2 Corinthians 11:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G5259} the Jews {G2453} five times {G3999} received I {G2983} forty {G5062} stripes save {G3844} one {G3391}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Five times I received “forty lashes less one” from the Jews.

Berean Standard Bible

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:24, the Apostle Paul provides a stark and specific detail of the immense physical suffering he endured for the sake of the Gospel. This verse is a critical component of his "fool's speech," where he reluctantly boasts not in worldly achievements, but in his weaknesses and afflictions, thereby authenticating his apostolic ministry against the challenges posed by false apostles in Corinth. It highlights the brutal reality of his commitment to Christ and the profound opposition he faced, particularly from Jewish authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's extraordinary and deeply personal defense of his apostleship, often referred to as his "fool's speech" (see [2 Corinthians 11:1](/2_corinthians/11-1 "2 Corinthians 11:1 - Paul's Reluctant Boast")). Paul employs **irony** throughout this section, "boasting" in his suffering and weakness to demonstrate his genuine commitment to Christ, contrasting it sharply with the superficial and self-serving claims of the "super-apostles" who were undermining his authority in the Corinthian church. The immediate context of [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Catalogue of Sufferings") presents a comprehensive, almost overwhelming, catalogue of the hardships he faced—imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, hunger, and constant dangers. This list serves as a powerful rhetorical device, proving his authentic apostolic credentials not through worldly success or eloquence, but through sacrificial endurance and unwavering devotion to the gospel message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The punishment of "forty [stripes] save one" (39 lashes) was a common form of judicial scourging administered by Jewish authorities in the Greco-Roman world. This practice was rooted in the Mosaic Law, specifically [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - Law of Scourging"), which stipulated a maximum of forty lashes to prevent excessive cruelty and preserve the dignity of the punished. Out of extreme caution and to avoid inadvertently exceeding the legal limit (which would make the administrator liable), Jewish courts and synagogues adopted the custom of administering only 39 lashes. These beatings were typically carried out with a whip or rod, often causing severe lacerations, deep bruising, and immense pain, frequently leaving permanent scars. For Paul, a former Pharisee, receiving such a punishment five times from "the Jews" underscores the intense and repeated opposition he faced from his own countrymen, who viewed his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah as a betrayal of their traditions and the Law.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's account in this verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and his broader theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Apostolic Authenticity Through Suffering**. Unlike the false apostles who boasted in outward appearances and worldly success, Paul's willingness to endure extreme physical pain and humiliation for the Gospel validated his divine calling, aligning his ministry with the suffering of Christ himself. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Endurance and Commitment** in ministry. Paul's repeated submission to such brutal punishments, far from deterring him, underscores his unwavering resolve and deep commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that true faithfulness often requires profound resilience in the face of relentless persecution. Lastly, this verse subtly touches upon the theme of **Divine Strength in Human Weakness**, a concept Paul elaborates on later in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness"). His physical vulnerability and suffering become the very means through which God's power and faithfulness are made manifest, transforming what appears to be a weakness into a testament of divine strength.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jews (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** From Ἰουδά (in the sense of Ἰούδας as a country); Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew(-ess), of Judæa. This term specifically identifies the source of the persecution Paul faced. It indicates that these were not Roman floggings, but rather judicial punishments administered by Jewish authorities, likely in synagogues or local courts, for perceived offenses against Jewish law or tradition, such as blasphemy or apostasy from Judaism. This highlights the profound internal conflict Paul experienced, being persecuted by his own people for proclaiming the Messiah.
* **received (Greek, _lambánō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas δέχομαι is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while αἱρέομαι is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up). While _lambánō_ can imply active taking, in this passive construction ("received I"), it emphasizes Paul's position as the recipient of the punishment. He did not seek these beatings; they were inflicted upon him, underscoring his vulnerability and the external forces of opposition he encountered.
* **save (Greek, _pará'_):** A primary preposition; properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subjectively), (with accusative case) to the proximity with (local (especially beyond or opposed to) or causal (on account of):--above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, X friend, from, + give (such things as they), + that (she) had, X his, in, more than, nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side…by, in the sight of, than, (there-)fore, with. In compounds it retains the same variety of application. In this context, _pará_ functions as an exception, meaning "except" or "save." It precisely indicates that the number of lashes administered was 39, not 40, adhering to the rabbinic interpretation of the Mosaic Law to avoid accidental transgression of the maximum limit. This detail reveals Paul's intimate knowledge of Jewish legal practices and the meticulous nature of the punishments he endured.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the Jews five times received I":** This clause immediately identifies the source and frequency of a specific type of persecution. "Of the Jews" specifies that these were not Roman floggings, but rather punishments sanctioned by Jewish religious authorities, likely in synagogues or local courts. The phrase "five times" underscores the repeated, relentless nature of this particular form of suffering, indicating a consistent and severe opposition from his own people. Paul was not merely a passive victim but an active missionary who repeatedly faced judicial condemnation from those who rejected his message.
* **"forty [stripes] save one":** This precise numerical detail refers to 39 lashes, a common practice in Jewish law derived from [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - Law of Scourging"). The rabbis, out of caution to ensure they did not exceed the legal maximum of forty lashes, typically administered 39. This detail is not merely an incidental fact; it highlights the brutality and legality of the punishment, designed to inflict severe pain and humiliation without causing death. Paul's ability to recount this specific detail, five times over, speaks to the indelible mark these experiences left on him, both physically and psychologically.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's account in 2 Corinthians 11:24, within the broader "fool's speech," masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Catalogue** or **Enumeration**, as this verse is part of a longer list of sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). This detailed enumeration serves to overwhelm the reader with the sheer volume and severity of Paul's hardships, contrasting his authentic, suffering ministry with the superficial claims of the false apostles. There is also a powerful element of **Pathos**, as Paul's stark recounting of the physical pain he endured evokes sympathy and a visceral understanding of his profound commitment. Furthermore, the entire "fool's speech" operates under a layer of **Irony**. Paul is "boasting," but he is boasting in his weaknesses and sufferings, turning the worldly concept of boasting on its head. This ironic boasting serves to highlight the true nature of apostolic authority, which, for Paul, is found not in power or prestige, but in humble service and sacrificial endurance for Christ, echoing the pattern of Christ himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's experience of receiving "forty [stripes] save one" five times from the Jews profoundly shapes our understanding of authentic Christian ministry and discipleship. It reveals that faithfulness to the Gospel often entails suffering, not as a sign of divine displeasure, but as a path of identification with Christ and a testament to the power of God. This suffering is not merely endured but is transformed into a badge of honor, validating Paul's apostolic claim more effectively than any worldly credential. It underscores the counter-cultural nature of the Kingdom of God, where strength is found in weakness, and true authority is demonstrated through humble service and sacrifice, rather than through power or prestige. For Paul, these beatings were not setbacks but integral parts of his calling, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and allowing Christ's power to be made manifest through his vulnerability.

* [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - Law of Scourging")
* [Acts 16:22-23](/acts/16-22-23 "Acts 16:22-23 - Paul and Silas Beaten at Philippi")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "1 Peter 4:12-13 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unflinching account of his multiple scourging experiences in 2 Corinthians 11:24 provides a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, challenging our often comfortable and prosperity-gospel-influenced views of faith. It reminds us that following Christ is not a guarantee of an easy life, but often involves hardship, opposition, and even suffering, much as it did for the apostles and for Christ himself. Paul's endurance demonstrates that true devotion to God is often proven not by outward displays of success or wealth, but by a willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and for others. His resilience encourages us to persevere through our own trials, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual, knowing that our struggles can be used by God to deepen our faith, refine our character, and strengthen our witness to a watching world. This verse calls us to examine our own commitment: are we willing to endure discomfort, criticism, or even persecution for the sake of Christ and His truth, or do we prioritize ease and acceptance?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's willingness to endure such physical suffering challenge my own understanding of Christian commitment and discipleship?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize comfort or worldly success over faithfulness to Christ, especially when it involves hardship?**
* **How can reflecting on Paul's perseverance strengthen my own resolve to face difficulties for the sake of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jewish law mandate 39 lashes instead of 40?**

Answer: Jewish law, as interpreted by rabbinic tradition, derived the practice of administering 39 lashes from [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - Law of Scourging"), which states, "Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed." To ensure strict adherence to this maximum and to avoid inadvertently exceeding the limit (which would make the administrator guilty of violating the law), the rabbis prudently established the practice of administering only 39 lashes. This meticulous adherence to the law, even in the act of punishment, was a hallmark of Jewish legal practice.

**Who administered these beatings to Paul?**

Answer: The phrase "Of the Jews" explicitly indicates that these beatings were administered by Jewish authorities, likely in synagogues or local courts, rather than by Roman officials. Paul, as a former Pharisee and a devout Jew, would have been subject to these religious judicial proceedings. These punishments were typically meted out for perceived offenses against Jewish law or tradition, such as blasphemy or apostasy, which Paul's proclamation of Jesus as Messiah was often seen to be.

**What was Paul's purpose in recounting these sufferings, particularly these specific beatings?**

Answer: Paul's primary purpose in recounting these sufferings was to defend his apostolic authority and authenticate his ministry against the challenges of false apostles in Corinth. In his "fool's speech" (see [2 Corinthians 11:1](/2_corinthians/11-1 "2 Corinthians 11:1 - Paul's Reluctant Boast")), he ironically "boasts" in his weaknesses and hardships, contrasting his genuine, suffering service with the self-serving and superficial claims of those who sought to undermine him. By detailing the immense personal cost of his ministry, Paul demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Christ and the Gospel, proving that his apostleship was rooted in divine calling and sacrificial love, not in worldly power or prestige.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's repeated experience of receiving "forty [stripes] save one" from the Jews finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, not merely as an example of suffering, but as a deep identification with the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ. Paul's scourging directly mirrors the brutal beatings Jesus himself endured before His crucifixion, as recounted in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Jesus Scourged"), [Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Jesus Flogged"), [John 19:1](/john/19-1 "John 19:1 - Pilate Has Jesus Flogged")). Just as Jesus suffered unjustly at the hands of His own people and Roman authorities, Paul, as an apostle of Christ, bore the marks of similar persecution. This suffering was not an accident but an intentional part of God's plan, allowing Paul to "fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, the church" (as he states in [Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")). Paul's weakness and vulnerability, highlighted by these beatings, become the very channels through which the power of Christ is made perfect, echoing Jesus' own words that "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). Thus, Paul's suffering is not just an example of endurance, but a living testament to the pattern of Christ's sacrificial life and a demonstration that true strength and authentic ministry flow from a willingness to embrace the cross.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 13:9

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Deuteronomy 25:2

And it shall be, if the wicked man [be] worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.

Deuteronomy 25:3

Forty stripes he may give him, [and] not exceed: lest, [if] he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.

Matthew 10:17

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;