2 Corinthians 11:23
New International Version
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

New Living Translation
Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.

English Standard Version
Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.

Berean Standard Bible
Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death.

Berean Literal Bible
Are they servants of Christ? I speak as being beside myself, I too above measure: more abundantly in labors, more abundantly in imprisonments, in beatings above measure, in deaths often.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

New American Standard Bible
Are they servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.

NASB 1995
Are they servants of Christ?— I speak as if insane— I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.

NASB 1977
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if insane) I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.

Legacy Standard Bible
Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, in beatings without number, in frequent danger of death.

Amplified Bible
Are they [self-proclaimed] servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if I were out of my mind—I am more so [for I exceed them]; with far more labors, with far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, and often in danger of death.

Christian Standard Bible
Are they servants of Christ? I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, many times near death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Are they servants of Christ? I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, near death many times.

American Standard Version
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.

Contemporary English Version
Are they servants of Christ? I am a fool to talk this way, but I serve him better than they do. I have worked harder and have been put in jail more times. I have been beaten with whips more and have been in danger of death more often.

English Revised Version
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labours more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Are they Christ's servants? It's insane to say it, but I'm a far better one. I've done much more work, been in prison many more times, been beaten more severely, and have faced death more often.

Good News Translation
Are they Christ's servants? I sound like a madman--but I am a better servant than they are! I have worked much harder, I have been in prison more times, I have been whipped much more, and I have been near death more often.

International Standard Version
Are they the Messiah's servants? I am insane to talk like this, but I am a far better one! I have been involved in far greater efforts, far more imprisonments, countless beatings, and have faced death more than once.

Majority Standard Bible
Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death.

NET Bible
Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times.

New Heart English Bible
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.

Webster's Bible Translation
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.

Weymouth New Testament
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if I were out of my mind.)

World English Bible
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself.) I am more so: in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, and in deaths often.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Are they servants of Christ? As [if] beside myself I speak—I [am] more; in labors more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths many times.

Berean Literal Bible
Are they servants of Christ? I speak as being beside myself, I too above measure: more abundantly in labors, more abundantly in imprisonments, in beatings above measure, in deaths often.

Young's Literal Translation
ministrants of Christ are they? -- as beside myself I speak -- I more; in labours more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths many times;

Smith's Literal Translation
Are they Christ's servants? (I speak being light-headed) I above; in toils more abundant, in blows more excessively, in watchings more abundantly, in deaths often.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.

Catholic Public Domain Version
They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as if I were less wise); more so am I: with many more labors, with numerous imprisonments, with wounds beyond measure, with frequent mortifications.

New American Bible
Are they ministers of Christ? (I am talking like an insane person.) I am still more, with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, far worse beatings, and numerous brushes with death.

New Revised Standard Version
Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If they are ministers of Christ, I speak as a fool, I am greater than they; in labor more than they, in wounds more than they, in imprisonments more frequent than they, and in danger of death many times.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
If they are Ministers of The Messiah, in stupidity I say that I am greater than they, in more toil than they, with more wounds than they, in chains more than they, in death many times.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Are they ministers of Christ? (I say it foolishly,) I am above them. In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.

Godbey New Testament
Are they the ministers of Christ? (I speak as a mad man,) I am more; in labors more abundantly, in stripes more abundantly, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often;

Haweis New Testament
Are they the ministers of Christ? (I speak foolishly) I am above them: in labours more abundantly, in stripes exceedingly more, in prisons more frequently, in the most immediate danger of death often.

Mace New Testament
so am I: are they ministers of Christ? is it my vanity? I am more so: in toilsome labours I surpass them, in stripes I am exceedingly beyond them, in prisons I have been oftner, and frequently in the very jaws of death.

Weymouth New Testament
Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if I were out of my mind.)

Worrell New Testament
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as beside myself) I am more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often;

Worsley New Testament
so am I: are they ministers of Christ? (if I may speak as a fool) I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes far exceeding, in prisons more frequently, and often even in deaths.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Suffering and Service
22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.…

Cross References
Acts 9:16
I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

Philippians 3:5-6
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; / as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

2 Timothy 2:9
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!

Acts 14:19-22
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. / But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. / They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ...

2 Corinthians 6:4-5
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;

Galatians 6:17
From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 4:11-13
To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. / We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

Acts 16:23-24
And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

2 Timothy 3:11
my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

Acts 20:23
I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

Hebrews 11:36-38
Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. / They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. / The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.


Treasury of Scripture

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

ministers.

2 Corinthians 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

1 Corinthians 3:5
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

I am.

2 Corinthians 11:5
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

2 Corinthians 12:11,12
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing…

in labours.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Colossians 1:29
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

in stripes.

2 Corinthians 11:24,25
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one…

2 Corinthians 6:4,5
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, …

Acts 9:16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

in prison.

Acts 9:16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Acts 16:24
Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Acts 20:23
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

in deaths.

2 Corinthians 1:9,10
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: …

Jump to Previous
Abundant Abundantly Beaten Christ Christ-I Countless Deaths Experience Exposed Far Flogged Fool Foolishly Frequent Frequently Hard Harder Imprisonments Labors Measure Mind Ministers Oft Often Prison Prisons Servants Severely Speak Stripes Talk Talking Times Worked
Jump to Next
Abundant Abundantly Beaten Christ Christ-I Countless Deaths Experience Exposed Far Flogged Fool Foolishly Frequent Frequently Hard Harder Imprisonments Labors Measure Mind Ministers Oft Often Prison Prisons Servants Severely Speak Stripes Talk Talking Times Worked
2 Corinthians 11
1. Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself,
5. of his equality with the chief apostles,
7. of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them;
13. showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative;
23. and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior.














Are they servants of Christ?
In this rhetorical question, Paul is challenging the claims of the false apostles in Corinth. The Greek word for "servants" is "διάκονοι" (diakonoi), which implies a role of service and ministry. Paul is emphasizing that true service to Christ is not about boasting or self-promotion but about genuine dedication and sacrifice. Historically, the early church faced many challenges from false teachers, and Paul is defending his apostolic authority and the authenticity of his ministry.

I am speaking like I am out of my mind
Paul uses this phrase to indicate that he is about to engage in what might seem like foolish boasting. The Greek word "παραφρονῶν" (paraphronon) suggests a departure from rational thought. Paul is aware that boasting is not the norm for a humble servant of Christ, yet he feels compelled to do so to counteract the influence of the false apostles. This highlights the tension between humility and the need to assert one's credentials in the face of opposition.

I am more so
Here, Paul asserts his superiority in service to Christ compared to the false apostles. The phrase "περισσότερον" (perissoteron) means "more abundantly" or "to a greater degree." Paul is not boasting for personal glory but to establish his credibility and the truth of his message. This reflects the biblical principle that true greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve and suffer for the sake of the Gospel.

in harder labor
Paul refers to the intense and strenuous efforts he has made in his ministry. The Greek word "κόποις" (kopoīs) denotes toil and laborious work. This highlights the physical and emotional demands of Paul's missionary journeys and his commitment to spreading the Gospel. Historically, Paul's travels were fraught with danger and hardship, yet he persevered, demonstrating the depth of his dedication to Christ.

in more imprisonments
Paul's mention of imprisonments underscores the persecution he faced for his faith. The Greek word "φυλακαῖς" (phylakais) refers to being held in custody or confinement. Throughout the New Testament, we see accounts of Paul's imprisonments, which serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his mission. This phrase reminds believers that following Christ may involve suffering and persecution, but it is a testament to one's faithfulness.

in worse beatings
Paul endured physical violence for the sake of the Gospel. The Greek word "πληγαῖς" (plēgais) means blows or wounds. This phrase highlights the physical cost of discipleship and the reality of suffering for Christ. Historically, the early Christians often faced brutal treatment, and Paul's experiences serve as an example of enduring hardship for the sake of the truth.

and many times near death
Paul frequently faced life-threatening situations. The phrase "πολλάκις ἐν θανάτοις" (pollakis en thanatois) indicates repeated exposure to mortal danger. This underscores the perilous nature of Paul's ministry and his willingness to risk his life for the Gospel. It serves as an inspiration for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of death, trusting in the promise of eternal life through Christ.

(23) Are they ministers of Christ?--It is obvious that this title was claimed by the rival teachers in some special sense. They were "ministers of Christ" in a nearer and a higher sense than others. This again falls in with all that has been said as to the nature and pretensions of those who said, "I am of Christ." (See Notes on 2Corinthians 10:7; 1Corinthians 1:12.)

I speak as a fool.--The form of the Greek verb is slightly varied, and means, more emphatically than before, I speak as one who is insane; I speak deliriously. In this instance, as before, we must believe that the Apostle is using, in a tone of indignant irony, the very words of insult which had been recklessly flung at him.

In labours . . .--All that follows up to 2Corinthians 11:28, inclusive, is a proof of his claim to call himself a minister of Christ. The word "labours" is, of course, too vague to admit of more than a general comparison with the picture of his life presented in the Acts of the Apostles. The more specific statements show us that the writer of that book tends to understate rather than exaggerate the labours and sufferings of the Apostle. It tells us, up to this time, only of one imprisonment, at Philippi (Acts 16:23), and leaves us to conjecture where and under what circumstances we are to look for the others. In the "deaths oft," we trace an echo of the "sentence of death," the "dying daily" (see Notes on 2Corinthians 1:9; 2Corinthians 4:10); but the words probably include dangers to life of other kinds as well as those arising from bodily disease. . . .

Verse 23. - I speak as a fool. Not merely as before aphron, but paraphronon," I speak as a madman." It is downright insanity on my part to enter into this contest of rival egotism. The verb does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament; the substantive is used of "downright infatuation" in 2 Peter 2:16. I am more. I may claim to be something beyond an ordinary servant of Christ (comp. 2 Corinthians 11:5). This is the "frantic" boast which he proceeds to justify in a fragment of biography which must ever be accounted as the most remarkable and unique in the world's history. And when St. Paul lived the life was, as Dean Stanley says, "hitherto without precedent in the history of the world." No subsequent life of saint or martyr has ever surpassed St. Paul's, as here sketched, in self-devotion; and no previous life even remotely resembled it. The figure of the Christian missionary was, until then, unknown. In labours more abundant; literally, more abundantly. The best comment is 1 Corinthians 15:10. In stripes above measure. The expression is partly explained in the next verse. In prisons. St. Clement of Rome says that St. Paul was imprisoned seven times. The only imprisonment up to this date recorded in the Acts is that at Philippi (Acts 16:23). The imprisonments in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Rome all took place later. He says later," The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city that bonds and imprisonment await me" (Acts 20:23). In deaths oft. He alludes to the incessant opposition, peril, and anguish which make him say in 1 Corinthians 15:31, "I die daily" (comp. 2 Corinthians 4:11; Romans 8:36). With the whole passage we may compare 2 Corinthians 6:4, 5.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Are they
εἰσιν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

servants
διάκονοι (diakonoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1249: Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.

of Christ?
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

I am speaking
λαλῶ (lalō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

like I am out of my mind,
παραφρονῶν (paraphronōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3912: To be out of my senses, be beside myself. From para and phroneo; to misthink, i.e. Be insane.

[but] I am
ἐγώ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

so much more:
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Adverb
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

harder
περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4057: Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly.

labor,
κόποις (kopois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2873: From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

more
περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4057: Greatly, exceedingly, abundantly, vehemently. Adverb from perissos; superabundantly.

imprisonments,
φυλακαῖς (phylakais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5438: From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

worse
ὑπερβαλλόντως (hyperballontōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5234: Beyond measure. Adverb from present participle active of huperballo; excessively.

beatings,
πληγαῖς (plēgais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4127: A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

frequent
πολλάκις (pollakis)
Adverb
Strong's 4178: Many times, often, frequently. Multiplicative adverb from polus; many times, i.e. Frequently.

danger of death.
θανάτοις (thanatois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I speak (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 11:22
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