1 Corinthians 15:31
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Original Language Analysis
καθ'
daily
G2596
καθ'
daily
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἡμέραν
G2250
ἡμέραν
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
2 of 15
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
νὴ
I protest by
G3513
νὴ
I protest by
Strong's:
G3513
Word #:
4 of 15
a particle of attestation (accompanied by the object invoked or appealed to in confirmation); as sure as
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καύχησιν
G2746
καύχησιν
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
7 of 15
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.1 Thessalonians 3:9For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;Acts 20:23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.Jeremiah 11:7For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.2 Corinthians 11:23Are 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.
Historical Context
Paul's life was precarious from Damascus (Acts 9:23-25) through his execution in Rome. Five times he received 39 lashes, three beatings with rods, one stoning (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). He wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus, where silversmiths later rioted, threatening his life (Acts 19). 'I die daily' was literal reality, not hyperbole.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'die daily' in modern contexts where physical martyrdom is less common?
- How does Paul's pride in the Corinthian church motivate his suffering—what does this teach about pastoral ministry?
- Why would Paul endure daily death-threats if resurrection were false—what does this prove?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord (καθ' ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω, νὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν, ἀδελφοί, ἣν ἔχω ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν)—The phrase nē tēn hymeteran kauchēsin (νὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν) is an oath formula, "I swear by your boasting/rejoicing." Paul takes an oath by his legitimate pride in the Corinthian church—they are his kauchēsis (καύχησις, "boast, pride"), evidence his ministry bears fruit (2 Corinthians 1:14, Philippians 2:16).
I die daily (καθ' ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω)—The phrase kath' hēmeran apothnēskō means daily facing death threat, not mere self-denial. Paul's apostolic ministry meant continual mortal danger. He lived as a condemned man awaiting execution—which finally came circa AD 67 under Nero. Only resurrection hope makes such a life rational and joyful.