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 details a litany of intense dangers and hardships faced by the Apostle Paul throughout his missionary endeavors. It elaborates on various types of threats encountered during his extensive travels—from the natural environment like treacherous rivers, desolate wilderness, and stormy seas, to the ever-present human dangers of highway robbers, hostile opposition from both his Jewish countrymen and non-Jewish Gentiles, perils within bustling cities, and most painfully, betrayal from those within the Christian community itself. The repeated phrase "in perils" underscores the constant, pervasive threat that characterized his apostolic ministry.

2 Corinthians 11 26 Context

2 Corinthians 11:26 is part of a larger section (11:1-12:13) often called Paul's "fool's speech." In this ironic discourse, Paul reluctantly boasts about his hardships and sufferings as proof of his authentic apostleship, in direct contrast to "super-apostles" or false teachers who were challenging his authority and subtly corrupting the Corinthian church. These false apostles likely boasted of impressive rhetorical skills, charisma, and possibly human connections, while downplaying physical hardship. Paul, instead of presenting himself with worldly credentials, appeals to his enduring trials for Christ as evidence of true ministry. The listing of dangers, including this verse, serves to expose the shallowness of his opponents' claims and validate his own sacrifice and dedication to the Gospel. Historically, ancient travel was inherently perilous, fraught with dangers from nature, banditry, political instability, and cultural tensions. For a missionary like Paul, these ordinary dangers were magnified by specific religious and political opposition to his message.

2 Corinthians 11 26 Word analysis

• In journeyings (ὁδοιπορίαις - hodoiporiais): From hodos (road, way) and poreia (going). Signifies extensive, frequent travels, not just short trips. These were physically demanding and long expeditions across land and sea, intrinsic to missionary work, setting him apart from sedentary opponents.
• often (πολλάκις - pollakis): Emphasizes the high frequency and ceaseless nature of Paul's travels. It underlines the relentless commitment and lack of respite, signifying a lifestyle constantly on the move for the Gospel.
• in perils (κινδύνοις - kindunois): Repeated nine times, this Greek word denotes serious dangers, hazards, or risks. Its repetition hammers home the constant state of immediate threat Paul experienced. It implies not just difficulties, but life-threatening situations.
• of waters (ποταμῶν - potamōn): Specifically refers to rivers. Dangers could include flash floods, treacherous river crossings, or becoming stranded. Travel often involved crossing rivers without bridges, leading to risks of drowning or being swept away.
• of robbers (ληστῶν - lēstōn): Denotes highwaymen, brigands, or bandits. Main roads in the ancient world were notoriously unsafe, particularly in remote or politically unstable areas. Such encounters could lead to violence, injury, and loss of possessions, similar to the victim in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
• by mine own countrymen (ἐκ γένους - ek genous): Lit. "from [my] race/kindred." This refers to opposition, persecution, and plots from fellow Jews who often rejected Paul's message of Christ, sometimes inciting violence against him. This was a particularly painful form of peril, coming from those who shared his heritage and monotheistic tradition.
• by the heathen (ἐξ ἐθνῶν - ex ethnōn): Lit. "from [the] nations/Gentiles." This signifies hostility from non-Jewish populations, including mob violence, political opposition from local authorities, or legal accusations often incited by others. These were distinct from Jewish opposition, stemming from idolatry, economic interests, or general Roman social order disruption.
• in the city (πόλει - polei): Dangers specific to urban environments. These could include riots, legal battles, public beatings, imprisonment, or social unrest stirred up by opponents. Cities were centers of commerce, culture, and dense populations, providing both opportunities for evangelism and sources of opposition.
• in the wilderness (ἐν ἐρημίᾳ - en erēmia): Perils encountered in desolate or unpopulated regions. This included exposure to harsh elements, hunger, thirst, attacks from wild animals, or simply getting lost without aid. These areas presented primitive and natural threats.
• in the sea (θαλάσσῃ - thalassē): Dangers associated with sea travel, such as violent storms, shipwrecks, and piracy. Paul specifically mentions three shipwrecks in the preceding verse (11:25), illustrating these as common and severe threats to ancient voyagers.
• among false brethren (ψευδαδέλφοις - pseudadelphois): The most insidious and heartbreaking danger. This refers to individuals claiming to be fellow Christians who actually posed a threat, either by promoting false doctrine, challenging Paul's authority with ulterior motives, or acting as informers/betrayers. This peril wounds from within the community, compromising trust and unity.

• "In journeyings often, in perils of waters...": The anaphoric repetition of "in perils" creates a cumulative effect, stressing the relentless and comprehensive nature of the dangers Paul faced. Each listed item contributes to a picture of constant jeopardy from virtually every direction and environment.
• "in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen...": This contrast highlights the dual sources of external human opposition Paul faced—from his own religious background due to his conversion and mission to Gentiles, and from the broader pagan society due to his proclamation of Christ as Lord over all. This shows a man caught between two worlds, rejected by both in many instances.
• "in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea": These groupings emphasize the spatial universality of his dangers. No environment offered safety or respite; danger lurked whether amidst human civilization or in the vast, untamed elements.
• "in perils among false brethren": This particular grouping stands out as distinct from external physical or environmental dangers. It underscores the profound spiritual and emotional toll of internal opposition, where trust is betrayed, and the unity of the body of Christ is threatened by deceit from within its own ranks. This can be more crushing than external opposition.

2 Corinthians 11 26 Bonus section

This exhaustive list of perils functions rhetorically within Paul's "fool's speech" (2 Cor 11:1-12:13) not as a plea for sympathy, but as a deliberate anti-boast, ironically surpassing the boasting of his opponents. While they might have boasted of spiritual experiences or impressive rhetoric, Paul highlights his identification with Christ through shared suffering. The breadth of dangers detailed—from physical and natural elements to human malice (both external and internal)—presents a comprehensive picture of the self-emptying nature of true apostleship. It demonstrates a man whose entire existence was consumed by his mission, enduring constant insecurity and threat without seeking worldly comfort or security. This list ultimately underscores a paradox of Christian ministry: vulnerability and hardship often validate faithfulness and demonstrate divine power working through human weakness, as also detailed later by Paul (2 Cor 12:9-10).

2 Corinthians 11 26 Commentary

2 Corinthians 11:26 serves as a powerful testament to Paul's authentic ministry, which was characterized by continuous suffering and unwavering perseverance for the Gospel's sake. It is a comprehensive catalogue of physical, social, and spiritual threats, strategically listed to demonstrate the stark difference between Paul's genuine, costly service and the shallow, self-promoting claims of the false apostles. This verse is not a lament but a defiant "boast" in his weaknesses, paradoxically showcasing the strength and power of God working through his enduring hardship. It profoundly reveals that true spiritual authority often stems from identification with Christ's sufferings, enduring a gauntlet of trials for the sake of God's people and mission. The progression from external, environmental dangers to the deeply personal and hurtful betrayal by "false brethren" culminates in a recognition that some of the greatest challenges to faith come from within.