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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from 2 Corinthians 11:31. It's a really thought-provoking statement about the author (Paul) and his relationship with God. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially means that Paul acknowledges that he is not perfect and that he has made mistakes throughout his life. It’s a declaration of humility and honesty – even though he's deeply connected to God, he isn’t immune to imperfection. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..." : This establishes the context – Paul is speaking about his relationship with Jesus, who is God incarnate (literally, "God made flesh"). "...which is blessed for evermore..." : This emphasizes that this blessing isn't just a temporary thing. It’s a state of being that continues throughout eternity. "Knoweth..." : This is key. Paul is knowing something – he's aware of his own shortcomings. "...I lie not." : This is the core of the message. “Lie” in this context means to deceive, to be dishonest, or to act against what one believes to be true. Paul here claims that he isn’t trying to hide his failings or falsely claim righteousness. So, what does it mean ? It suggests a realistic view of humanity. We are all flawed and prone to mistakes. We make choices, we have doubts, and sometimes we fall short of our own standards. Paul is saying that he acknowledges this reality – he’s not infallible or without sin – and that he’s honest about it. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of human limitations. It's a reminder that we are all subject to imperfection and that true faith involves acknowledging our weaknesses. It’s also a call to humility, urging us to be open to God’s grace and forgiveness. Important Note: This isn’t meant to be about Paul being inherently bad. It’s about his honesty and recognizing his own limitations within the context of his relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Compare this verse to another Bible passage that deals with imperfection? Discuss what this verse might have been intended to convey to the original audience (the early church)?