2 Corinthians 12:1
What does 2 Corinthians 12:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:1 means
Paul admits he must speak about reasons to boast, even though he knows it is not spiritually profitable. He chooses to direct attention to what the Lord has shown rather than to human accomplishments. By mentioning “visions and revelations of the Lord,” he signals that if he must answer his critics on their own terms, he will do so by pointing to God’s initiative, not his own merit. He is unwillingly entering the arena of comparison with flashy teachers, yet remains careful to keep the focus on the Lord’s self-disclosure. The measure of a servant is not style or self-promotion, but what God has revealed and done, and how that shapes faithful life and ministry.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As it is necessary for me to take glory to myself, though it is not a good thing, I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862To boast, really, is not profitable for me, for I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Well, it is not of profit to me to boast, for I will come to visions and revelations of [the] Lord.
Context
Paul has just finished, in the prior section, a reluctant “boast” in sufferings to counter false apostles. Now he transitions from hardships to extraordinary spiritual experiences. This sets up the account in verses 2–4 of being caught up to the “third heaven” and “Paradise.” The frame matters: he is not eager to parade experiences but compelled to defend his apostleship. This opening line alerts readers that any glorying will still be restrained, and it prepares for the paradox that follows—great revelations leading not to pride but to humbling weakness and reliance on grace (verses 7–10).
v.1This passage
v.2I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 23:11
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer: for as thou hast testified concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
- John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you.
- 1 Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.
- Ezekiel 1:1
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourthmonth, in the fifthdayof the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
- Numbers 12:6
And he said, Hear now my words: if there be a prophet among you, I Jehovah will make myself known unto him in a vision, I will speak with him in a dream.
- Galatians 2:2
And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.
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