2 Corinthians 12 4

2 Corinthians 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.

2 Corinthians 12:4 nkjv

how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

2 Corinthians 12:4 niv

was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

2 Corinthians 12:4 esv

and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.

2 Corinthians 12:4 nlt

that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 4 Meaning

The verse signifies an inability to recount or express precisely what was heard or revealed in a heavenly experience. It emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the revelation, making it inexpressible in human language. This inability to fully articulate underscores the divine origin and the ineffable quality of the experience Paul had.

2 Corinthians 12 4 Context

This verse is situated within a section where Paul defends his apostolic authority, which some in Corinth were questioning. He speaks of extraordinary divine experiences to validate his claims, not out of boasting, but necessity. This specific reference to being caught up to paradise and hearing inexpressible words is part of an account of divine revelations he received. The broader context of 2 Corinthians chapters 10-13 reveals Paul's struggle against false apostles and his self-defense, highlighting his deep concern for the Corinthian church and the integrity of the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 12 4 Word Analysis

• οἶδα (oida): "I know." This is a perfect tense verb in Greek, often used with present meaning, indicating a firm, established knowledge. It conveys a certainty about the experience.
• ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon): "a man." Refers to himself in the third person. This is a common rhetorical device to create a sense of detachment or humility, allowing him to share something extraordinary without appearing overly boastful.
• ἐν Χριστῷ (en Christō): "in Christ." This phrase signifies a state of spiritual union and belonging with Christ. Paul's experience is not independent but occurs within his relationship with Jesus.
• ἁρπασθέντα (harpazenta): "caught up" or "snatched away." A participle indicating an action performed on him, not initiated by him. It suggests an involuntary, powerful, and rapid transport, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the event.
• ἕως (heōs): "up to" or "even to." Indicates the destination or the extremity of the experience.
• τρίτου (tritou): "third." Modifies "heaven." This implies a progressive revelation or a distinct sphere of the heavenly realm.
• οὐρανοῦ (ouranou): "heaven."
• εἴτε (eite): "whether." Introduces a further clarification of the nature of his rapture.
• εἴτε (eite): "whether." Used here to indicate alternatives that might have happened, though both point to an extraordinary heavenly experience.
• σῶμα (sōma): "body." Refers to his physical body.
• ἐκτὸς (ektos): "outside." Indicates separation from the normal functioning of the body.
• οἶδεν (oiden): "knows." Present tense of the perfect "oida," again emphasizing certain knowledge.
• ὁ θεός (ho theos): "God."
• καὶ (kai): "and." Connects the two clauses.
• οἶδα (oida): "I know." Repetition for emphasis on his knowledge.
• τοιοῦτον (toiouton): "such a man." Referring back to the man "in Christ."
• τὸ (to): "the."
• σῶμα (sōma): "body."
• οἶδεν (oiden): "knows."
• ἢ (ē): "or." Connects "outside the body" with "with the body."
• ἐκτὸς (ektos): "outside."
• τοῦ (tou): "the."
• σώματος (sōmatos): "body."
• οἶδεν (oiden): "knows."
• ὁ θεός (ho theos): "God."
• ὅτι (hoti): "that." Introduces the statement about hearing the inexpressible words.
• τοιοῦτον (toiouton): "such a one." Refers to the person caught up.
• ἥρπασθη (hērpasthē): "he was caught up." Aorist passive indicative of harpazō, same root as above, indicating the action that happened to him.
• εἰς (eis): "into" or "to."
• τὸν (ton): "the."
• παράδεισον (paradeison): "paradise." A Greek word for a garden or park, used here for a heavenly realm, often equated with God's presence.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• ἀνεκλάλητα (aneklēta): "unspeakable" or "inexpressible." A crucial adjective describing the words. It signifies that they cannot be adequately uttered or communicated in human language.
• ῥήματα (rhemat): "words" or "sayings."
• ἄ (ha): "which." Relative pronoun.
• μηδὲ (mēde): "not even" or "and not." Emphasizes the absolute impossibility of utterance.
• δυνατὸν (dynaton): "possible" or "able."
• ἀνθρώπῳ (anthrōpō): "a man" or "for a man" (dative case).
• λαλῆσαι (lalēsai): "to speak." Infinitive.

Word Group Analysis

• "caught up to the third heaven": This describes the location and manner of the experience. "Third heaven" is interpreted in various ways, some seeing it as a progression of heavenly realms, others as simply the highest heaven where God resides, contrasting it with earthly or angelic realms. The "caught up" (harpazō) indicates a divine, overwhelming transport.
• "whether in the body or out of the body": This addresses the mode of existence during the rapture. Paul acknowledges the ambiguity concerning the state of his physical body, whether he was still physically present or his spirit/consciousness was disembodied. God's knowledge is highlighted here.
• "unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter": This phrase focuses on the content and communicability of what was heard. "Unspeakable" (aneklēta) means the words were of such a nature that they transcended human language. "Not lawful" (ouk exestin) implies a divine prohibition or simply the absolute inability to express them properly within human limitations.

2 Corinthians 12 4 Bonus Section

The concept of "third heaven" has led to much speculation. Some scholars suggest it refers to the highest dwelling place of God, the immediate presence of the Almighty. The mention of "unspeakable words" resonates with the biblical understanding that divine realities are often far beyond human grasp and expression, as seen in accounts of God's glory in the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah's vision, Ezekiel's encounter). The Apostle John also noted the limitations of current human understanding, stating we "see in a mirror dimly" compared to future direct communion (1 Cor 13:12). Paul's intention is to validate his apostleship by pointing to God's extraordinary endorsement, while paradoxically using his inexpressible experience to guard against misrepresentation and to direct focus to God’s power, not human eloquence.

2 Corinthians 12 4 Commentary

Paul recounts a profound heavenly experience, an ecstasy or rapture to paradise where he heard divine truths too marvelous and sacred for human tongue to articulate. This was not a trivial event but a divine impartation that transcended earthly communication. The phrase "unspeakable" (Greek: aneklēta) stresses the inability of human language to adequately convey the glory, meaning, or reality of what was revealed. It’s not that Paul could not speak, but that it was not permissible or possible for a mortal to utter such divine mysteries without distortion or disrespect. This underscores the unique and direct way God communicates with His servants, a communion that can exceed the capacity of our earthly vocabulary and comprehension. The ambiguity of whether he was in or out of the body highlights that the essence of the revelation was spiritual and deeply personal, known fully only to God.