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

This verse declares Paul's readiness and desire to spend all he has, even himself, for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians. It expresses a fatherly love and willingness for self-sacrifice, emphasizing that the affection for them does not diminish based on their reception of his ministry. The greater he loves them, the less he is loved in return.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Context

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul is defending his apostleship, which had been challenged by some in Corinth. He recounts a vision of being caught up to the third heaven to demonstrate the genuine nature of his ministry, not for boasting. He acknowledges a "thorn in the flesh" that keeps him from excessive pride. Chapter 12, verse 14 follows his defense and addresses his paternal love and approach to ministry in Corinth. He contrasts his generous, sacrificial love for them with the diminished affection they might have for him, emphasizing that his willingness to be their spiritual father means he is eager to provide for them, not that they should provide for him. This is part of his ongoing argument to correct and guide the Corinthian church.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Word Analysis

• Εγώ (Ego): "I" - Emphatic and personal declaration by the apostle Paul.
• δε (de): "but" or "and" - A conjunction indicating a slight contrast or continuation.
• πλέον (pleon): "more" - Indicates an increase or a greater degree.
• η (ē): "than" - Used in comparative statements.
• εσχάτως (eschatōs): "lastly" or "finally" or "most extremely" - referring to the final disposition of his possessions and possibly his very life. In this context, it signifies the utmost willingness.
• αγαπῶ (agapō): "love" - Specifically refers to agape love, a self-sacrificial, unconditional love.
• υμάς (hymas): "you" (plural) - Refers to the believers in Corinth.
• περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs): "more abundantly" or "exceedingly" - intensifying the measure of love expressed.
• καταναλισκόμενος (katanalskomenos): "consuming" or "being consumed" - a passive participle from katanalsko. This powerful imagery suggests that Paul is willing to be utterly spent or depleted for their sake.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But I, fourthly, will gladly spend and be spent for your souls": This phrase combines "fourthly" (indicating an order of his reasons or points), the joyful willingness ("gladly spend"), and the ultimate self-sacrifice ("be spent"). It encapsulates the heart of his apostolic mission and love.
• "The more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.": This juxtaposition highlights the potential disparity in affection. Paul loves them "more abundantly," yet the response is "less loved." This doesn't negate his love but acknowledges a painful reality in his relationship with them, possibly due to misunderstandings or the influence of false teachers.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Bonus Section

The imagery of being "spent" or "consumed" (katanalskomenos) is intense and often likened to the burning of fuel or a drink offering being poured out. This was a costly, total giving. The phrasing also reflects Paul's approach to ministry which was not a mere transaction for sustenance, but a total investment of self. His willingness to be "spent" speaks to his readiness to endure hardship, persecution, and even death for the sake of the gospel and the church. The mention of "fourthly" might suggest a progression of thought in his defense, or perhaps a continuation of a list of proofs of his apostolic authenticity and genuine affection.

2 Corinthians 12 14 Commentary

Paul unequivocally expresses his parental devotion to the Corinthian believers. His love for them is characterized by a willingness to go to any length, even to the point of personal depletion and death, for their spiritual welfare. He doesn't seek their material support but is eager to give them his all. The latter part of the verse acknowledges that the more he invests his love, the less he may receive in return, yet this potential lack of reciprocation does not deter his generous spirit. It's a testament to selfless love in leadership, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of those under his care above all else, echoing Christ's own sacrifice.