2 Corinthians 11 26

2 Corinthians 11:26 kjv

In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

2 Corinthians 11:26 nkjv

in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

2 Corinthians 11:26 niv

I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.

2 Corinthians 11:26 esv

on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;

2 Corinthians 11:26 nlt

I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 26 Meaning

This verse lists a common form of hardship faced by the apostles: perilous journeys. These were not mere travels but fraught with dangers. It underscores the extreme risks involved in spreading the Gospel, highlighting the resilience and dedication of those who endured them for Christ.

2 Corinthians 11 26 Context

This verse is part of the extended defense Paul is mounting in his second letter to the Corinthians. He is contrasting himself and the other apostles with the "super-apostles" who were boasting and leading the Corinthian church astray. Paul lists his sufferings and hardships (2 Corinthians 11:23-29) as evidence of his authentic apostleship. These trials were not mere inconveniences but severe dangers that demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Gospel, contrasting with the false claims of his detractors.

2 Corinthians 11 26 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and." A common conjunction connecting the various hardships listed.

• ἐν (en): "in," "among." Indicates the sphere or condition within which these dangers occurred.

• κινδύνοις (kindinois): "dangers," "perils." A strong word implying potential harm, risk, or disaster. It speaks of situations that could lead to death.

• τῶν (tōn): "of the." The genitive article.

• ψευδαδέλφων (pseudadelphōn): "false brethren," "counterfeit brothers." A strong accusation against those who claimed to be fellow believers but were actually opponents or infiltrators.

• καὶ (kai): "and."

• ἐν (en): "in."

• κινδύνοις (kindinois): "dangers," "perils." Repetition emphasizes the pervasive nature of these risks.

• ψευδωμ lundioues (pseudōmudelloues): This is not a recognized Greek word or common variant. Assuming a typo and referencing a common theme in Paul's letters regarding his false claims by adversaries or dangers from his own people. If it was meant to imply "dangers from false brothers," the concept is covered by the first instance of "pseudadelphōn." It's crucial to note this is likely a textual error in the prompt. However, interpreting based on common Pauline themes, it might allude to the dangers caused by or among false brethren, or perhaps specific dangers arising from opposition within the believing community. Without a standard word, we rely on context. The surrounding verses (e.g., 11:26) clearly link dangers to his ministry and the nature of his opponents.

• Words-group by words-group Analysis:

  • "in perils of waters": Refers to the specific dangers encountered during sea travel, common in the ancient world, especially for evangelists like Paul who traveled extensively by sea. This highlights the hazardous conditions of ancient maritime travel, including storms, piracy, and shipwrecks.
  • "in perils of robbers": Indicates the threat of armed bands who preyed on travelers, especially on less-trafficked routes. This speaks to the lawless elements that could ambush travelers, posing a direct threat to life and property.
  • "in perils of my own countrymen": Points to dangers stemming from his own Jewish people who opposed his ministry, often out of zeal for the Law and rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. This includes persecution, accusations, and attempts on his life by those who felt he betrayed his heritage.
  • "in perils of the Gentiles": Refers to dangers from the non-Jewish world, including Roman authorities who could arrest him, hostile crowds, and cultural misunderstandings that led to violence or persecution. This shows opposition came from all segments of society.
  • "in perils in the city": Signifies dangers within urban centers, such as riots, mob violence, legal prosecution, and public unrest. Cities were often centers of opposition, as seen in the uproar in Ephesus (Acts 19).
  • "in perils in the wilderness": Suggests dangers faced in remote or unpopulated areas, which could include lack of resources, hostile encounters with bandits, or getting lost. This shows his ministry took him to challenging and isolated locations.
  • "in perils in the sea": A broader category encompassing all dangers associated with maritime travel, reiterating the treacherous nature of seafaring.
  • "in perils among false brethren": The most poignant and perhaps surprising danger, referring to betrayal, deceit, and opposition from individuals who were outwardly professing Christians but inwardly hostile or deceived. This speaks to the pain of experiencing opposition from within the community of faith itself.

2 Corinthians 11 26 Bonus Section

The list of dangers presented by Paul is a literary device known as accumulation or cataloging, used to powerfully illustrate the extent of his suffering. It’s a rhetorical strategy designed to elicit empathy and demonstrate the gravity of his claims. The progression of dangers—from sea voyages to bandits, from countrymen to Gentiles, and within cities, wilderness, and sea—shows that danger was omnipresent and multifaceted. The inclusion of "perils among false brethren" is particularly significant, as it highlights the deep emotional toll of opposition from those who should have been allies, a testament to the painful reality of spiritual warfare.

2 Corinthians 11 26 Commentary

Paul here details the immense risks he willingly faced. The repeated use of "perils" (κίνδυνοι - kindynoi) emphasizes the constant threat of danger, ranging from natural disasters at sea to violent opposition from both Jews and Gentiles, and even betrayal by false believers. His enumeration serves as a powerful testament to his sacrifice and commitment to spreading the Gospel. This was not an abstract faith; it was a lived reality tested by extreme physical and emotional dangers. He enumerves these as evidence against the superficial boasts of the false teachers. These dangers were often a consequence of his dedication to the Gospel, and his ability to survive and persevere showcased God’s sustaining power in the midst of adversity.