2 Corinthians 12 14

2 Corinthians 12:14 kjv

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

2 Corinthians 12:14 nkjv

Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

2 Corinthians 12:14 niv

Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

2 Corinthians 12:14 esv

Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

2 Corinthians 12:14 nlt

Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have ? I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 14 Meaning

In 2 Corinthians 12:14, the Apostle Paul declares his unwavering intention to visit the Corinthian church for the third time without imposing a financial burden upon them. He explicitly states that his motivation is not to acquire their material possessions, but to secure their very selves – their spiritual welfare and communion with him. To underscore this selfless approach, Paul employs the analogy of a loving parent, asserting that parents naturally provide for their children, not the other way around, thus portraying his relationship with them as that of a spiritual father who sacrifices for his children.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Context

This verse is situated in a highly personal and defensive section of 2 Corinthians where Paul is earnestly defending his apostleship, integrity, and motivations against accusations from false teachers in Corinth. Chapter 12 specifically discusses Paul's visions and revelations, followed by his "thorn in the flesh," which he uses to illustrate God's power made perfect in weakness. He then transitions to his selfless ministry, clarifying his intent for his upcoming third visit. Throughout this letter, Paul contrasts his own genuine, sacrificial ministry with that of his detractors, who were likely charging payment for their teaching and perhaps accusing Paul of ulterior motives. Culturally, the practice of a patron supporting a client was common, but Paul deliberately distanced himself from seeking such patronage from the Corinthians to avoid any perception of greed or exploitation, thereby emphasizing the purity of his gospel message.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Word analysis

• Now for the third time (τρίτον τοῦτο):

  • τρίτον (triton): "third." Signifies this is the third planned or attempted visit (refer to 2 Cor 13:1), not necessarily a third actual presence due to prior difficulties. It underscores his consistent intention and concern despite past challenges or delays.
  • to this (τοῦτο, touto): emphasizes the present decision/intention concerning this particular visit.

• I am ready to come to you. (ἑτοίμως ἔχω ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς):

  • ready (ἑτοίμως ἔχω, hetoimōs echō): Literally "I have readiness" or "I am in a state of readiness." Denotes preparedness, willingness, and a firm resolve. Paul is eager and prepared to fulfill his promise.

• And I will not be a burden to you; (καὶ οὐ καταναρκήσω ὑμῶν):

  • not (οὐ, ou): a strong negative.
  • be a burden (καταναρκήσω, katanarkēsō): Derived from narkao (to be numb, sluggish), suggesting being like a parasite, to cause lethargy, or to be a drain/cost. Here, it means to exploit or to cause financial strain, reflecting Paul's consistent refusal to be financially dependent on them for his own sustenance (unlike many itinerant philosophers or religious leaders).

• for I do not seek your possessions, (οὐ γὰρ ζητῶ τὰ ὑμῶν):

  • do not seek (οὐ γὰρ ζητῶ, ou gar zētō): Paul is explicit; his intention is not financial gain. "Seek" here implies actively pursuing or coveting.
  • your possessions (τὰ ὑμῶν, ta hymōn): Literally "the things of you" or "your belongings," referring to material wealth or resources. This clearly distinguishes his ministry from those who exploit.

• but you. (ἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς.):

  • you (ὑμᾶς, hymas): The accusative "you." Paul desires their very selves—their salvation, their spiritual maturity, their restoration, their reconciliation—not what they have. This highlights the truly relational and spiritual nature of his ministry.

• For children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children. (οὐ γὰρ ὀφείλει τὰ τέκνα τοῖς γονεῦσιν θησαυρίζειν, ἀλλὰ οἱ γονεῖς τοῖς τέκνοις.):

  • ought not (οὐ γὰρ ὀφείλει, ou gar opheilei): Denotes moral obligation or due. This is a foundational, natural principle.
  • children (τὰ τέκνα, ta tekna): The spiritual "children" (the Corinthian believers).
  • lay up for (θησαυρίζειν, thēsauros): "to treasure up," "to store," "to accumulate wealth." Here, to provide or save for the future.
  • parents (τοῖς γονεῦσιν, tois goneusin): In this analogy, Paul sees himself in the parental role.
  • The structure of the phrase establishes a universal, undeniable truth: the natural flow of provision is from parent to child, reflecting Paul's selfless commitment as a spiritual father.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Bonus section

The "third time" reference may also subtly allude to legal precedents requiring "two or three witnesses" to establish a fact (Deut 19:15; 2 Cor 13:1). Paul is coming as an authoritative figure to address the issues in Corinth, and this repeated intention highlights his steadfastness and impending decisive action. Paul’s self-sufficiency through his trade as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) was radical for an esteemed teacher of his day and powerfully testified against the prevalent culture of patronage and the exploitation practiced by false teachers, underscoring the sincerity of his ministry and the gospel he proclaimed.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Commentary

2 Corinthians 12:14 profoundly illustrates Paul's authentic apostolic heart. His repeated assurance of not being a financial burden underscored his commitment to an unadulterated gospel, sharply contrasting with contemporary religious peddlers and the false apostles exploiting the Corinthians. By not seeking their wealth but their very persons, Paul revealed a selfless, spiritual love, prioritizing their well-being over any material gain. The parent-child analogy serves as a powerful metaphor for his deep pastoral relationship. As a spiritual father, he understood his role as one who gives and sacrifices, providing spiritual nourishment and stability, rather than being a drain or demanding support from his spiritual offspring. This verse encapsulates true Christ-like servant leadership: unwavering love, sacrificial giving, and seeking the good of the flock, not personal enrichment. For practical application, this challenges Christian leaders to evaluate their motivations, ensuring their service is born of love for souls, not desire for possessions. It also calls believers to discern leaders by their selfless devotion.