In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
What does 2 Corinthians 11:27 mean?
The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 11:25-27 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:27
In weariness - Resulting from traveling, exposure, labor, and want. The word κοπος kopos (from κοπτω kopto, "to beat, to cut") means, properly, "wailing and grief," accompanied with beating the breast. Hence, the word means "toil, labor, wearisome effort." And painfulness - This word (μοχθος mochthos) is a stronger term than the former. It implies painful effort; labor producing sorrow, and in the New Testament is uniformly connected with the word rendered "weariness" (1 Thess, 2 Corinthians 2:9 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:8 ), rendered in both those places "travail." In watchings often - In loss of sleep, arising from abundant toils and from danger; see the note on 2 Corinthians 6:5 .
Key words
- weariness
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In weariness and painfulness,.
- painfulness
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In weariness and painfulness,.
Context in 2 Corinthians 11
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2 Corinthians 11 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as fool’s speech and weakness. Second Corinthians is Paul’s deepest letter on apostolic suffering, consolation, generosity, reconciliation, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of weakness, ministry, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.