2 Corinthians 11:23

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
διάκονοι
ministers
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
#2
Χριστοῦ
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#3
εἰσιν
Are they
they are
#4
παραφρονῶν
as a fool
to misthink, i.e., be insane (silly)
#5
λαλῶ
(I speak
to talk, i.e., utter words
#6
ὑπὲρ
am more
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#7
ἐγώ·
I
i, me
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
κόποις
labours
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
#10
περισσοτέρως
more abundant
more superabundantly
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
πληγαῖς
stripes
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#13
ὑπερβαλλόντως
above measure
excessively
#14
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
φυλακαῖς
prisons
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#16
περισσοτέρως
more abundant
more superabundantly
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
θανάτοις
deaths
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#19
πολλάκις
oft
many times, i.e., frequently

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection