2 Corinthians 12:3

2 Corinthians 12:3 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
• New International Version (NIV)And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—
• English Standard Version (ESV)And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
• New King James Version (NKJV)And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—

Context of 2 Corinthians 12:3

1It is necessary to boast, though nothing is gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know that such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows— 4was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell]. 5On behalf of such a man [and his experiences] I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:3 word by word

καὶ οἶδα τὸν τοιοῦτον ἄνθρωπον, εἴτε ἐν σώματι εἴτε χωρὶς τοῦ σώματος, οὐκ οἶδα, ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν,Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Andκαίkai · andG2532
• I knewεἴδωeidō · to perceive: understandG1492
• suchτοιοῦτοςtoioutos · such as thisG5108
• a manἄνθρωποςanthrōpos · a humanG444
• whetherεἴτεeite · whetherG1535
• inἐνen · in/on/amongG1722
• the bodyσῶμαsōma · bodyG4983
• out ofἐκτόςektos · outside/exceptG1622
• cannotοὐou · noG3756
• Godθεόςtheos · GodG2316

Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 12:3

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 3And I knew such a man - It is not uncommon to repeat a solemn affirmation in order that it may be made more emphatic. This is done here. Paul repeats the idea, that he was intimately acquainted with such a man, and that he did not know whether he was in the body or out of the body. All that was known to God.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 3-4Paul was unsure if he was in a trance or truly taken to heaven. And I know this man … was caught up to Paradise: Literally But I know such a man, that he was caught up; see study note on 12:2.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. Translate, "I know." out of--Most of the oldest manuscripts read "apart from."Read the comment

Topics related to 2 Corinthians 12:3

• Heaven
• Paul
• Vision

In the dictionaries

• God
• god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry
• Backbiting
• Crafty
• Excuse
• Gain
• Grace
• Perfect
• Revelation
• Sufficient

Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 12

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings