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

2 CORINTHIANS 11:28KJV
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2 Corinthians 11:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:28 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:28 describes how, in addition to all his outward troubles, Paul faces a constant, daily concern for the well-being of all the churches he oversees. Paul is sharing that his responsibilities as a leader bring him ongoing emotional and mental pressure, not just physical hardships.

Paul is writing this letter to the believers in Corinth, explaining the many difficulties he endures as an apostle. After listing external dangers and hardships, Paul adds that the daily "care" or anxiety for all the churches weighs on him just as heavily. This verse shows the personal cost and deep sense of responsibility Paul feels for the spiritual health of the Christian communities he helped start.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:28

  • "Care" (μέριμνα, merimna): This word is often understood as anxiety, concern, or worry. Here, it highlights that Paul's burden is not just physical but also emotional, showing his deep investment in the churches' welfare.
  • "Churches" (ἐκκλησίαι, ekklēsiai): This term refers to the assemblies or gatherings of believers. Paul is not thinking of buildings but of the people in these communities spread across different regions.
  • "Daily" (καθ’ ἡμέραν, kath’ hēmeran): The Greek phrase emphasizes that this concern is not occasional but happens every single day, underlining the ongoing nature of Paul's pastoral care.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that spiritual leadership involves emotional and mental burdens, not just visible or dramatic struggles.
  • Paul’s mention of his daily concern for all the churches reveals his genuine love and sense of responsibility for the people he serves, not just his willingness to endure suffering.
  • In the wider context, this verse helps the reader see that Paul’s authority and credibility come from his sacrificial care, not from status or power, which is a key point in his defense against critics in Corinth.

Where else these words appear

“upon” Greek G1999 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 24:12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

“without” Greek G3924 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

“care” Greek G3308 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
  • Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

“Beside” Greek G5565 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
  • Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
  • Hebrews 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)