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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/47_2Co_12_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 12:2 - Paul's Revelation" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. 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Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago--whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know; God knows--such a man, having been caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a> I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a> I know a man in 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 was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I 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, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> I 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, God knows— such a man was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I 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, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I 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, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I 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. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I know a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don&#8217t know, God knows. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> I 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. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I know about one of Christ's followers who was taken up into the third heaven 14 years ago. I don't know if the man was still in his body when it happened, but God certainly knows. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> I 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. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I know a follower of Christ who was snatched away to the third heaven fourteen years ago. I don't know whether this happened to him physically or spiritually. Only God knows. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> I know a certain Christian man who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the highest heaven (I do not know whether this actually happened or whether he had a vision--only God knows). <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> I know a man who belongs to the Messiah. Fourteen years ago—whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows—that man was snatched away to the third heaven. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a> I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I know a man in Christ, 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 was caught up into the third heaven. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such one caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I know a Christian man who fourteen years ago-- whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know; God knows--was caught up (this man of whom I am speaking) <a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a> I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago—whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have known a man in Christ, fourteen years ago—whether in the body I have not known, whether out of the body I have not known, God has known—such a one being snatched up to the third heaven; <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago--whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know; God knows--such a man, having been caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I have known a man in Christ, fourteen years ago -- whether in the body I have not known, whether out of the body I have not known, God hath known -- such an one being caught away unto the third heaven; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I knew a man in Christ before fourteen years, (whether in the body, I know not; whether out of the body, I know not: God knows;) such a one having been carried off even to the third heaven.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I know a man in Christ, who, more than fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know: God knows), was enraptured to the third heaven. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a> I know someone in Christ who, fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows), was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago, but whether I knew him in the body or without the body, I do not know: God knows; this very one was caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I knew a man in The Messiah more than 14 years ago, whether in the body or without the body, I do not know, God himself knows, who was snatched up unto the third Heaven.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I knew a man in Christ fourteen years ago; that such a one (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God knows;) was caught away to the third heaven. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I knew a man in Christ, fourteen years ago, whether in the body, I know not; whether out of the body, I know not, such a one having been caught up even to the third heaven. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I know not, or whether out of the body I know not: God knoweth;) such a one was caught up unto the third heavens. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I knew a christian who above fourteen years ago, was snatch'd up even to the third heaven, whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I know a Christian man who fourteen years ago-- whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know; God knows--was caught up (this man of whom I am speaking) <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I 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. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth) such a one caught up to the third heaven. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=2199" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Paul's Revelation</a> 1I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2<a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I know</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpon (N-AMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">a man</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/1180.htm" title="1180: dekatessarōn (Adj-GNP) -- Fourteen. From deka and tessares; ten and four, i.e. Fourteen.">who fourteen</a> <a href="/greek/2094.htm" title="2094: etōn (N-GNP) -- A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.">years</a> <a href="/greek/4253.htm" title="4253: pro (Prep) -- A primary preposition; fore, i.e. In front of, prior to.">ago</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5108.htm" title="5108: toiouton (DPro-AMS) -- (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality)."></a> <a href="/greek/726.htm" title="726: harpagenta (V-APP-AMS) -- To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize.">was caught up</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Prep) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">to</a> <a href="/greek/5154.htm" title="5154: tritou (Adj-GMS) -- Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.">the third</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranou (N-GMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">Whether it was</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōmati (N-DNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">the body</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. "></a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">or</a> <a href="/greek/1622.htm" title="1622: ektos (Prep) -- From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides.">out of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōmatos (N-GNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">it</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I do not know,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">but God</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oiden (V-RIA-3S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">knows.</a> 3And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows—…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17-18</a> Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Revelation 4:1-2</a> After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” / At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. <a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a> In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. <a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12</a> And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. <a href="/john/1-51.htm">John 1:51</a> Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” <a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-4</a> In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a> In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1-9</a> After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. ... <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6</a> As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. / He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. ... <a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Revelation 1:10</a> On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, <a href="/1_kings/22-19.htm">1 Kings 22:19</a> Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. <a href="/isaiah/64-1.htm">Isaiah 64:1</a> If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Philippians 3:14</a> I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17</a> After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-47.htm">1 Corinthians 15:47</a> The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.knew.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3,5</a> And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) … in Christ.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17,21</a> Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new… <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a> Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?<a href="/isaiah/45-24.htm">Isaiah 45:24,25</a> Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed… about.<a href="/acts/14-6.htm">Acts 14:6</a> They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:<a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17</a> And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;in the.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-6.htm">2 Corinthians 5:6-8</a> Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: … <a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">1 Kings 18:12</a> And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.<a href="/2_kings/2-16.htm">2 Kings 2:16</a> And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.God.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3</a> And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)See on<a href="/2_corinthians/11-11.htm">2 Corinthians 11:11</a> Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.caught.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4</a> How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<a href="/luke/24-51.htm">Luke 24:51</a> And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">Body</a> <a href="/acts/27-15.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-31.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/acts/27-33.htm">Fourteen</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-2.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-31.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-4.htm">Third</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/galatians/2-1.htm">Fourteen</a> <a href="/galatians/1-8.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">Third</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 12</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,</a> 9. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;</a> 11. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.</a> 14. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;</a> 20. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I know a man in Christ This phrase indicates Paul's humility and reluctance to boast about his own spiritual experiences. By referring to himself in the third person, Paul emphasizes that the focus should be on Christ rather than on personal achievements or experiences. The term "in Christ" signifies a deep spiritual union with Jesus, a common theme in Paul's writings, highlighting the transformative power of faith and the believer's new identity.who fourteen years ago The mention of "fourteen years ago" provides a chronological marker, suggesting that this experience occurred around 42-44 AD, during Paul's early ministry. This timeframe aligns with his time in Tarsus or Antioch, before his first missionary journey. It underscores the long-lasting impact of the vision on Paul's life and ministry, even though he had not spoken of it until now.was caught up to the third heaven The "third heaven" is understood in Jewish cosmology as the dwelling place of God, beyond the sky (first heaven) and outer space (second heaven). This reflects a belief in a multi-layered universe, common in ancient thought. Being "caught up" suggests a divine action, indicating that this was a supernatural experience, not initiated by Paul himself. This aligns with other biblical accounts of heavenly visions, such as those of Isaiah and John in Revelation.Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows Paul's uncertainty about the nature of his experience—whether physical or purely spiritual—highlights the mystery and transcendence of divine encounters. This reflects a broader biblical theme where human understanding is limited in the face of God's majesty. The phrase "but God knows" emphasizes God's omniscience and the trust believers place in His understanding, even when human comprehension falls short. This echoes other scriptural affirmations of God's superior knowledge, such as in <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, who is speaking about a personal experience or vision, possibly referring to himself in the third person. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_man_in_christ.htm">The Man in Christ</a> Likely Paul himself, who had a profound spiritual experience of being caught up to the "third heaven." 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_third_heaven.htm">The Third Heaven</a> In Jewish cosmology, this refers to the highest heaven, the dwelling place of God, beyond the sky (first heaven) and outer space (second heaven). 4. <a href="/topical/f/fourteen_years_ago.htm">Fourteen Years Ago</a> This time reference suggests that the event occurred before Paul wrote this letter, indicating a significant spiritual experience that he had kept private for many years. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate knower of all things, including the nature of Paul's experience, whether it was physical or spiritual.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_spiritual_experiences.htm">Humility in Spiritual Experiences</a> Paul demonstrates humility by not boasting about his spiritual experiences, reminding us to focus on God's grace rather than personal achievements. <a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_god's_revelation.htm">The Mystery of God's Revelation</a> Spiritual experiences can be mysterious and beyond human understanding, emphasizing the need to trust in God's wisdom and knowledge. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_the_spiritual_realm.htm">The Reality of the Spiritual Realm</a> Paul's experience affirms the existence of a spiritual realm and encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_revelation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Revelation</a> God chooses how and when to reveal Himself, reminding us to be open to His timing and methods. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_weakness.htm">Encouragement in Weakness</a> Paul's later discussion of his "thorn in the flesh" (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7-10</a>) teaches that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, encouraging reliance on His strength.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'second_heaven'.htm">What does the term "second heaven" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'third_heaven'_about.htm">What does "caught up to the third heaven" mean?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_christian_mystics_and_their_beliefs.htm">What do Christian mystics believe and who are they?</a> <a href="/q/why_don't_others_confirm_paul's_vision.htm">Why do other New Testament writings not corroborate Paul’s supernatural experience in 2 Corinthians 12, if it was so significant? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago.--Better, I know a man. The Greek verb, though a perfect tense in form, is invariably used with the force of a present. It is all but impossible to connect the facts that follow with any definite point of time in the Apostle's life as recorded in the Acts. The date of the Epistle may be fixed, without much risk of error, in A.D. 57. Reckoning fourteen years back, we come to A.D. 43, which coincides with the period of unrecorded activity between St. Paul's departure from Jerusalem (<a href="/acts/9-30.htm" title="Which when the brothers knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.">Acts 9:30</a>) and his arrival at Antioch (<a href="/acts/11-26.htm" title="And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.">Acts 11:26</a>). It would be giving, perhaps, too wide a margin to the words "more than fourteen years ago" to refer the visions and revelations of which he here speaks to those given him at the time of his conversion, in A.D. 37. The trance in the Temple (<a href="/acts/22-17.htm" title="And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;">Acts 22:17</a>) on his first visit to Jerusalem may, perhaps, be identified with them; but it seems best, on the whole, to refer them to the commencement of his work at Antioch, when they would have been unspeakably precious, as an encouragement in his arduous work. It may be noted that <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm" title="And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.">Galatians 2:2</a> specifically refers to one revelation at Antioch, and it may well have been preceded by others. The term "a man in Christ," as a way of speaking of himself, is probably connected with the thought that "if any man be in Christ he is a new creature" (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm" title="Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.">2Corinthians 5:17</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm" title="For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.">Galatians 6:15</a>). As one who lived and moved and had his being in Christ, he was raised to a higher region of experience than that in which he had lived before. It was in moments such as he describes that he became conscious of that "new creation" with a new and hitherto unknown experience. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - I knew; rather, I know. A man. St. Paul speaks in this indirect way of himself (see vers. 5, 7). In Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a>). To St. Paul every true Christian was a man whose personal life was lost in the life of Christ. Above fourteen years ago. The note of time is very vague. If we are at all able to identify the vision alluded to, it must have been the vision in the temple, referred to in <a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17</a>, which was, roughly speaking, "about fourteen years" before this time. The vision on the road to Damascus had occurred about twenty years earlier than the date of this Epistle. Whether in the body, etc. A powerful description of the absorption of all conscious bodily modes of apprehension. In their comments on. these verses, many commentators enter into speculations which seem to me to be so entirely arbitrary and futile that I shall not even allude to them. St. Paul's bodily and mental state during this vision is familiar to all who know the history of Oriental and mediaeval mysticism. Caught up (<a href="/ezekiel/11-24.htm">Ezekiel 11:24</a>; <a href="/acts/8-39.htm">Acts 8:39</a>; <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Revelation 4:1, 2</a>). Into the third heaven. It is most unlikely that St. Paul is here in any way referring to the Jewish hagadoth about seven heavens. The expression is purely general, and even the rabbis did not expect to be taken au pied de la lettre. Hence all speculations about first, second, and third heavens are idle and useless. Even as late as the Clementine writings in the middle of the second century, an attempt is made, in reference to this passage, to disparage St. Paul by sneering at visions as a medium of revelation, on the ground that they may spring from self-deception; and this rapture of the "bald hook-nosed Galilean" to the third heaven is also sneered at in the 'Philopatris' of the pseudo-Lucian. Yet how modest and simple is St. Paul's awestruck reference to this event, when compared, not only with the lying details of Mohammed's visit to heaven, but even with the visions of St. Theresa or Swedenborg! <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I know οἶδα (oida) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. a man ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Christ Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. [who] fourteen δεκατεσσάρων (dekatessarōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1180.htm">Strong's 1180: </a> Fourteen. From deka and tessares; ten and four, i.e. Fourteen. years ἐτῶν (etōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2094.htm">Strong's 2094: </a> A year. Apparently a primary word; a year. ago πρὸ (pro) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4253.htm">Strong's 4253: </a> A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. was caught up ἁρπαγέντα (harpagenta) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_726.htm">Strong's 726: </a> To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize. to ἕως (heōs) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. [the] third τρίτου (tritou) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5154.htm">Strong's 5154: </a> Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly. heaven. οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. Whether [it was] εἴτε (eite) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] body σώματι (sōmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. or εἴτε (eite) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. out of ἐκτὸς (ektos) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1622.htm">Strong's 1622: </a> From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides. [it] σώματος (sōmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. I do not know, οἶδα (oida) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. [but] God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. knows. οἶδεν (oiden) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ fourteen (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>