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

2 CORINTHIANS 11:33KJV
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2 Corinthians 11:33 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 11:33 mean?

2 Corinthians 11:33 describes how Paul escaped danger by being lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall, avoiding those who wanted to capture him. This verse shows a moment when Paul’s life was at risk, and he had to flee in an unusual and humble way.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, recounting a specific event from his early ministry. The situation happened in Damascus, where local authorities were trying to arrest him because of his preaching about Jesus. By sharing this story, Paul highlights both the real dangers he faced and his willingness to endure hardship for the sake of his mission.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 11:33

  • "θύρα" (thura, window): The Greek word used here often means a door, but in this context, it refers to an opening in the wall, emphasizing the unusual and secretive nature of Paul’s escape.
  • "σαργάνη" (sarganē, basket): This word describes a large, flexible basket, often used for carrying goods. The detail suggests Paul’s escape was not only risky but also undignified, as he had to trust others to lower him down in a container meant for cargo.
  • "τοῖχος" (toichos, wall): The mention of the city wall gives a concrete sense of place and highlights that Paul’s escape route was outside the normal, public exits, underlining the urgency and danger of the situation.

Why 2 Corinthians 11:33 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul’s ministry was always marked by dramatic miracles or public victories; sometimes, he had to rely on humble, even embarrassing means to survive.
  • The story connects to Paul’s larger argument in this chapter, where he lists his hardships to show the authenticity of his apostleship and his willingness to suffer for the gospel.
  • It helps readers see that Paul’s courage included moments of fear and vulnerability, making his experience more relatable and human.

Where else these words appear

“window” Greek G2376 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

“down” Greek G5465 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
  • Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
  • Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

“escaped” Greek G1628 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“wall” Greek G5038 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
  • Revelation 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
  • Revelation 21:17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.