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

2 CORINTHIANS 11:24KJV
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2 Corinthians 11:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:24 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:24 describes how Paul, the apostle, was punished by Jewish authorities five times, each time receiving thirty-nine lashes. This verse highlights the severe suffering Paul endured for his faith and ministry.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, listing the hardships he faced to show the depth of his commitment and the reality of his struggles. The punishment of "forty stripes save one" refers to a traditional Jewish practice of flogging, where the law limited lashes to forty, but only thirty-nine were given to avoid accidental excess.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:24

  • Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn, "Jews"): This word points to the Jewish authorities or community who administered the punishment, showing it was not Roman but specifically Jewish discipline.
  • πεντάκις (pentakis, "five times"): This emphasizes the repeated nature of Paul's suffering, not just a one-time event.
  • τεσσεράκοντα (tesserakonta, "forty"): The number connects directly to the Jewish law in Deuteronomy 25:3, where forty lashes was the maximum allowed.
  • παρὰ μίαν (para mian, "save one"): This phrase means "minus one," clarifying that only thirty-nine lashes were given, a careful practice to avoid breaking the law.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:24 matters

  • This verse clears up that Paul’s suffering came repeatedly from his own people, not just from outsiders, highlighting the cost of his mission.
  • It shows Paul’s credibility and dedication to the Corinthians, countering critics who questioned his authority or commitment.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul lists his hardships, making his perseverance and faithfulness stand out as central themes.

Where else these words appear

“forty” Greek G5062 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Acts 7:30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
  • Hebrews 3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;