2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
The God
G2316
θεὸς
The God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
2 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατὴρ
Father
G3962
πατὴρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οἶδεν
knoweth
G1492
οἶδεν
knoweth
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνας
evermore
G165
αἰῶνας
evermore
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
ὅτι
that I
G3754
ὅτι
that I
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
17 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.Colossians 1:3We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,Romans 1:25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.Romans 15:6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.John 10:30I and my Father are one.2 Corinthians 1:3Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;1 Peter 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Historical Context
Taking oaths by God's name was serious in Jewish culture (Exod 20:7). Paul uses this form rarely (Rom 1:9; 2 Cor 1:23; Gal 1:20; Phil 1:8; 1 Thess 2:5), suggesting either opponents' accusations of lying or the inherent implausibility of the Damascus escape requiring divine witness to authenticate it.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Paul's need to swear an oath suggest about opposition he faced—how did critics attack his credibility?
- How does appealing to God's omniscience as witness provide ultimate accountability for truthfulness in ministry?
- In what situations might you need to stake your integrity on God's knowledge of your heart when others question your truthfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. Paul introduces his Damascus escape (v. 32-33) with solemn oath: ho theos kai patēr tou kyriou Iēsou (ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, 'the God and Father of the Lord Jesus')—full divine title. Ho ōn eulogētos eis tous aiōnas (ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, 'who is blessed forever')—doxology affirming God's eternal glory. Oiden hoti ou pseudomai (οἶδεν ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι, 'knows that I do not lie')—oath of truthfulness.
The solemn oath before recounting an apparently trivial escape suggests Paul's opponents questioned his stories or accused him of exaggeration. Paul stakes his integrity on God's omniscience—God knows the truth. The escape story that follows may have been mocked by critics as undignified (fleeing in a basket!) when Paul should be emphasizing it as further evidence of weakness that displays God's deliverance.
The full Trinitarian formula God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ grounds Paul's oath in the highest authority. He's not merely swearing by God but specifically by the Father of Jesus, whose truth he proclaims. False apostles may lie; Paul serves the God of truth and cannot lie about his experiences without blaspheming.