2 Corinthians 11:31

KJV

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

KJV (with Strong's)

The God {G2316} and {G2532} Father {G3962} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, which {G3588} is {G5607} blessed {G2128} for {G1519} evermore {G165}, knoweth {G1492} that I {G3754} lie {G5574} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God the Father of the Lord Yeshua — blessed be he forever — knows that I am not lying!

Berean Standard Bible

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.

American Standard Version

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:31, the Apostle Paul makes a profoundly solemn declaration, invoking the very character and being of God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as his unimpeachable witness. This powerful oath serves to underscore the absolute truthfulness of his statements, particularly in the context of defending his apostolic integrity against the accusations and deceitful practices of false teachers in Corinth. It is a testament to the gravity with which Paul regarded his ministry and the veracity of his message, appealing to the ultimate authority who knows all things.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's "foolish boasting" section (2 Corinthians 10-12), where he reluctantly defends his apostolic authority and ministry. Having been accused of weakness and insincerity by rival teachers in Corinth, Paul is compelled to compare his genuine sufferings and sacrifices for Christ with the superficial claims of his opponents. Immediately prior to this verse, Paul has been detailing his extensive list of hardships, persecutions, and self-denial (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), which he presents as the true credentials of an apostle, contrasting them with the worldly wisdom and self-promotion of the "super-apostles" (2 Corinthians 11:5). The oath in verse 31 serves as a solemn preface to a specific, verifiable incident—his escape from Damascus (2 Corinthians 11:32-33)—which further exemplifies the genuine perils he faced for the gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges. The Corinthian church was influenced by Hellenistic culture, which valued rhetoric, philosophical prowess, and outward displays of power. False apostles, likely Jewish-Christian teachers, had infiltrated the church, boasting of their eloquence, spiritual gifts, and perhaps even their Jewish heritage, while denigrating Paul's humble demeanor and lack of oratorical flair (2 Corinthians 10:10). In this environment, an oath was a serious matter, often used to affirm truth in legal or personal disputes. By invoking God, Paul was not merely swearing but appealing to the highest possible authority, a practice common in both Jewish and Roman cultures, to validate his words and expose the deceit of those who slandered him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Apostolic Authenticity and Vindication**, as Paul appeals to God as the ultimate arbiter of truth, thereby asserting that his ministry is divinely sanctioned and his conduct transparent before God. It also reinforces the theme of **Truthfulness and Integrity in Ministry**, emphasizing that genuine Christian leadership is characterized by honesty and a life lived openly before God, in stark contrast to the deceptive practices of the [false apostles](/2_corinthians/11-13 "2 Corinthians 11:13 - False Apostles"). Furthermore, the phrase "blessed for evermore" underscores **God's Eternal Sovereignty and Trustworthiness**, affirming His unchanging nature and perfect knowledge, which makes His testimony (through Paul's oath) absolutely unimpeachable. This divine witness stands as a counterpoint to the human judgments and accusations Paul faced, as seen in his earlier defense of his ministry in [2 Corinthians 4:1-6](/2_corinthians/4-1-6 "2 Corinthians 4:1-6 - Paul's Ministry of Transparency").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knoweth (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the perfect tense, signifies a deep, intuitive, and certain knowledge, not merely intellectual awareness or casual observation. It implies perfect, intimate, and experiential understanding. When applied to God, it denotes His omniscience—His absolute and complete knowledge of all things, including the innermost thoughts and intentions of the human heart. Paul's appeal to God's "knowing" is an appeal to His perfect insight into Paul's sincerity and veracity.
* **blessed (Greek, _eulogētós'_):** Derived from the verb meaning "to speak well of" or "to praise," this adjective means "adorable," "worthy of praise," or "blessed." When applied to God, it functions as a doxology, an affirmation of His inherent worthiness of all honor and adoration. The phrase "which is blessed for evermore" emphasizes God's supreme and eternal nature, perpetually worthy of all praise and utterly reliable, thereby magnifying the authority and solemnity of Paul's oath.
* **lie (Greek, _pseúdomai'_):** This verb means "to utter an untruth" or "to attempt to deceive by falsehood." Paul's use of the negative "lie not" (οὐ ψεύδομαι) is a direct denial of any deceit or fabrication in his statements. In the context of the false accusations against him, this word highlights the core issue of integrity and truthfulness, contrasting his open and honest approach with the deceptive practices of his opponents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,"**: This opening phrase serves as a solemn invocation, identifying the specific divine Person to whom Paul appeals. It emphasizes God's dual relationship as the ultimate Deity ("God") and the intimate, paternal source of the Messiah ("Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"). This precise theological designation underscores the profound reverence and authority Paul attributes to his witness, appealing to the very heart of Christian confession.
* **"which is blessed for evermore,"**: This clause functions as a doxological affirmation, a statement of praise that magnifies the character of the God being invoked. "Blessed for evermore" (Greek: _eulogētos eis tous aiōnas_) highlights God's eternal glory, unchanging nature, and perpetual worthiness of adoration. By inserting this praise, Paul not only honors God but also reinforces the unimpeachable nature of the witness he is calling upon, as an eternally glorious God cannot be deceived or participate in falsehood.
* **"knoweth that I lie not."**: This is the core assertion of the oath. Paul declares that the omniscient and eternally blessed God is his witness to the absolute truthfulness of his preceding statements and, by extension, his entire ministry. The phrase "lie not" is a direct and forceful denial of any deception, indicating Paul's profound sincerity and his willingness to stake his reputation—and indeed, his spiritual standing—on God's perfect knowledge of his integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Solemn Affirmation** or **Oath**, where he invokes the highest possible authority—God Himself—to guarantee the truth of his words. This is a form of **Divine Appeal**, lending immense weight and credibility to his statement. The phrase "blessed for evermore" functions as a **Doxology**, an expression of praise to God, which not only honors Him but also reinforces His absolute trustworthiness and eternal nature, thereby strengthening the authority of the oath. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Apostolic Assertion**, as Paul, through this divine witness, forcefully asserts his integrity and the authenticity of his ministry against the slanders of his opponents. The stark contrast between Paul's truthfulness and his adversaries' deceit is an implicit **Antithesis**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's invocation of God as his witness in 2 Corinthians 11:31 is a profound theological statement about God's omniscience, truthfulness, and His active involvement in the lives and ministries of His servants. It underscores the biblical principle that God is the ultimate arbiter of truth and integrity, and that genuine ministry must be lived transparently before Him. This verse connects to the broader biblical theme of God's unchangeable character and His perfect knowledge, assuring believers that He sees and knows all things, including our deepest intentions. It also highlights the gravity of speaking truth, especially when representing God, and provides a model for how believers, particularly those in leadership, should conduct themselves with unimpeachable honesty, trusting in God's ultimate vindication rather than human approval.

* [Romans 1:9](/romans/1-9 "Paul's appeal to God as his witness")
* [Galatians 1:20](/galatians/1-20 "Paul's oath regarding his truthfulness")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "God's oath and unchangeable character")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by skepticism, misinformation, and a lack of accountability, Paul's solemn oath in 2 Corinthians 11:31 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound importance of truthfulness and integrity for every believer. Our words, actions, and even our unspoken intentions are known to God, who is "blessed for evermore." This verse challenges us to live lives of such transparency and honesty that we, too, could confidently appeal to God as a witness to our sincerity. For those in leadership, Paul's example is particularly poignant: true authority is not found in self-promotion or eloquent speech, but in a life genuinely submitted to God and marked by unwavering truth, even when facing opposition or misunderstanding. Ultimately, our vindication comes not from human approval but from the God who "knoweth that I lie not." This should inspire us to prioritize genuine service and truth over worldly accolades, trusting that God sees and honors our faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel challenged to be more truthful, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**
* **How does the understanding of God's omniscience ("knoweth that I lie not") impact your daily decisions and interactions?**
* **What does Paul's example teach us about responding to false accusations or misunderstandings in a way that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul make such a strong oath here?**

Answer: Paul makes this strong oath to emphatically affirm his truthfulness and integrity in the face of severe accusations from false apostles in Corinth. These rivals were undermining his authority and ministry, suggesting he was deceitful or insincere. By invoking "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," Paul appeals to the highest possible authority, one who knows all things, to vouch for his honesty. This was not a casual statement but a solemn declaration intended to silence his critics and reassure the Corinthian believers of his genuine commitment to the gospel and his transparent conduct, especially as he was about to recount a specific, verifiable event (his escape from [Damascus](/2_corinthians/11-32-33 "2 Corinthians 11:32-33 - Paul's escape from Damascus")) as further proof of his authenticity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Paul's oath in 2 Corinthians 11:31 is a powerful assertion of his personal integrity, it ultimately points beyond himself to the perfect truthfulness and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the very embodiment of truth, as He declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")". He is the "faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14), whose every word and action perfectly reflects the will and character of God the Father. Unlike Paul, who had to appeal to God to affirm his truthfulness, Jesus inherently possesses all knowledge and is incapable of falsehood. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the truth of His promises. In Christ, the "Amen" (Revelation 3:14), all of God's promises find their "[Yes and Amen](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")". Therefore, Paul's appeal to the God who "knoweth that I lie not" foreshadows the ultimate reality that in Jesus, we have a High Priest who perfectly understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15) and a Savior whose testimony is eternally true, providing the secure foundation for our faith and hope.

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

Romans 9:5

Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Colossians 1:3

¶ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.

Romans 15:6

That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:25

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;