2 Corinthians 6 5

2 Corinthians 6:5 kjv

In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

2 Corinthians 6:5 nkjv

in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;

2 Corinthians 6:5 niv

in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;

2 Corinthians 6:5 esv

beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;

2 Corinthians 6:5 nlt

We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.

2 Corinthians 6 verses

2 Corinthians 6 5 Meaning

This verse speaks to the trials and adversities faced by the apostles. They experienced physical hardship, unmet needs, and societal rejection. These sufferings were not signs of God's disfavor, but rather demonstrations of their authentic commitment to Christ and the gospel. They were characterized by their endured hardships.

2 Corinthians 6 5 Context

Second Corinthians 6:3-10 continues Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry. In chapter 6, Paul contrasts the "splendor" of his ministry with the apparent weaknesses and sufferings he endures. He has been speaking about not giving offense in anything so that his ministry would not be discredited (6:3). He then proceeds to list the various hardships he and his co-workers faced, portraying them not as failures, but as evidence of their genuine service and loyalty to God. This specific verse serves as a powerful testament to the practical realities of their mission, setting them apart from false apostles who likely did not experience such extremities.

2 Corinthians 6 5 Word Analysis

• In labours: (Greek: kópōn - kol-pōn) - Denotes strenuous physical effort, toil, often with the implication of exhaustion or difficulty. This points to the intense and demanding nature of their missionary work.
• And perils: (Greek: kindynōn - kin-dun-on) - Refers to dangers, risks, and the potential for harm. This highlights the hazardous circumstances under which they operated.
• Of enemies: (Greek: ekhthrōn - ekh-thron) - Implies opposition and hostility from adversaries. This could include external enemies of the gospel and possibly internal Judaizers or false teachers.
• In deaths: (Greek: thanátois - than-at-oys) - Not literal death, but experiences that brought them to the brink of death, facing constant threats and danger to their lives. This reflects a living as if daily facing mortality for Christ's sake.
• Of the: (Greek: tōn - ton) - Definite article, "the," indicating specific instances or occurrences.
• Gentiles: (Greek: ethnōn - eth-non) - Refers to non-Jewish people. The dangers and oppositions were not limited to Jewish communities but also included those from the wider Gentile world.
• Of friends: (Greek: philōn - phil-on) - A difficult concept, suggesting dangers or betrayal even from those who should have been allies or supporters. This can refer to professing Christians who turned against them or those within the community whose actions endangered Paul and his team.
• In the: (Greek: en - en, tois - tois) - Preposition "in" and definite article "the," suggesting circumstances or contexts.
• Doubtful: (Greek: epistatoi - ep-is-tat-oy) - Refers to trustworthiness or reliability, here possibly meaning people of unknown or wavering loyalty, or situations where trustworthiness could not be assured. This indicates precarious relationships.
• In the: (Greek: en - en, tois - tois) - Preposition "in" and definite article "the."
• Experience: (Greek: dokimē - dok-ee-may) - A testing or proving. This suggests not only experiencing but undergoing trials that tested their character and faith.
• Of false brethren: (Greek: pseudadelphōn - pseu-dad-el-fon) - Denotes individuals who professed to be Christians but were not genuinely part of the community of faith. This points to betrayal from within the church.

2 Corinthians 6 5 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "labours and perils" also relates to the Apostle Paul's self-understanding as an apostle "less than the least of all the saints" (Eph 3:8). His suffering was a confirmation of his calling and a participation in Christ's suffering, filling up what was lacking in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of His body, the church (Col 1:24). The inclusion of "dangers from false brethren" is particularly poignant, as internal conflict and betrayal within the Christian community often brought more pain and difficulty than external opposition. This reality challenged the notion that a ministry devoid of such trials was inherently superior or more blessed.

2 Corinthians 6 5 Commentary

Paul presents a stark contrast to the self-sufficiency and prestige that might be associated with worldly success. He emphasizes that his apostleship was proven not by ease but by immense hardship. The litany of suffering—labors, perils, facing death, dangers from both outsiders (Gentiles) and even those who should have been trusted (false brethren)—serves as a badge of authenticity. These experiences tested and confirmed their resolve and dedication to God. This aligns with Jesus' own teaching that persecution is a sign of true discipleship and that suffering is an inevitable part of following Him. Their lives were lived in constant awareness of mortal danger, underscoring their utter reliance on divine strength.