King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:28 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:28 in the King James Version says “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 11:28 · KJV


Context

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.

29

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

30

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. After the extensive physical sufferings catalog, Paul identifies the greatest burden: chōris tōn parektos (χωρὶς τῶν παρεκτός, 'apart from external things')—all the dangers and deprivations just listed. Hē epistasis moi hē kath' hēmeran (ἡ ἐπίστασίς μοι ἡ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, 'the daily pressure upon me')—relentless burden. Hē merimna pasōn tōn ekklēsiōn (ἡ μέριμνα πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, 'the care/anxiety for all the churches').

Merimna (μέριμνα, 'care/anxiety') describes pastoral concern—worry for their spiritual welfare, grief over their sin, fear of false teaching destroying them, longing for their maturity. This daily anxiety, Paul suggests, weighs heavier than beatings, shipwrecks, or starvation. Physical suffering ends; pastoral burden never ceases. All the churches emphasizes scope—not just Corinth but every congregation he planted or cared for.

This reveals apostolic ministry's true costliness: not primarily physical danger but emotional and spiritual burden. Paul carries the churches' struggles, sins, and sufferings on his heart constantly. This is what makes him 'spend and be spent' for them (12:15)—not just physical energy but spiritual-emotional investment unto exhaustion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's church-planting work across the Mediterranean created networks of congregations he remained responsible for. Letters like 2 Corinthians reveal ongoing crises requiring intervention. False teachers, moral failures, doctrinal confusion, relational conflict—all demanded Paul's attention. Communication was slow and travel difficult, increasing anxiety when problems arose.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's identification of daily pastoral anxiety as his greatest burden shape our view of what ministerial suffering primarily involves?
  2. In what ways might we wrongly separate physical/external suffering from the harder emotional/spiritual burden of caring for souls?
  3. What does it mean to carry 'the care of all the churches'—how do we balance healthy concern with debilitating anxiety?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
χωρὶς1 of 14

Beside

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

τῶν2 of 14

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρεκτὸς3 of 14

those things that are without

G3924

near outside, i.e., besides

τῶν4 of 14

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπισύστασις5 of 14

cometh upon

G1999

a conspiracy, i.e., concourse (riotous or friendly)

μου6 of 14

me

G3450

of me

τῶν7 of 14

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθ'8 of 14
G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἡμέραν9 of 14

daily

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῶν10 of 14

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέριμνα11 of 14

the care

G3308

solicitude

πασῶν12 of 14

of all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν13 of 14

that which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησιῶν14 of 14

the churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth


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 11:28 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 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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