2 Corinthians 11:27
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's peristateia catalogue — 'in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness' — belongs to the genre of Hellenistic philosophical self-defense in which the sage demonstrates authenticity through demonstrated hardship. In Paul's hands, however, the Stoic boast of the sage's self-sufficiency is transformed: these sufferings commend him not because he transcended them but because they mark him as conformed to the crucified Christ and dependent on divine strength (12:9-10). The inventory of apostolic hardships in 2 Corinthians 11-12 is the most autobiographically specific Paul becomes in any letter, providing valuable historical evidence for his missionary career. The passage became foundational for Christian ethics of suffering and the theology of apostolic authentication.
Other Translations
in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
in labouriousness and painfulness, in watchings many times, in hunger and thirst, in fastings many times, in cold and nakedness;
In hard work and weariness, in frequent watchings, going without food and drink, cold and in need of clothing.
Cross References
My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom …
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the …
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and …
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till …
These going before tarried for us at Troas.
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the …
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work …
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above …