2 Corinthians 12:4

2 Corinthians 12:4

2 I know a man ^ain 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 ^bwas caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—

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

5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not ^aboast, except in my infirmities.

6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

The Thorn in the Flesh

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a ^athorn in the flesh was given to me, ^ba messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

Commentaries:

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

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2 Corinthians 12:5 >>

unspeakable—not in themselves, otherwise Paul could not have heard them; but as the explanation states, "which it is not lawful . . . to utter" [ALFORD]. They were designed for Paul's own consolation, and not for communication to others. Some heavenly words are communicable (Exodus 34:6; Isaiah 6:3). These were not so. Paul had not the power adequately to utter; nor if he had, would he have been permitted; nor would earthly men comprehend them (John 3:12; I Corinthians 2:9). A man may hear and know more than he can speak.

**Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 2 Corinthians 12:4:**

Job 4:12
Luke 23:43
Acts 8:39-40
Acts 26:16-18
1 Corinthians 11:23
2 Corinthians 11:6
2 Corinthians 12:2
Galatians 4:15
1 Peter 3:18

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2 Corinthians 12:5 >>

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