1It is necessary to boast — though it is not profitable. But I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. [12:2] I know a man in Christ — fourteen years ago, whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows — such a one having been caught up to the third heaven. [12:3] And I know such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows — [12:4] that he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible declarations, which it is not permitted for a person to speak.
2CO 12:1-4
Paulʼs Revelation
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, boasting was a complex social practice, often tied to honor-shame dynamics. While self-promotion could elevate one’s status, excessive boasting risked social censure. Paul’s reluctance to boast aligns with this cultural tension, yet he frames his revelation as a necessary exception. His mention of being 'caught up' to the 'third heaven' and 'Paradise' would resonate with Jewish apocalyptic traditions, where heavenly ascents were seen as privileged encounters with divine mysteries. The 'third heaven' likely reflects Jewish cosmology, which often depicted multiple heavens, with the highest reserved for God’s presence. Paul’s uncertainty about whether this experience occurred 'in the body or out of the body' reflects a common philosophical debate about the nature of visionary experiences. The 'inexpressible declarations' he heard underscore the sacred and ineffable nature of divine revelation, aligning with Jewish and Greco-Roman ideas that certain divine truths were beyond human articulation. Paul’s audience, familiar with these cultural and religious frameworks, would have understood his account as a claim to divine authority while recognizing his humility in recounting it.
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How other translations render this
2CO 12:1
- KJV
- It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
- BSB
- I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
- Koinōnos
- It is necessary to boast — though it is not profitable. But I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2CO 12:2
- KJV
- I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
- BSB
- I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows.
- Koinōnos
- I know a man in Christ — fourteen years ago, whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows — such a one having been caught up to the third heaven.
2CO 12:3
- KJV
- And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
- BSB
- And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows—
- Koinōnos
- And I know such a man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows —
2CO 12:4
- KJV
- How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
- BSB
- was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.
- Koinōnos
- that he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible declarations, which it is not permitted for a person to speak.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
2CO 12:1
- To boast:The word translated 'to boast' often carried a sense of prideful self-display, sometimes with an underlying tone of arrogance or self-promotion, rather than simply stating facts.
- is it profitable:The term translated 'is it profitable' refers to what is advantageous or beneficial, often in a practical or expedient sense, rather than strictly moral or spiritual gain.
2CO 12:2
- having been caught up:The word translated 'having been caught up' implies a sudden, forceful, and often unexpected seizure or snatching away, not a gentle or gradual ascent.
2CO 12:4
- declaration:The word translated 'declaration' refers to a spoken word or utterance, often emphasizing the content or message conveyed, rather than just the act of speaking.