2 Corinthians 11

to Christ
While some translations place the phrase “to Christ” at the beginning or middle of the phrase (e.g., “to Christ I might present you…” or “I might present you to Christ as a pure virgin”), this phrase comes at the end of the sentence in Greek (παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ; parthenon agnēn parastēsai tō Christō). The present translation maintains this word order, and this helps to show the emphasis Paul intends here, as he places Christ firmly at the end of the statement as a strong punctuation to the thought. He wants the Corinthians to see clearly and emphatically that it is to Christ that they have been betrothed, and so they must be devoted to Him.

minister
Most translations render the word διακονία (diakonia) here as “serve.” This is a very appropriate translation since διακονία (diakonia) is the word for “service” or “ministry,” but because ministry is one of the major themes of this epistle (with the root word διάκονος [diakonos] appearing 20x throughout the letter), translating the word the same way everywhere it appears is important. Thus, it is translated here as “minister,” and this consistent translation helps the reader to see the theme of ministry come out more clearly as the word is repeated throughout the letter. Here, Paul emphasizes his pure motives in ministering to the Corinthians, as he did not seek any wages from them for his ministry to them. Because of this, he relied more on support from other churches, comparing this to robbing them so that he would not be a burden to the Corinthians as he ministered to them. This emphasizes how devoted, humble, loving, and gentle his ministry was toward them, as he wanted to carefully ensure that he provided no cause for their stumbling or distrust of him.

ministers
Refer to the discussion on verse 8 above. It is important to translate διάκονος (diakonos) and its cognates with “minister” to show the continuance of Paul’s emphasis on ministry in this epistle. True ministers are highlighted throughout, but here, Satan’s ministers have disguised themselves as ministers of righteousness. Consistent translation of this terminology helps the reader to make such connections as the same terms appear throughout 2 Corinthians.

according to the Lord
While many English translations have “as the Lord would” here, the phrase “according to the Lord” more literally represents the Greek phrase κατὰ κύριον (kata kyrion). This is not only a more literally translation, but also brings out Paul’s intended contrast between “according to the Lord” here and what is “according to the flesh” (κατὰ σάρκα; kata sarka) in the following verse. The strategy of boasting to gain the approval of others is not according to the Lord, but according to the flesh. Nontheless, Paul feels impelled to boast before in order to rebut the Corinthians’ boasting and defend his character against the accusations of the false teachers.

ministers
Refer to the discussion on verses 8 and 15 above.

forty lashes less one
While some versions have represent the number of lashes Paul received with the translation, “thirty-nine,” the Greek text literally communicates “forty less one” (τεσσεράκοντα παρὰ μίαν; tesserakonta para mian), and so it is translated as such here. The number was represented this way because of the stipulation of Deuteronomy 25:1–3, where God specified forty as the maximum number of strikes a man may receive as just punishment for a wrong. “Forty lashes less one,” then, showed meticulous intentionality to stay within the bounds of this requirement of the Law, by implementing one-lash buffer to hedge against the danger of miscounting. Ironically, as the Jewish religious leaders sought so carefully to obey the letter of the Law, they afflicted the true apostle of God with maximum punishment for preaching Christ, who Himself fulfilled the Law.

false brothers
Though some versions retain the older English plural, “brethren,” the translation “brothers” here is more natural to modern readers. This language describes the close familial union fellow believers have with one another by virtue of their union with Christ. Here the term is specifically “false brothers” or “pseudo-brothers” (ψευδαδέλφοις; pseudadelphois). Paul is referring to those here who called themselves true believers, claiming to be within the family of God and brothers to other believers, but turned out to be imposters, even afflicting and endangering Paul.

starvation
This translation renders the Greek term λιμός (limos) here as “starvation.” Because the word literally refers to “famine,” a translation like “hunger” is not strong enough to convey the severity of what Paul is recounting here. “Starvation” provides a more accurate gloss in this context. As Paul recounts his sufferings and afflictions, he states here that he has undergone starvation, nearly to the point of death. Though he was famished, this suffering is nowhere near the sorrow he has over the Corinthians’ sanctification.

hungry
“Hungry”renders the Greek word νηστεία (nēsteia), which refers to fasting. Though Paul has just mentioned his suffering of starvation, which weighs very little in comparison to to his concern for the sanctification of the Corinthians, here he mentions that he goes hungry often. This hunger is likely from fasting, highlighting all the more the prayerful concern he has for the saints in Corinth.

without enough clothing
The word translated “without enough clothing” here is γυμνότης (gymnotēs; lit. “nakedness”). It was often used to describe those who were poor and afflicted, with terribly insufficient covering for their bodies as protection from the elements. Thus, in this context, “without enough clothing” carries the idea well. By adding this to his list, Paul demonstrates a very extreme level of suffering. By being willing to endure this for the gospel and the ministry to the Gentiles, Paul proved himself not to be in the ministry for monetary gain or other false motives of which the Corinthians may have suspected him. He truly sacrificed himself because of his devotion to the gospel and his concern for all the churches (v. 28).