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2 Corinthians 12

BSB·21 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1I mustδεῖdei — it is necessary, must, oughtG1163 — Full Word Study → go on boastingΚαυχᾶσθαιKauchasthai — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study →. Although there is nothing to gainσυμφέρονsympheron — to be profitable, expedient, or beneficialG4851 — Full Word Study →, I will go onἐλεύσομαιeleusomai — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → visionsὀπτασίαςoptasias — A supernatural vision or appearanceG3701 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → revelationsἀποκαλύψειςapokalypseis — Unveiling or disclosure of hidden truthG602 — Full Word Study → from the Lord. 2I knowοἶδαoida — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → a manἄνθρωπονanthrōpon — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → who fourteen yearsἐτῶνetōn — a period of twelve months; yearG2094 — Full Word Study → agoπρὸpro — before (in time or place)G4253 — Full Word Study → was caught upἁρπαγένταharpagenta — To seize, snatch, or forcibly grabG726 — Full Word Study → toἕωςheōs — until; up to a point in time or spaceG2193 — Full Word Study → the third heavenοὐρανοῦouranou — Heaven; the sky; God's dwelling placeG3772 — Full Word Study →. Whether it was inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the body orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → out ofἐκτὸςektos — outside; except; exclusive ofG1622 — Full Word Study → it I do not knowοἶδαoida — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study →, but God knowsοἶδενoiden — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study →. 3Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → I know thatοἶδαoida — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → this manἄνθρωπονanthrōpon — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →whetherεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the body orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → out ofχωρὶςchōris — without; apart from; separatelyG5565 — Full Word Study → it I do not knowοἶδαoida — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study →, but God knowsοἶδενoiden — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → 4was caught upἡρπάγηhērpagē — To seize, snatch, or forcibly grabG726 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → ParadiseΠαράδεισονParadeison — Paradise; garden of delights; heavenG3857 — Full Word Study →. The things he heard were too sacred for words, things thatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → manἀνθρώπῳanthrōpō — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → is not permittedἐξὸνexon — to be permitted, allowed, lawfulG1832 — Full Word Study → to tellλαλῆσαιlalēsai — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study →. 5I will boastκαυχήσομαιkauchēsomai — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study → aboutὙπὲρHyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → such a manτοιούτουtoioutou — such, of this kind, like thisG5108 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I will not boastκαυχήσομαιkauchēsomai — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study → aboutὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → myselfἐμαυτοῦemautou — myself; I myselfG1683 — Full Word Study →, exceptεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → my weaknessesἀσθενείαιςastheneiais — Physical weakness, infirmity, or sicknessG769 — Full Word Study →. 6Evenγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → I wantedθελήσωthelēsō — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to boastκαυχήσασθαιkauchēsasthai — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study →, I would not beἔσομαιesomai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a foolἄφρωνaphrōn — foolish, lacking wisdom or understandingG878 — Full Word Study →, becauseγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I would be speakingἐρῶerō — to say, speak, or declareG2046 — Full Word Study → the truth. Butδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → I refrainφείδομαιpheidomai — to spare; to refrain from harmingG5339 — Full Word Study →, so no one will creditλογίσηταιlogisētai — to reckon, count, or consider as trueG3049 — Full Word Study → meἐμὲeme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → with more thanὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → he seesβλέπειblepei — to see, look at, perceive, bewareG991 — Full Word Study → in meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → hearsἀκούειakouei — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → fromἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → meἐμοῦemou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, 7orκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → because of theseτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → surpassingly greatὑπερβολῇhyperbolē — Surpassing greatness; exceeding measure or excellenceG5236 — Full Word Study → revelationsἀποκαλύψεωνapokalypseōn — Unveiling or disclosure of hidden truthG602 — Full Word Study →. SoΔιὸDio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → keep me from becoming conceitedὑπεραίρωμαιhyperairōmai — to exalt oneself, be haughty, rise above measureG5229 — Full Word Study →, Iμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → was givenἐδόθηedothē — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → a thornσκόλοψskolops — thorn; sharp pointed stakeG4647 — Full Word Study → in my fleshσαρκίsarki — flesh, physical body, human natureG4561 — Full Word Study →, a messengerἄγγελοςangelos — Messenger; divine or heavenly envoyG32 — Full Word Study → of SatanΣατανᾶSatana — adversary, accuserG4567 — Full Word Study →, toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → tormentκολαφίζῃkolaphizē — to strike repeatedly; to beat or buffetG2852 — Full Word Study → meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 8Three timesτρὶςtris — three times; thriceG5151 — Full Word Study → I pleaded withπαρεκάλεσαparekalesa — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριονKyrion — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → toἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → take it awayἀποστῇapostē — to depart, withdraw, or fall awayG868 — Full Word Study → fromἀπ’ap’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → meἐμοῦemou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 9Butκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → He saidεἴρηκένeirēken — to say, speak, or declareG2046 — Full Word Study → to meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, “Myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → graceχάριςcharis — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → is sufficientἈρκεῖArkei — to be sufficient, adequate, or enoughG714 — Full Word Study → for youσοιsoi — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → My powerδύναμιςdynamis — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study → is perfectedτελεῖταιteleitai — to finish, complete, accomplish, fulfillG5055 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → weaknessἀσθενείᾳastheneia — Physical weakness, infirmity, or sicknessG769 — Full Word Study →.” Thereforeοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → I will boastκαυχήσομαιkauchēsomai — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study → all the moreμᾶλλονmallon — more, rather, increasinglyG3123 — Full Word Study → gladlyἭδισταHēdista — Most gladly; with utmost willingness and joyG2236 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → my‹μου›mou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → weaknessesἀσθενείαιςastheneiais — Physical weakness, infirmity, or sicknessG769 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → powerδύναμιςdynamis — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → may restἐπισκηνώσῃepiskēnōsē — to settle upon, to dwell over, to rest uponG1981 — Full Word Study → onἐπ’ep’ — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → meἐμὲeme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 10That is whyδιὸdio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study →, for the sakeὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, I delightεὐδοκῶeudokō — to delight in, be pleased with, take pleasureG2106 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → weaknessesἀσθενείαιςastheneiais — Physical weakness, infirmity, or sicknessG769 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → insultsὕβρεσινhybresin — Insult, mistreatment, or outrageG5196 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → hardshipsἀνάγκαιςanankais — necessity, compulsion, constraintG318 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → persecutionsδιωγμοῖςdiōgmois — Persecution, hostile pursuit, or oppressive pressureG1375 — Full Word Study →, in difficultiesστενοχωρίαιςstenochōriais — Narrow strait; severe distress or anguishG4730 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → whenὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → I am weakἀσθενῶasthenō — to be weak, to lack strength, to be sickG770 — Full Word Study →, thenτότεtote — at that time, then, thereuponG5119 — Full Word Study → I amεἰμιeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → strongδυνατόςdynatos — Able, capable, powerful, mightyG1415 — Full Word Study →. 11I have becomeΓέγοναGegona — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → a foolἄφρωνaphrōn — foolish, lacking wisdom or understandingG878 — Full Word Study →, but you droveἠναγκάσατεēnankasate — to compel or force; to constrain urgentlyG315 — Full Word Study → me to it. In factγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study →, youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → shouldὤφειλονōpheilon — to owe; to be obligated or indebtedG3784 — Full Word Study → have commendedσυνίστασθαιsynistasthai — to commend, approve, or demonstrateG4921 — Full Word Study → meἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, sinceγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I am in no way inferiorὑστέρησαhysterēsa — to lack, fall short, come behindG5302 — Full Word Study → to thoseτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study →super-apostlesὙπερλίανHyperlian — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study →,” evenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → thoughεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → I amεἰμιeimi — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → nothingοὐδένouden — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study →. 12Theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → true marksσημεῖαsēmeia — A sign, miracle, or supernatural tokenG4592 — Full Word Study → of aτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study →n apostleἀποστόλουapostolou — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study →signsσημείοιςsēmeiois — A sign, miracle, or supernatural tokenG4592 — Full Word Study →, wondersτέρασινterasin — miraculous signs or wondersG5059 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → miraclesδυνάμεσινdynamesin — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study →were performedκατειργάσθηkateirgasthē — to work out, accomplish, produceG2716 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → withἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → greatπάσῃpasē — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → perseveranceὑπομονῇhypomonē — Steadfast endurance; patient perseverance through trialsG5281 — Full Word Study →. 13In what wayτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → were you inferiorἡσσώθητεhēssōthēte — to be defeated, overcome, or be inferiorG2274 — Full Word Study → toὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → theτὰςtas — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → otherλοιπὰςloipas — The remaining ones; those left overG3062 — Full Word Study → churchesἐκκλησίαςekklēsias — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study →, exceptεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → was not a burdenκατενάρκησαkatenarkēsa — to burden; to be a financial strainG2655 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →? Forgiveχαρίσασθέcharisasthe — to give graciously; to forgive freelyG5483 — Full Word Study → meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → thisταύτηνtautēn — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → wrongἀδικίανadikian — Unrighteousness, injustice, moral wrongdoingG93 — Full Word Study →! 14SeeἸδοὺIdou — Look! Behold! See!G2400 — Full Word Study →, I amἔχωechō — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → readyἑτοίμωςhetoimōs — readily, willingly, with eagernessG2093 — Full Word Study → to comeἐλθεῖνelthein — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → a third timeτρίτονtriton — Third in sequence or orderG5154 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → I will not be a burdenκαταναρκήσωkatanarkēsō — to burden; to be a financial strainG2655 — Full Word Study →, becauseγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I am not seekingζητῶzētō — to seek, search for, desire, requireG2212 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → possessions, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → childrenτέκναtekna — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study → should not haveὀφείλειopheilei — to owe; to be obligated or indebtedG3784 — Full Word Study → to save upθησαυρίζεινthēsaurizein — to store up, accumulate, treasureG2343 — Full Word Study → for their parentsγονεῦσινgoneusin — parent, father or motherG1118 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → parentsγονεῖςgoneis — parent, father or motherG1118 — Full Word Study → for their childrenτέκνοιςteknois — child; offspring; son or daughterG5043 — Full Word Study →. 15Andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → for the sake ofὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → soulsψυχῶνpsychōn — The immaterial self; life force; personG5590 — Full Word Study →, Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → will most gladly spend my moneyδαπανήσωdapanēsō — to spend money or resources; to exhaustG1159 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → myself. Ifεἰei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → I loveἀγαπῶν*agapōn — to love deeply; to cherish with affectionG25 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → moreπερισσοτέρωςperissoterōs — Abundantly, excessively, greatly, beyond measureG4057 — Full Word Study →, will you love me lessἧσσονhēsson — less, inferior, or worse in quality or degreeG2276 — Full Word Study →? 16Be that as it mayἜστωEstō — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study →, Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → was not a burdenκατεβάρησαkatebarēsa — to weigh down, burden, or overwhelmG2599 — Full Word Study → to youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →; butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → craftyπανοῦργοςpanourgos — cunning, crafty, deceitfulG3835 — Full Word Study → as I amὑπάρχωνhyparchōn — to be, exist, or be presentG5225 — Full Word Study →, I caughtἔλαβονelabon — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → by trickeryδόλῳdolō — Deceit, guile, cunning deceptionG1388 — Full Word Study →. 17Did I exploitἐπλεονέκτησαepleonektēsa — to exploit, defraud, or gain advantage overG4122 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → byδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιναtina — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → I sentἀπέσταλκαapestalka — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →? 18I urgedπαρεκάλεσαparekalesa — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → Titus to visit you, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → I sentσυναπέστειλαsynapesteila — to send along with, to send togetherG4882 — Full Word Study → our brother with him. Did Titus exploitἐπλεονέκτησενepleonektēsen — to exploit, defraud, or gain advantage overG4122 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → in any way? Did we not walkπεριεπατήσαμενperiepatēsamen — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → in theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματιPneumati — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → and follow in theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sameαὐτοῖςautois — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → footstepsἴχνεσινichnesin — footstep, track, or mark left behindG2487 — Full Word Study →? 19Have you been thinkingδοκεῖτεdokeite — to seem, appear, or think; to suppose or judgeG1380 — Full Word Study → all alongΠάλαιPalai — long ago, of old, in time pastG3819 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we were making a defenseἀπολογούμεθαapologoumetha — To defend oneself; make a defense or apologyG626 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →? We speakλαλοῦμενlaloumen — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → beforeκατέναντιkatenanti — before, in the presence of, opposite toG2713 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → of this, belovedἀγαπητοίagapētoi — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study →, is to build you upοἰκοδομῆςoikodomēs — Building, edification, constructionG3619 — Full Word Study →. 20Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I am afraidφοβοῦμαιphoboumai — to fear, be afraid; to reverence, respectG5399 — Full Word Study → that when I comeἐλθὼνelthōn — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study →, I may not findεὕρωheurō — to find, discover, or obtainG2147 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → asοἵουςhoious — of such a kind, what sort ofG3634 — Full Word Study → I wishθέλωthelō — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study →, andκἀγὼkagō — And I; I also; even IG2504 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → may not find me asοἷονhoion — of such a kind, what sort ofG3634 — Full Word Study → you wishθέλετεthelete — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study →. I fear that there may beπωςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → quarrelingἔριςeris — Quarreling, contention, strifeG2054 — Full Word Study →, jealousyζῆλοςzēlos — Zealous devotion or passionate intensityG2205 — Full Word Study →, rageθυμοίthymoi — intense anger, fierce wrath, passionate rageG2372 — Full Word Study →, rivalryἐριθεῖαιeritheiai — selfish ambition, factious rivalry, partisan strifeG2052 — Full Word Study →, slanderκαταλαλιαίkatalaliai — slanderous speech; malicious gossipG2636 — Full Word Study →, gossipψιθυρισμοίpsithyrismoi — malicious gossip or whispered slanderG5587 — Full Word Study →, arroganceφυσιώσειςphysiōseis — arrogance, pride, or conceited swellingG5450 — Full Word Study →, and disorder. 21I am afraid that when I comeἐλθόντοςelthontos — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → againπάλινpalin — again; once more; in returnG3825 — Full Word Study →, myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → GodΘεόςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → will humbleταπεινώσῃtapeinōsē — to humble, abase, or make lowG5013 — Full Word Study → meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → beforeπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → I will be grieved overπενθήσωpenthēsō — to mourn, grieve, or lamentG3996 — Full Word Study → manyπολλοὺςpollous — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → whoτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → have sinned earlierπροημαρτηκότωνproēmartēkotōn — to sin beforehand; to have already sinnedG4258 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → have not repentedμετανοησάντωνmetanoēsantōn — To change one's mind; to turn around from sinG3340 — Full Word Study → ofἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → their acts ofἔπραξανepraxan — to do, practice, or perform actionsG4238 — Full Word Study → impurityἀκαθαρσίᾳakatharsia — Moral and spiritual impurity or uncleannessG167 — Full Word Study →, sexual immoralityπορνείᾳporneia — sexual immorality or fornicationG4202 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → debaucheryἀσελγείᾳaselgeia — sexual immorality and unbridled lustG766 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Corinthians 12
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul defends his apostolic authority while paradoxically glorying in weakness rather than strength. He recounts a mystical experience of being caught up to the third heaven fourteen years prior, then reveals how God gave him a "thorn in the flesh" to keep him humble. The heart of the chapter is Paul's discovery that God's grace is sufficient in weakness, and his willingness to boast in infirmities so that Christ's power may be displayed. He concludes by reaffirming his sacrificial love for the Corinthian church and expressing concern about their spiritual condition.

Verses 1–5: The Heavenly Vision and Proper Boasting

Paul begins by acknowledging that boasting is not helpful, yet he will speak of his visions and revelations from the Lord. He describes a man "caught up to the third heaven" fourteen years earlier—a veiled reference to himself. This person heard "unspeakable words" (Greek: arrēta), words not lawful to utter. Rather than glorying in this experience, Paul says he will glory in his infirmities (verse 5). This sets the tone for the entire chapter: true apostolic authority is not demonstrated through extraordinary experiences, but through humble weakness.

Application: Believers today often feel pressure to boast about spiritual experiences or accomplishments. Paul models a better way—recognizing that our deepest encounters with God should humble us rather than exalt us in others' eyes.

Verses 6–10: The Thorn in the Flesh and Grace Sufficient

To prevent pride from his revelations, God gave Paul "a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me" (verse 7). Scholars debate the nature of this thorn—perhaps a physical ailment, persistent opposition, or spiritual struggle—but Paul's response is what matters. He prayed three times for its removal, yet the Lord's answer transformed his entire perspective: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (verse 9). This divine reply is one of Scripture's most comforting promises. Paul's response is remarkable—he moves from requesting deliverance to taking pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake (verse 10). His paradoxical conclusion: "when I am weak, then am I strong."

Application: Our struggles and limitations are not divine oversights but tools for spiritual growth. God's grace does not always remove our burdens; it empowers us to bear them victoriously. This invites us to reframe our own "thorns" as opportunities to experience Christ's sufficiency.

Verses 11–13: Defending Apostolic Credentials

Paul acknowledges he has been "compelled" to boast (verse 11), a subtle correction of the Corinthians. He affirms that he is not inferior to the "very chiefest apostles," yet paradoxically states "though I be nothing." The signs of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and mighty deeds—were performed among them (verse 12). His only "fault" was that he did not burden them financially (verse 13), a mark of his sacrificial love rather than a deficiency.

Application: True spiritual leadership is measured by character and sacrifice, not by demanding privilege or recognition.

Verses 14–21: Love, Sacrifice, and Pastoral Concern

Paul expresses his readiness for a third visit, promising again not to be a financial burden. His memorable statement—"I seek not yours, but you" (verse 14)—captures the pastor's heart. He will "very gladly spend and be spent" for them (verse 15). Yet his deepest concern is their spiritual state. He fears finding them engaged in debates, envyings, wraths, and unrepented sin (verses 20–21). His words reveal paternal love mixed with legitimate pastoral anxiety.

Application: Genuine spiritual leaders prioritize others' growth over personal gain and feel genuine sorrow when believers drift from holiness.

Application for Today

Chapter 12 calls us to embrace a counterculture spirituality: find strength in weakness, boast in infirmities, and trust God's grace above all circumstances. Whether facing persistent struggles, health challenges, or relational difficulties, we can rest in Paul's testimony that Christ's power is most evident when we are most dependent. Like Paul, may we learn to stop demanding explanations from God and instead discover His sufficiency in the very trials we once prayed to escape.

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