Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 11:31

What does 2 Corinthians 11:31 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 11:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 11:31 means

Paul seals his testimony with a solemn appeal to “The God and Father of the Lord Jesus,” who is “blessed for evermore.” God knows he is not lying. This oath-like statement underscores the truthfulness of his account amid the swirl of accusations and boasts in Corinth. By invoking the Father of the Lord Jesus, Paul roots his words in worship and covenant relationship. His defense is not a personal vendetta but a matter before God. The One who searches hearts bears witness that Paul has spoken honestly about his sufferings, motives, and approach to ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be praise for ever, is witness that the things which I say are true.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ--who is blessed to the ages--hath known that I do not lie! --

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth that I lie not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

TheGod and Father of the Lord Jesus knows — he who is blessed for ever — that I do not lie.

Context

Having announced his resolve to boast in weakness (v.30), Paul affirms the truth of all he has said with a solemn declaration (v.31). This prepares the reader to receive the final example (vv.32–33) as historical and emblematic. The Damascus incident will illustrate the very kind of weakness he boasts in: an ignoble escape rather than a triumphant display. It is a fitting conclusion to a chapter that has inverted worldly boasting by highlighting humiliation and dependence as marks of genuine apostolic service.

v.30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.

v.31This passage

v.32In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to take me:

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 41:13

    Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:23

    But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.

  • Ephesians 3:14

    For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father,

  • 1 Timothy 1:11

    according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

  • Romans 9:1

    I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,

  • Romans 1:9

    For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers

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