2 Corinthians 11:23

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2 Corinthians 11:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Are they servants of Christ? 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.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking foolishly) I am more so; I have had more experience of hard work, of prisons, of blows more than measure, of death.

Free Bible Version FBV

Are they servants of Christ? (I know I'll sound like I'm crazy, talking like this.) But I have done so much more. I've worked harder, been imprisoned more often, whipped more times than I can count, faced death time and again.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

They are the ministers of Christ (I speake as a foole) I am more: in labours more aboundant: in stripes aboue measure: in prison more plenteously: in death oft.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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;

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

Do they tell you how much work they have done for Christ? Now I am talking like a crazy person talks [EUP]. Well, I work for Christ much more than they do. I have been in prison many more times than they have. Many times I have been beaten {people have beaten me} very severely because I believe in and obey Christ. Many times I almost died because of serving Christ.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:23

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Corinthians 11:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK διακονοι χριστου εισιν παραφρονων λαλω υπερ εγω εν κοποις περισσοτερως εν πληγαις υπερβαλλοντως εν φυλακαις περισσοτερως εν θανατοις πολλακις

διακονοι diakonos G1249 servant Noun-NPM

χριστου Christos G5547 Christ Noun-GSM

εισιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3P

παραφρονων paraphroneō G3912 be insane Verb-PAP-NSM

λαλω laleō G2980 to speak Verb-PAI-1S

υπερ huper G5228 above/for Prep

εγω egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NS

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

κοποις kopos G2873 labor Noun-DPM

περισσοτερως perissōs G4057 excessively Adv-C

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

πληγαις plēgē G4127 plague/blow/wound Noun-DPF

υπερβαλλοντως huperballontōs G5234 severely Adv

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

φυλακαις phulakē G5438 prison/watch: prison Noun-DPF

περισσοτερως perissōs G4057 excessively Adv-C

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

θανατοις thanatos G2288 death Noun-DPM

πολλακις pollakis G4178 often Adv

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:23

διακονοι diakonos G1249 "servant" Noun-NPM

A servant is someone who attends to others, like a waiter or a Christian teacher, as seen in Matthew 20:26. It is about putting others first and helping them.

Definition: διάκονος, -ου, ὁ, ἡ (derivation unknown), [in LXX for נַעַר, שָׁרַת pi.: Est.6:3, 5, א B Est.1:10 2:2, Pro.10:4, 4Ma.9:17 * ;] __1. in general, a servant, attendant, minister: Mat.20:26 22:13 23:11, Mrk.9:35 10:43, Jhn.2:5, 9, 1Co.3:5, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7; δ. θεοῦ, Rom.13:4, 2Co.6:4, 1Th.3:2; δ. Χριστοῦ, 2Co.11:23, Col.1:7, 1Ti.4:6; cf. ὁ δ. ὁ ἐμός, Jhn.12:26; δ. περιτομῆς, Rom.15:8; δ. καινῆς διαθήκης, 2Co.3:6; δ. δικαιοσύνης, 2Co.11:15; δ. [εὐαγγελίου], Eph.3:7, Col.1:23; δ. [ἐκκλησίας], Col.1:25. __2. As technical term for Church officer (so in pre-Christian times, see M, Th., I, 32), a deacon: Php.1:1, 1Ti.3:8, 12; fem. (cf. Eccl. διακονίσσα), Rom.16:1 (cf. 1Ti.3:11, and CGT, in l., also M, Th., l.with).† SYN.: δοῦλος, bondman; θεράπων, servant acting voluntarily; ὑπηρέτης, servant, attendant, by etymol. suggesting subordination. All these imply relation to a person, in distinction from which δ. represents rather the servant in relation to his work. Cf. also λειτουργός, a public servant, in which the idea of service to the community is prominent; οἰκέτης, a house servant. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: deacon, minister, servant See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 6:21; Romans 13:4.

χριστου Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-GSM

Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.

Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

εισιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3P

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

παραφρονων paraphroneō G3912 "be insane" Verb-PAP-NSM

This word describes being insane or foolish, like acting silly or irrational. In 2 Corinthians 11:23, it is used to describe the foolish things Paul suffered for Christ.

Definition: παρα-φρονέω (ιαρά, φρήν), [in LXX: Zec.7:11 (סָרַר)* ;] to be beside oneself, be deranged: 2Co.11:23.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: as a fool See also: 2 Corinthians 11:23.

λαλω laleō G2980 "to speak" Verb-PAI-1S

To speak or talk, as in Matthew 9:33 and 12:46, where Jesus speaks to the crowds. It can also mean to utter words, like in Revelation 4:1. This word is often translated as preach, say, or tell in the KJV.

Definition: λαλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for דּבר pi., also for אמר, etc. ;] __1. to utter: of inanimate things, Rev.4:1 10:4; metaphorically, Heb.11:4 12:24. __2. to talk, speak, say: absol., Mat.9:33 12:46, Mrk.5:35, Luk.8:49; before ὡς, 1Co.13:11, Rev.13:11; εἰς, 1Co.14:9; ἐκ, Mat.12:34; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.10:19, Mrk.11:32, Jhn.8:30, al.; with dative of person(s), Mat.12:46, Luk.24:6, Rom.7:1, al.; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Mat.9:18, Jhn.10:6, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, Mrk.6:50, Luk.1:19 2:33, al.; ἐν, ἐξ, ἀπό, Mat.13:3, Jhn.12:49 14:10, al.; λ. τ. λόγον, Mrk.8:32, al.; before orat. dir. (not cl.), Mrk.14:31, Heb.5:5 11:18; Hebraistically (Dalman, Words, 25f.), ἐλάλησε λέγων, Mat.14:27, Jhn.8:12, Act.8:26, al. SYN.: see: λέγω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 269 NT verses. KJV: preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 2:6; Acts 23:18; 1 Peter 3:10.

υπερ huper G5228 "above/for" Prep

Above or for something, often used to describe doing something for someone's benefit. In Matthew 5:44 and Romans 10:1, it means praying for or on behalf of others.

Definition: ὑπέρ (when following subst.—poët.—ὕπερ; so as adv., 2Co.11:23), prep. with genitive, accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place (rest or motion), over, above, across, beyond, hence, metaphorically, __1. for, on behalf of: of prayer, Mat.5:44, Act.8:24, Rom.10:1, Jas.5:16, al.; of laying down life, Jhn.10:11, Rom.9:3, al.; esp. of Christ giving his life for man's redemption, Mrk.14:24, Jhn.10:15, Act.21:13, Rom.5:6-8, al.; opposite to κατά, Mrk.9:40, Luk.9:50, Rom.8:31. __2. Causal, for, because of, for the sake of: with genitive of person(s), Act.5:41, Rom.1:5, Php.1:29, 2Co.12:10, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.11:4, Rom.15:8, 2Co.1:6, al. __3. = ἀντί (see M, Pr., 105), for, instead of, in the name of: 1Co.15:29, 2Co.5:15, 21 Gal.3:13, Col.1:7, Phm 13 (cf. Field, Notes, 225). __4. In more colourless sense, = περί (M, Pr., l.with), for, concerning, with regard to: Rom.9:27, 2Co.1:6 8:23 12:8, Php.1:7, 2Th.2:1, al. __II. C. accusative, primarily of place, over, beyond, across, hence, metaphorically, of measure or degree in excess, above, beyond, over, more than: Mat.10:24, 37 Luk.6:40, Act.26:13, 1Co.10:13, 2Co.1:8, Eph.1:22 3:20, Phm 16, al.; after comparatives = than (Jdg.11:25, al.), Luk.16:8, Heb.4:12. __III. As adv. (see supr. ad init.), more: ὕπερ ἐγώ, I more, 2Co.11:23; in compounds, see: ὑπεράνω, ὑπερλίαν, ὑπερπερισσῶς. __IV. In composition: over (ὑπεραίρω), beyond (ὑπερβάλλω), more (ὐπερνικάω), on behalf of (ὐπερεντυγχάνω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 142 NT verses. KJV: (+ 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 See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:21.

εγω egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NS

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: 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) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

κοποις kopos G2873 "labor" Noun-DPM

Labor or toil that is physically or emotionally exhausting, such as in John 4:38 and 1 Corinthians 3:8.

Definition: κόπος, -ου, ὁ (κόπτω) [in LXX chiefly for עָמָל, also for אָוֶן, etc. ;] __1. a striking, beating (in Jer.45:3 = κοπετός) __2. laborious toil, trouble: Jhn.4:38, 1Co.3:8 15:58, 1Th.3:5; κ. τ. ἀγάπης, 1Th.1:3; ἔργα καὶ κ., Rev.2:2; κ. καὶ μόχθος, 2Co.11:27, 1Th.2:9, 2Th.3:8; pl., ἐν κ., 2Co.6:5 10:15 11:23; ἐκ τ. κ., Rev.14:13; κόπονς (-ον) παρέχειν (in cl. more frequently π. πράγματα, πονον), with dative of person(s), Mat.26:10, Mrk.14:6, Luk.11:7 18:5, Gal.6:17.† SYN.: μόλθος, labour; πόνος (which see), toil, painful effort; in cl., "π. gives prominence to the effort (work as requiring force), κ. to the fatigue, μ. (chiefly poetic) to the hardship" (Thayer, see word κ.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 19 NT verses. KJV: labour, + trouble, weariness See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; Hebrews 6:10.

περισσοτερως perissōs G4057 "excessively" Adv-C

This word means beyond measure or exceedingly, used to describe something that is abundant or extreme. It is used in Matthew 27:23 to describe the crowd's insistence on crucifying Jesus. In Acts 26:11, it describes Paul's excessive persecution of Christians.

Definition: περισσῶς adv. (περισσός) [in LXX: Psa.31:23 (יֶתֶר -עַל), Da TH Dan.7:7, 19 8:9 (יַתִּיר, יֶתֶר) 2Ma.8:27 2Mac 12:44 A * ;] beyond measure, exceedingly, abundantly: Mat.27:23, Mrk.10:26 15:14, Act.26:11. Compar. __(a) περισσότερον (see: περισσός); __(b) περισσοτέρως: 2Co.1:12 2:4 7:15 11:23, Gal.1:14, Php.1:14, 1Th.2:17, Heb.2:1 13:19; π. μᾶλλον, 2Co.7:13; opposite to ἧττον, 2Co.12:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: exceedingly, out of measure, the more See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Acts 26:11; Hebrews 2:1.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

πληγαις plēgē G4127 "plague/blow/wound" Noun-DPF

This word means a blow, wound, or plague, like the wounds Jesus received, as seen in Revelation 13:3. It can also mean a calamity or disaster. In the Bible, it's used to describe physical harm or suffering.

Definition: πληγή, ῆς, ἡ (πλήσσω), [in LXX chiefly for מַכָּה, also for מַגֵּפָה etc. ;] __1. a blow, stripe, wound: pl., Luk.10:30 12:48, Act.16:23, 33, 2Co.6:5 11:23; ἡ π. τ. θανάτου (RV, death-stroke), Rev.13:3, 12; τ. μαχαίρας, Rev.13:14. __2. Metaphorical, a calamity, plague: Rev.9:18, 20 11:6 15:1, 6 15:8 16:9, 21 18:4, 8 21:9 22:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: plague, stripe, wound(-ed) See also: 2 Corinthians 6:5; Revelation 13:12; Revelation 9:18.

υπερβαλλοντως huperballontōs G5234 "severely" Adv

This word means to do something to an extreme degree, like beyond what is normal. It appears in 2 Corinthians 11:23, where Paul talks about his hardships. The KJV translates it as 'beyond measure'.

Definition: ὑπερβαλλόντως [in LXX: Job.15:11 א B (†) * ;] above measure: 2Co.11:23.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: beyond measure See also: 2 Corinthians 11:23.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

φυλακαις phulakē G5438 "prison/watch: prison" Noun-DPF

This word refers to a prison, guard, or watch, like in Acts 12:10 where Peter was held in prison by King Herod's guards. It can also mean a place of protection or a time of vigilance, as in Luke 2:8 where shepherds kept watch over their flocks.

Definition: φυλακή, -ῆς, ἡ (φυλάσσω) [in LXX chiefly for מִשְׁמֶרֶת and cogn. forms, also for כֶּלֶא etc. ;] __(a) actively, a guarding, guard, watch (Hom., Plat., Xen., al.): cogn. accusative, φυλάσσειν φυλακάς, to keep watch, Luk.2:8; __(b) of those who keep watch (as also Lat. custodia), a guard; pl., sentinels, a guard (Hom., al.): Act.12:10; __(with) of the place where persons are kept under guard, a prison (Hdt., Thuc., al.): Mat.14:10, Mrk.6:17, Luk.3:20, Act.5:19, 2Co.6:5, 1Pe.3:19, Rev.18:2, al.; __(d) of the time during which guard was kept by night (Lest. vigilia; Anthol.), a watch: Mat.14:25 24:43, Mrk.6:48, Luk.12:38 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch See also: 1 Peter 3:19; Luke 3:20; Hebrews 11:36.

περισσοτερως perissōs G4057 "excessively" Adv-C

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: exceedingly, out of measure, the more See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Acts 26:11; Hebrews 2:1.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

θανατοις thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-DPM

This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.

Definition: θάνατος, -ου, ὁ (θνήσκω), [in LXX chiefly for מָוֶת ,מוּת, sometimes דֶּבֶר ;] death; __1. of the death of the body, whether natural or violent: Jhn.11:13, Php.2:27, Heb.7:23, al; opposite to ζωή, Rom.8:38, Php.1:20; of the death of Christ, Rom.5:10, Php.3:10, Heb.2:9; ῥυέσθαι (σώζειν) ἐκ θ., 2Co.1:10, Heb.5:7; περίλυπος ἕως θανάτου, Mat.26:38, Mrk.14:34; μέχρι (ἄχρι), Php.2:8, Rev.2:10; πληγὴ θανάτου, a deadly wound. Rev.13:3; ἰδεῖν θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; γεύεσθαι θανάτου, Mrk.9:1; ἔνοχος θανάτου, Mrk.14:64; θανάτῳ τελευτᾶν ( Exo.21:17, מוּת יוּמָת), Mrk.7:10; death personified, Rom.6:9, 1Co.15:26, Rev.21:4; pl., of deadly perils, 2Co.11:23. __2. Of spiritual death: Jhn.5:24 8:51, Rom.7:10, Jas.1:15, 5:20, 1Jn.3:14 5:16, al.; of eternal death, Rom.1:32 7:5, al.; ὁ θ. ὁ δεύτερος, Rev.2:11 21:8 (cf. Cremer, 283ff.; DB, iii, 114ff.; DCG, i, 791f.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.

πολλακις pollakis G4178 "often" Adv

Often means many times or frequently, as seen in Matthew 17:15. This word is used to describe an action that happens repeatedly. It is used to emphasize the frequency of an event or action.

Definition: πολλάκις adv. (πολύς), often: Mat.17:15, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: oft(-en, -entimes, -times) See also: 2 Corinthians 8:22; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 6:7.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:23

Context — Paul’s Suffering and Service

21To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

23Are 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.

24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Corinthians 6:4–5	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;
2	2 Corinthians 1:9–10	Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
3	2 Corinthians 6:9	as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;
4	1 Corinthians 15:10	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.
5	Colossians 1:24	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.
6	2 Corinthians 11:24–25	Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.
7	2 Corinthians 3:6	And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
8	Acts 9:16	I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
9	2 Timothy 2:9	for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
10	Colossians 1:29	To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

2 Corinthians 11:23 Summary

In 2 Corinthians 11:23, Paul is saying that he has worked much harder than the false apostles, and has suffered many more hardships, all for the sake of serving Christ. He is not bragging, but rather showing that his love for Christ is genuine, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:14. Just like Paul, we can demonstrate our love for God by being willing to serve and suffer for Him, even when it's hard, and trusting in His strength and provision, as seen in Philippians 4:13. By following Paul's example, we can show that our commitment to Christ is real, and that we are willing to go through challenges for His sake, just as He went through challenges for ours, as seen in Hebrews 12:2-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of 2 Corinthians 11:23 and why is Paul boasting about his hardships?

Paul is responding to the boasts of the false apostles in 2 Corinthians 11:12-15, by comparing his own sufferings and labors for the sake of Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:21-23, and highlighting his commitment to the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 9:23-27.

How can Paul claim to be a servant of Christ when he is boasting about his accomplishments?

Paul is not boasting in the classical sense, but rather defending his ministry and demonstrating his love for Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, and following the example of Christ who humbled Himself in Philippians 2:5-8.

What is the significance of Paul's statement 'I am speaking like I am out of my mind' in 2 Corinthians 11:23?

Paul is acknowledging that his boasts may seem foolish to some, but he is willing to appear foolish for the sake of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:10, and demonstrating his humility and willingness to suffer for the Gospel in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my love and commitment to Christ, even in the face of hardships and challenges?
How can I, like Paul, view my difficulties and struggles as opportunities to serve and glorify God?
In what ways can I follow Paul's example of humility and willingness to appear foolish for the sake of the Gospel?
What are some areas in my life where I can trust God's strength and provision, even when I feel weak or inadequate, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ?.... The apostle could have answered to this question that they were not, being neither sent by Christ, nor preachers of him, and who sought their own things and not his,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:23

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23

Will they glory in this, that they are ministers of Christ, employed as the servants of Christ in preaching the gospel? I should not boast about this, (in that I may seem to speak as a fool), but I am much more a minister than they, both with respect to my call to the work, and also my performing of it. I had a more immediate call and mission to the work than what they can boast of, and I have done more in that work than any of them have done. In labours more abundant; I have travelled more to preach it, I have laboured more in the propagation of it. In stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent; I have suffered more for the preaching of it, I have been oftener whipped, oftener imprisoned, than any of them ever were: see ,5. In deaths oft; I have been oftener in hazard of my life: he calls dangers threatening death, deaths, as .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23

23 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. Ver. 23. In labours more abundant] Chrysostom calleth Paul, Insatiabilem Dei cultorem, an unweariable servant of God.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23

(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 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Corinthians 1:12.) 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 2 Corinthians 11:28, 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 (Acts 16:23), 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 2 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 4:10); but the words probably include dangers to life of other kinds as well as those arising from bodily disease.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23

Verse 23. Are they ministers of Christ] So we find that these were professors of Christianity; and that they were genuine Jews, and such as endeavoured to incorporate both systems, and, no doubt, to oblige those who had believed to be circumcised; and this appears to have been the bondage into which they had brought many of the believing Corinthians. I am more] More of a minister of Christ than they are, and have given fuller proofs of it. I have suffered persecution for the cross of Christ, and of the Jews too; and had I preached up the necessity of circumcision, I should have been as free from opposition as these are. In labours more abundant] Far from sitting down to take my ease in a Church already gathered into Christ; I travel incessantly, preach every where, and at all risks, in order to get the heathen brought from the empire of darkness into the kingdom of God's beloved Son. In stripes above measure] Being beaten by the heathen, who had no particular rule according to which they scourged criminals; and we find, from Acts 16:22; Acts 16:23, that they beat Paul unmercifully with many stripes. See the note on the above passage. In prisons more frequent] See Acts 21:11, and the whole of the apostle's history; and his long imprisonment of at least two years at Rome, Acts 28:16; Acts 28:30. It does not appear that there is any one instance of a false apostle having been imprisoned for the testimony of Christ; this was a badge of the true apostles. In deaths oft.] That is, in the most imminent dangers. See 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 4:11. And see the apostle's history in the Acts.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:23

23. Are they ministers of Christ?] St Paul here cannot be content with the simple ‘so am I.’ These men (see ch. 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Corinthians 1:10) claimed to be in some special sense Christ’s ministers. But when the Apostle thinks of the singleness of his devotion to Christ’s cause, of which he had so frequently boasted (ch. 2 Corinthians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 6:4-10, 2 Corinthians 7:2, &c.), and of the nature of his services as compared with theirs, his spirit rises within him. ‘I may speak like a madman,’ he cries (see next note), ‘but I cannot contain myself at such a charge. What have they done for the cause of Him whose name they falsely arrogate to themselves, compared to the services I have rendered? I use no mere words of vaunting, but appeal to the devotion of a life to His Gospel.’I speak as a fool] Rather as a madman (scarse wise, Rhemish. Our translation is Tyndale’s). The word in the original is stronger than that in 2 Corinthians 11:16; 2 Corinthians 11:19. St Paul is not thinking here so much of the impression his words may produce on the Corinthians, as of the fact that all ‘boasting’ in God’s sight is ‘excluded’ by the ‘law of faith’ (Romans 3:27; cf. Luke 17:10). Mad indeed is it to boast of anything as constituting a claim on God for reward. But facts are facts, and they may be appealed to, not for self-glorification, but (ch. 2 Corinthians 12:11) to confute pretensions which ought never to have been advanced.in labours more abundant] Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:10. He now commences the proof of this assertion, and it consists not in words but in deeds. He appeals to “a life hitherto without precedent in the history of the world. Self-devotion at particular moments, or for some special national cause, had been often seen before; but a self-devotion involving sacrifices like those here described, extending through a period of at least fourteen years, and in behalf of no local or family interest, but for the interest of mankind at large, was up to this time a thing unknown.” Stanley. De Wette would translate more abundantly (the word is an adverb in the original) and connect it with what has gone before, ‘in labours I am more abundantly a minister of Christ than they.’in prisons more frequent] “What is left out is more than is enumerated.” Chrysostom. There is but one imprisonment mentioned up to this time in the Acts (ch. Acts 16:23). So there is but one beating with rods (see below). The Acts of the Apostles, being written with a special purpose (see note on ch. 2 Corinthians 1:8, 2 Corinthians 6:5), does not attempt to give a full account of St Paul’s labours and sufferings. See Stanley’s note on 2 Corinthians 11:21 and Paley, Horae Paulinae, Ep. to Corinth. 9.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? - Though Jews by birth yet they claimed to be the ministers of the Messiah.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:23

23. Ministers—The Greek word technically for deacons, and genetically for humble servitors of any kind. As a fool—The echo from the other side is a stronger term for madness than any yet used. Are they servants of Christ?

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:23

	Sermon	Description
	A Day and a Night in the Deep by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully believing and trusting in the word of God. He uses the example of the Israelites who, despite knowing what God had p
	Trials and Afflictions by Bakht Singh	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in faithfulness during trials and afflictions. He refers to 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-14, which encourages bel
	Voices in the Coming Storm by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus walking on water and the disciples' reaction to it. He emphasizes the importance of having faith and not being afraid in
	The Perils of Paul by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the dedication and discipline of a young Chinese girl who practices diving for hours every day for five years. He uses this example to chall
	Scars That Speak by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on two verses from Galatians chapter 6, specifically verses 14 and 17. The speaker emphasizes that Paul saw that God had done everything in Jesu
	Grace & Peace by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker begins by asserting his qualifications as a minister of Christ, highlighting his experiences and hardships in serving the Lord. He shares instances of b
	The Sufferings of the Early Christians by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sufferings and trials that the apostle Paul endured for the sake of spreading the word of God. He mentions how Paul was beaten, stoned,