usage: oft(-en, -entimes, -times).
Pronounce: pol-lak'-is
Origin: multiplicative adverb from 4183
.
g
1 Cor. 15:10• 10But by God's grace I am what I am; and his grace, which was towards me, has not been vain; but I have laboured more abundantly than they all, but not *I*, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Cor. 15:10)
h
Acts 9:16• 16for *I* will shew to him how much he must suffer for my name. (Acts 9:16)
;
Acts 20:23• 23only that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me. (Acts 20:23)
;
Acts 21:11• 11and coming to us and taking the girdle of Paul, and having bound his own hands and feet, said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, The man whose this girdle is shall the Jews thus bind in Jerusalem, and deliver him up into the hands of the Gentiles. (Acts 21:11)
k
1 Cor. 15:30‑32• 30Why do *we* also endanger ourselves every hour?
 31Daily I die, by your boasting which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 32If, to speak after the manner of man, I have fought with beasts in Ephesus, what is the profit to me if those that are dead do not rise? let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die. (1 Cor. 15:30‑32)

More on:

+
Christ,
Minister,
Prison

Cross References

+

Ministry on This Verse

+
ministers.
2 Cor. 3:6• 6who has also made us competent, as ministers of the new covenant; not of letter, but of spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit quickens. (2 Cor. 3:6)
;
2 Cor. 6:4• 4but in everything commending ourselves as God's ministers, in much endurance, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits, (2 Cor. 6:4)
;
1 Cor. 3:5• 5Who then is Apollos, and who Paul? Ministering servants, through whom ye have believed, and as the Lord has given to each. (1 Cor. 3:5)
;
1 Cor. 4:1• 1Let a man so account of us as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Cor. 4:1)
;
1 Thess. 3:2• 2and sent Timotheus, our brother and fellow-workman under God in the glad tidings of Christ, to confirm you and encourage you concerning your faith, (1 Thess. 3:2)
;
1 Tim. 4:6• 6Laying these things before the brethren, thou wilt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished with the words of the faith and of the good teaching which thou hast fully followed up. (1 Tim. 4:6)
I am.
2 Cor. 11:5• 5For I reckon that in nothing I am behind those who are in surpassing degree apostles. (2 Cor. 11:5)
;
2 Cor. 12:11‑12• 11I have become a fool; *ye* have compelled me; for *I* ought to have been commended by you; for I have been nothing behind those who were in surpassing degree apostles, if also I am nothing.
 12The signs indeed of the apostle were wrought among you in all endurance, signs, and wonders, and works of power. (2 Cor. 12:11‑12)
in labours.
1 Cor. 15:10• 10But by God's grace I am what I am; and his grace, which was towards me, has not been vain; but I have laboured more abundantly than they all, but not *I*, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Cor. 15:10)
;
Col. 1:29• 29Whereunto also I toil, combating according to his working, which works in me in power. (Col. 1:29)
in stripes.
2 Cor. 11:24‑25• 24From the Jews five times have I received forty stripes, save one.
 25Thrice have I been scourged, once I have been stoned, three times I have suffered shipwreck, a night and day I passed in the deep: (2 Cor. 11:24‑25)
;
2 Cor. 6:4‑5• 4but in everything commending ourselves as God's ministers, in much endurance, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,
 5in stripes, in prisons, in riots, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, (2 Cor. 6:4‑5)
;
Acts 9:16• 16for *I* will shew to him how much he must suffer for my name. (Acts 9:16)
in prison.
Acts 9:16• 16for *I* will shew to him how much he must suffer for my name. (Acts 9:16)
;
Acts 16:24• 24who, having received such a charge, cast them into the inner prison, and secured their feet to the stocks. (Acts 16:24)
;
Acts 20:23• 23only that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me. (Acts 20:23)
;
Acts 21:11• 11and coming to us and taking the girdle of Paul, and having bound his own hands and feet, said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, The man whose this girdle is shall the Jews thus bind in Jerusalem, and deliver him up into the hands of the Gentiles. (Acts 21:11)
;
Acts 24:26‑27• 26hoping at the same time that money would be given him by Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener and communed with him.
 27But when two years were completed, Felix was relieved by Porcius Festus as his successor; and Felix, desirous to oblige the Jews, to acquire their favour, left Paul bound. (Acts 24:26‑27)
;
Acts 25:14• 14And when they had spent many days there, Festus laid before the king the matters relating to Paul, saying, There is a certain man left prisoner by Felix, (Acts 25:14)
;
Acts 27:1• 1But when it had been determined that we should sail to Italy, they delivered up Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion, by name Julius, of Augustus' company. (Acts 27:1)
;
Acts 28:16,30• 16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered up the prisoners to the praetorian prefect, but Paul was allowed to remain by himself with the soldier who kept him.
 30And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging, and received all who came to him, (Acts 28:16,30)
;
Eph. 3:1• 1For this reason *I* Paul, prisoner of the Christ Jesus for you nations, (Eph. 3:1)
;
Eph. 4:1• 1*I*, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you therefore to walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye have been called, (Eph. 4:1)
;
Eph. 6:20• 20for which I am an ambassador bound with a chain, that I may be bold in it as I ought to speak. (Eph. 6:20)
;
Phil. 1:13• 13so that my bonds have become manifest as being in Christ in all the praetorium and to all others; (Phil. 1:13)
;
2 Tim. 1:8,16• 8Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but suffer evil along with the glad tidings, according to the power of God;
 16The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he has often refreshed me, and has not been ashamed of my chain; (2 Tim. 1:8,16)
;
2 Tim. 2:9• 9in which I suffer even unto bonds as an evil-doer: but the word of God is not bound. (2 Tim. 2:9)
;
Philem. 9• 9for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also prisoner of Jesus Christ. (Philem. 9)
;
Heb. 10:34• 34For ye both sympathised with prisoners and accepted with joy the plunder of your goods, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better substance, and an abiding one. (Heb. 10:34)
in deaths.
2 Cor. 1:9‑10• 9But we ourselves had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not have our trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead;
 10who has delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver; in whom we confide that he will also yet deliver; (2 Cor. 1:9‑10)
;
2 Cor. 4:11• 11for we who live are always delivered unto death on account of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh; (2 Cor. 4:11)
;
2 Cor. 6:9• 9as unknown, and well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as disciplined, and not put to death; (2 Cor. 6:9)
;
Acts 14:19• 19But there came Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds and stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing him to have died. (Acts 14:19)
;
1 Cor. 15:30‑32• 30Why do *we* also endanger ourselves every hour?
 31Daily I die, by your boasting which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 32If, to speak after the manner of man, I have fought with beasts in Ephesus, what is the profit to me if those that are dead do not rise? let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die. (1 Cor. 15:30‑32)
;
Phil. 2:17• 17But if also I am poured out as a libation on the sacrifice and ministration of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice in common with you all. (Phil. 2:17)
;
Col. 1:24• 24Now, I rejoice in sufferings for you, and I fill up that which is behind of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh, for his body, which is the assembly; (Col. 1:24)
• It is hardly exposition that is needed here, but thanksgiving for the grace bestowed of God on a man of like passions with ourselves, when the eye surveys such a roll of suffering labor for Christ (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:22-33” by W. Kelly)
• Here in fact God has allowed this invasion of the Apostle’s work by these wretched Judaizing men (calling themselves Christians) to be the means of acquainting us with something of the indefatigable labors of the Apostle, carried on in a thousand circumstances of which we have no account. In the Acts, God has given us the history of the establishment of the assembly in the great principles on which it was founded, and the phases through which it passed on coming out of Judaism. The Apostle will have his own reward in the kingdom of glory, not by speaking of it among men. (“2 Corinthians 11” by J.N. Darby)
• He turns from his very abundant labors to the excess of stripes which had befallen him, his very abundant imprisonments, and his frequent exposures to death. Those who sought to undermine him might boast of their learning or their originality, their logic or their imagination, their depth of thought or their piquancy of illustration. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:22-33” by W. Kelly)
• He puts them to shame with (not miracles but) sufferings. (“Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:22-33” by W. Kelly)

J. N. Darby Translation

+
23
Are they ministersa of Christ? (I speak as being beside myself) *I* above measure sob; in labours exceedingly abundant, in stripes to excess, in prisons exceedingly abundant, in deaths oft.

JND Translation Notes

+
a
Diakonos. see Note. 1 Cor. 4.1.
b
The word here translated "above measure" is so used constantly by the apostle, though not indeed separated from the word it refers to. But I do not find that it is used adverbially for "more than"; and the expression "as being beside myself" seems to refer to the extra-ordinariness of what he was saying, for he felt that to say "minister of Christ" was to say all that was excellent. Hence he does not repeat "in folly," but says "as being beside myself," "wandering quite away from a right mind." His own heart did not allow him to say he was "minister of Christ" without judging the expression, though forced to use it for these foolish Corinthians. The word translated "exceedingly abundant" is not really a comparison, and the words translated "to excess" and "oft" show that no comparison with others is instituted. He left his miserable competitor far behind, and his soul turned back with true heartfelt satisfaction to all he had undergone for Christ. His folly is given to us for gain by God. However, if anyone prefer "more than they" or "beyond them" to "above measure," in result the sense is not altered, though, it seems to me, feebler and more disjointed.

W. Kelly Translation

+
23
Are they ministers of Christ? (Beside myself I speak) I above measure; in labours very abundantlya, in prisons very abundantly, in stripes exceedingly, in deaths often.

WK Translation Notes

+
a
No doubt the comparative occurs both with "labours" and with "prisons," Were there only the two comparatives employed, it would be strange to depart from the literal meaning "more abundantly." But as the context stands before and after, and taking account of the moral considerations, as well as the delicate dignity of the apostle, I incline to the version given as preferable.