Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:24

What does 2 Corinthians 11:24 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:24 means

Paul recounts that five times he received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. This severe punishment, intended to stop short of death, left lasting marks. It shows his commitment to preach Christ even among his own people despite fierce opposition. His persistence under repeated discipline demonstrates fidelity not swayed by pain or rejection. These lashes authenticate his ministry far more than polished speech could. He carries in his body the evidence that he put the gospel ahead of personal safety. Each beating was a choice to continue following Christ, proving a love that endures rather than a reputation that dazzles.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Five times the Jews gave me forty blows but one.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

from Jews five times forty <FI>stripes<Fi> save one I did receive;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes save one.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

From the Jews five times have I received forty [stripes], save one.

Context

The general claim of v.23 is now specified. The first item is five synagogue lashings (v.24), followed by Roman-style beatings with rods, stoning, shipwrecks, and exposure to danger (v.25). The list expands in v.26 to perils from many quarters, and in v.27 to ongoing deprivations. This crescendo of suffering reframes the Corinthians’ values and prepares for Paul’s statement about inner pressures (v.28) and empathetic responses (v.29). The catalog leads directly to his declaration that boasting will focus on weakness (v.30).

v.23Are 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.

v.24This passage

v.25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 13:9

    But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them.

  • Deuteronomy 25:2

    And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his wickedness, by number.

  • Matthew 10:17

    But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

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