King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:26 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:26 in the King James Version says “In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heat...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;”

2 Corinthians 11:26 · King James Version

Context

24

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

25

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

26

In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Read 2 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren. Eight categories of kindynois (κινδύνοις, 'dangers/perils') cascade in rapid succession, creating a comprehensive catalog of threats Paul faced. The anaphoric repetition kindynois... kindynois... kindynois (eight times) hammers home the relentless nature of apostolic hazards.

Journeyings often (hodoiporiais pollakis, ὁδοιποριαῖς πολλάκις)—constant travel on foot through dangerous terrain. Perils of waters—flooded rivers without bridges. Perils of robbers (lēstōn, ληστῶν)—bandits infesting trade routes. By mine own countrymen... by the heathen—Jews and Gentiles both threatened him. In the city... in the wilderness—urban mobs and rural isolation both dangerous. In the sea—echoing the shipwrecks. Among false brethren (en pseudadelphois, ἐν ψευδαδέλφοις)—the worst danger, betrayal by supposed Christians.

The final danger is most painful—not external enemies but internal traitors. Pseudadelphoi (ψευδαδέλφοις, 'false brothers') likely refers to Judaizers and false teachers who infiltrated churches to undermine Paul's gospel (Gal 2:4). Physical dangers Paul could endure; spiritual subversion by counterfeit believers cut deeper.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient travel was extremely hazardous. Roman roads improved safety but robbers still plagued routes. Rivers lacked bridges, requiring dangerous fording. Cities could turn into riot scenes (Acts 17:5; 19:23-41). Wilderness travel exposed travelers to animals, weather, and bandits. Sea travel risked storms and shipwreck. Paul faced all these plus persecution from both Jews and Gentiles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's eight-fold catalog of dangers reveal that gospel ministry involves comprehensive risk, not selective courage in comfortable areas?
  2. Why might 'perils among false brethren' be listed last—what makes betrayal by professing Christians especially dangerous?
  3. What risks are we unwilling to take for gospel advance that Paul routinely endured as normal apostolic life?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ὁδοιπορίαις1 of 24

“In journeyings”

G3597

travel

πολλάκις2 of 24

“often”

G4178

many times, i.e., frequently

κινδύνοις3 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

ποταμῶν4 of 24

“of waters”

G4215

a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water

κινδύνοις5 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

λῃστῶν6 of 24

“of robbers”

G3027

a brigand

κινδύνοις7 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

ἐξ8 of 24

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

γένους9 of 24

“mine own countrymen”

G1085

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

κινδύνοις10 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

ἐξ11 of 24

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἐθνῶν12 of 24

“the heathen”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

κινδύνοις13 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

ἐν14 of 24

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πόλει15 of 24

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

κινδύνοις16 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

ἐν17 of 24

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐρημίᾳ18 of 24

“the wilderness”

G2047

solitude (concretely)

κινδύνοις19 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

ἐν20 of 24

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

θαλάσσῃ21 of 24

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

κινδύνοις22 of 24

“in perils”

G2794

danger

ἐν23 of 24

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ψευδαδέλφοις24 of 24

“false brethren”

G5569

a spurious brother, i.e., pretended associate

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 11:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 14:5Acts 25:3Acts 13:50Acts 17:5Acts 20:192 Corinthians 1:8-10

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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