2 Corinthians 11:25

Authorized King James Version

Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τρὶς
Thrice
three times
#2
ἐῤῥαβδίσθην,
was I beaten with rods
to strike with a stick, i.e., bastinado
#3
ἅπαξ
once
one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)
#4
ἐλιθάσθην
was I stoned
to lapidate
#5
τρὶς
Thrice
three times
#6
ἐναυάγησα
I suffered shipwreck
to be shipwrecked (stranded, "navigate"), literally or figuratively
#7
νυχθήμερον
a night and a day
a day-and-night, i.e., full day of twenty-four hours
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
βυθῷ
the deep
depth, i.e., (by implication) the sea
#11
πεποίηκα·
I have been
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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