2 Corinthians 11:8

Authorized King James Version

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἄλλας
other
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#2
ἐκκλησίας
churches
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#3
ἐσύλησα
I robbed
to despoil
#4
λαβὼν
taking
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#5
ὀψώνιον
wages
rations for a soldier, i.e., (by extension) his stipend or pay
#6
πρὸς
of them to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#7
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ὑμῶν
you
of (from or concerning) you
#9
διακονίαν
do
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection