2 Corinthians 12 2

2 Corinthians 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.

2 Corinthians 12:2 nkjv

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago?whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows?such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

2 Corinthians 12:2 niv

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 the body I do not know?God knows.

2 Corinthians 12:2 esv

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven ? whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.

2 Corinthians 12:2 nlt

I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don't know ? only God knows.

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 2 Meaning

The apostle Paul speaks of a remarkable experience where he was "caught up to the third heaven." This phrase indicates an ascension into a realm of divine presence and spiritual reality beyond normal human comprehension. It signifies an encounter with God in a way that transcended physical limitations and earthly understanding, setting a profound benchmark for spiritual attainment.

2 Corinthians 12 2 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 12 details Paul's defense against his detractors in Corinth. They were questioning his apostolic authority, likely based on his unassuming physical appearance and a lack of imposing presence. In response, Paul reluctantly recounts extraordinary spiritual experiences. This particular verse introduces an account of his heavenly journey, emphasizing its divine origin and transcendent nature. It serves as powerful evidence of God's endorsement of his ministry, distinguishing him from those who might be measuring apostleship by human standards or superficial charisma.

2 Corinthians 12 2 Word Analysis

• οἶδα (oida): "I know." First-person singular, perfect active indicative of oida. Implies a state of certain knowledge, a confirmed understanding rather than just a passing acquaintance.
• ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon): "a man." Accusative singular masculine of anthrōpos, meaning human being, man, or person. Refers to a human individual.
• ἐν Χριστῷ (en Christō): "in Christ." Locative case indicating a sphere of being, union, or participation. It signifies a spiritual identity and relationship with Jesus Christ.
• ἐπτακαίδεκα (heptakaideka): "fourteen." Numeral word for fourteen.
• ἔτη (etē): "years." Accusative plural neuter of etos. Pertains to the duration of time.
• εἴτε (eite): "whether." Conjunctive particle, used here in a hypothetical sense, introducing clauses about his own experience.
• ἐν σώματι (en sōmati): "in the body." Locative case. Specifies the experience as occurring within a physical body.
• οὐκ οἶδα (ouk oida): "I do not know." Negation of the verb oida, indicating uncertainty about the circumstances of the event.
• εἴτε (eite): "or." Another conjunctive particle, contrasting the "in the body" and "out of the body" possibilities.
• ἐκτὸς σώματος (ektos sōmatos): "out of the body." Genitive case indicating separation from. The precise nature of this separation from the physical body is unknown to Paul himself.
• ὁ θεός (ho theos): "God." Nominative masculine singular article ho + noun theos. Refers to the divine Being.
• οἶδεν (oiden): "knows." Third-person singular, perfect active indicative of oida. Expresses God's certain knowledge.
• αἱ (hai): "the." Feminine plural nominative definite article.
• ἐκπορεύσεις (ekporeuseis): "outgoings" or "journeys." Nominative plural feminine of ekporeusis. Can refer to a going out, a departure, or a process of origin and journeying.
• τοιαῦται (toiautai): "such." Feminine plural nominative demonstrative pronoun toios + article autai. Modifies ekporeuseis, signifying things of that kind or nature.

Word Group Analysis

• "caught up to the third heaven": This phrase suggests a literal transportation or a profound, elevated spiritual experience. The concept of "heavens" in ancient Jewish thought often included multiple celestial spheres, with the "third heaven" denoting the highest realm, the dwelling place of God.
• "whether in the body I know not; or out of the body, I know not": This remarkable statement underscores the extraordinary and perhaps mystical nature of the experience. Paul is confessing his inability to define the exact physical or spiritual state during this heavenly rapture, emphasizing that the crucial aspect was the divine encounter itself, not the physiological mechanics of it.

2 Corinthians 12 2 Bonus Section

The concept of "heavens" (plural) being multiple was a common understanding in Judaism and early Christianity, often described as first heaven (atmosphere), second heaven (stars and cosmos), and third heaven (God's immediate presence). This particular phrasing, "third heaven," was a way to articulate the superlative degree of this heavenly encounter. Some scholars note that Paul is not the only biblical figure described with extraordinary heavenly journeys or visions, referencing figures like Enoch (Gen 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), and later John the Apostle (Rev 4:2). The verse also subtly positions Paul’s experience as a potential contrast to worldly wisdom, a theme prevalent in the Corinthian correspondence. His acknowledgment of the unknown physical state serves to prevent his account from being reduced to mere mysticism, keeping it firmly grounded in the reality of God’s sovereign action.

2 Corinthians 12 2 Commentary

Paul’s recounting of being "caught up to the third heaven" is a pivotal moment in his defense. It isn't boasting but a demonstration of divine enablement, showcasing a direct impartation of knowledge and experience from God. His humility in admitting his uncertainty about the "how" of the experience – whether bodily or spiritually separate – is significant. It highlights that spiritual reality transcends scientific explanation and that true encounters with God are beyond human analysis. The emphasis is on the reality of the revelation, not its mechanics, pointing to a unique divine authorization that underpins his apostolic mission and the profound truths he conveyed. This elevates the spiritual authority of his message above any physical presence or worldly measure of success.