King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 11:31 Mean?

2 Corinthians 11:31 in the King James Version says “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 11:31 · KJV

Context

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.

31

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

32

In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

33

And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Read 2 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. Paul introduces his Damascus escape (v. 32-33) with solemn oath: ho theos kai patēr tou kyriou Iēsou (ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, 'the God and Father of the Lord Jesus')—full divine title. Ho ōn eulogētos eis tous aiōnas (ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, 'who is blessed forever')—doxology affirming God's eternal glory. Oiden hoti ou pseudomai (οἶδεν ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι, 'knows that I do not lie')—oath of truthfulness.

The solemn oath before recounting an apparently trivial escape suggests Paul's opponents questioned his stories or accused him of exaggeration. Paul stakes his integrity on God's omniscience—God knows the truth. The escape story that follows may have been mocked by critics as undignified (fleeing in a basket!) when Paul should be emphasizing it as further evidence of weakness that displays God's deliverance.

The full Trinitarian formula God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ grounds Paul's oath in the highest authority. He's not merely swearing by God but specifically by the Father of Jesus, whose truth he proclaims. False apostles may lie; Paul serves the God of truth and cannot lie about his experiences without blaspheming.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Taking oaths by God's name was serious in Jewish culture (Exod 20:7). Paul uses this form rarely (Rom 1:9; 2 Cor 1:23; Gal 1:20; Phil 1:8; 1 Thess 2:5), suggesting either opponents' accusations of lying or the inherent implausibility of the Damascus escape requiring divine witness to authenticate it.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's need to swear an oath suggest about opposition he faced—how did critics attack his credibility?
  2. How does appealing to God's omniscience as witness provide ultimate accountability for truthfulness in ministry?
  3. In what situations might you need to stake your integrity on God's knowledge of your heart when others question your truthfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
τοὺς1 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

θεὸς2 of 19

“The God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ3 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πατὴρ4 of 19

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τοὺς5 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

κυρίου6 of 19

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν7 of 19

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ8 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ9 of 19

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

οἶδεν10 of 19

“knoweth”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τοὺς11 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

ὢν12 of 19

“is”

G5607

being

εὐλογητὸς13 of 19

“blessed”

G2128

adorable

εἰς14 of 19

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς15 of 19

“which”

G3588

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

αἰῶνας16 of 19

“evermore”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ὅτι17 of 19

“that I”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ18 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ψεύδομαι19 of 19

“lie”

G5574

to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood

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 11:31 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 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 1:3Romans 9:5Romans 1:252 Corinthians 1:3John 10:30Romans 15:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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