2 Corinthians 11:28
What does 2 Corinthians 11:28 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 11:28 means
On top of outward trials, Paul carries a daily weight: anxiety for all the churches. His heart is engaged with the spiritual health of congregations he serves. This is not sinful worry but pastoral concern that prays, counsels, and watches over souls. The pressure is constant and comprehensive. He feels responsible before God for their growth and protection. This internal burden shows that true ministry is not measured only by public events but by private, ongoing care. It reveals love that labors in prayer and oversight, adding an interior dimension to the external hardships he has just listed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In addition to all the other things, there is that which comes on me every day, the care of all the churches.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862apart from the things without--the crowding upon me that is daily--the care of all the assemblies.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Besides those things which are without: my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Besides those things that are without, the crowd [of cares] pressing on me daily, the burden of all the assemblies.
Context
Having detailed physical sufferings (vv.23–27), Paul now unveils the inner load of ministry (v.28). This shifts the focus from bodily trials to spiritual responsibility, preparing for his empathetic solidarity with the weak and stumbling (v.29). Together, these complete the portrait of authentic ministry. With the catalog finished, Paul will draw his conclusion about boasting (v.30), swear the truthfulness of his account (v.31), and give a concrete example that encapsulates his theme of weakness and deliverance (vv.32–33).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:18
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time,
- Acts 15:36
And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they fare.
- Romans 15:16
that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 11:13
But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;
- 1 Corinthians 7:17
Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.
- Acts 15:40
but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
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