Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 12:4

What does 2 Corinthians 12:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 12:4 means

The man was caught up to Paradise and heard words beyond human telling—“unspeakable” and not lawful to repeat. The experience was true yet not transmissible, underscoring that not every revelation is meant for public consumption or personal elevation. God sometimes grants knowledge to humble and steady His servants rather than to furnish material for platform-building. Paul’s refusal to report the content is as instructive as the experience itself: obedience includes silence where God sets boundaries. The church’s faith rests not on secret sayings but on the revealed gospel of Christ. Thus, even at the height of spiritual privilege, Paul embraces restraint and keeps the focus on what edifies.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

How he was taken up into Paradise, and words came to his ears which may not be said, and which man is not able to say.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that he was caught away to the paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, that it is not possible for man to speak.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which it is not granted to man to utter.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable things said which it is not allowed to man to utter.

Context

This climax of the visionary account closes its public usefulness: Paradise was reached, but the words cannot be shared. That very limit pushes readers away from curiosity about details and toward Paul’s next emphasis. Verse 5 will pivot from heavenly privilege to boasting in weaknesses, and verses 6–7 will explain why Paul refuses to leverage the vision for personal status. The narrative arc moves from the heights of revelation to the earthiness of humility, setting the stage for the central lesson of the chapter—that strength is perfected in weakness (verses 9–10).

v.3And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),

v.4This passage

v.5On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 31:9

    I made it fair by the multitude of its branches, so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied it.

  • Revelation 2:7

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

  • Luke 23:43

    And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

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