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The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />that he was caught up into Paradise, and he heard inexpressible words, not being permitted to man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />was caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a human being is not allowed to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />was caught up into paradise. He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But he was taken up into paradise, where he heard things too wonderful to tell. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />was snatched away to paradise where he heard things that can't be expressed in words, things that humans cannot put into words. I don't know whether this happened to him physically or spiritually. Only God knows. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />was snatched away to Paradise and heard things that cannot be expressed in words, things that no human being has a right even to mention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a human to utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable things which no human being is permitted to repeat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />how he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />that he was snatched up to the paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, that it is not possible for man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />that he was caught up into Paradise, and he heard inexpressible words, not being permitted to man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> that he was caught away to the paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, that it is not possible for man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />That he was carried off into paradise, and heard words not to be told, which it was not permitted man to speak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That he was caught up into paradise, and heard secret words, which it is not granted to man to utter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />who was enraptured into Paradise. And he heard words of mystery, which it is not permitted for man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things, which no one may utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />How that he was caught up to paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Who was snatched up to Paradise and heard words that are unspeakable, because it is not authorized for a man to speak them.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />was caught away to Paradise, and heard words not to be spoken, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />that he was caught up to Paradise, and heard unutterable words, which it is impossible for a man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />that he was caught up into paradise, and heard ineffable words, which it is not permitted to man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />this I know, that he was snatch'd up into paradise, and heard such secrets as it is not lawful for a man to reveal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable things which no human being is permitted to repeat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, which it is not lawful for a man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I know not, God knoweth) that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unutterable words, which it is not permitted unto man to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=2218" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Paul's Revelation</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/726.htm" title="726: hērpagē (V-AIP-3S) -- To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize.">was caught up</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</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/3857.htm" title="3857: Paradeison (N-AMS) -- Paradise. Of Oriental origin; a park, i.e., an Eden.">Paradise.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousen (V-AIA-3S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">The things he heard</a> <a href="/greek/731.htm" title="731: arrēta (Adj-ANP) -- Not to be uttered (because too sacred), secret, unspeakable, unspoken. Unsaid, i.e. inexpressible.">were too sacred</a> <a href="/greek/4487.htm" title="4487: rhēmata (N-ANP) -- From rheo; an utterance,; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.">for words,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">things that</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpō (N-DMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man</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/1832.htm" title="1832: exon (V-PPA-NNS) -- It is permitted, lawful, possible. ">is not permitted</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalēsai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">to tell.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-7.htm">Revelation 2:7</a></span><br />He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/10-4.htm">Revelation 10:4</a></span><br />When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-9.htm">1 Corinthians 2:9-10</a></span><br />Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” / But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-4.htm">Isaiah 64:4</a></span><br />From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-4</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26-28</a></span><br />Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4</a></span><br />But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-9.htm">Matthew 17:9</a></span><br />As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-12.htm">John 3:12</a></span><br />If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-12.htm">John 16:12-13</a></span><br />I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it. / However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-10.htm">Acts 10:10-11</a></span><br />He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. / He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17-18</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a></span><br />Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23</a></span><br />I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.</p><p class="hdg">paradise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/31-9.htm">Ezekiel 31:9</a></b></br> I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that <i>were</i> in the garden of God, envied him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-43.htm">Luke 23:43</a></b></br> And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/2-7.htm">Revelation 2:7</a></b></br> He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.</p><p class="hdg">lawful.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-4.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-18.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-18.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">Human</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-15.htm">Inexpressible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">Paradise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-4.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Repeat</a> <a href="/romans/10-18.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-15.htm">Unspeakable</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">Unutterable</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-20.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-15.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/13-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-16.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/galatians/1-16.htm">Human</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">Inexpressible</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-24.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/revelation/2-7.htm">Paradise</a> <a href="/philemon/1-22.htm">Permitted</a> <a href="/galatians/4-15.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Repeat</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-19.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">Unspeakable</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">Unutterable</a> <a href="/revelation/13-5.htm">Utter</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>was caught up to Paradise.</b><br>This phrase refers to a spiritual experience where Paul was taken to a heavenly realm. "Paradise" is often understood as a place of divine presence and bliss, akin to the Garden of Eden (<a href="/genesis/2-8.htm">Genesis 2:8</a>) and the promise of eternal life (<a href="/luke/23-43.htm">Luke 23:43</a>). In Jewish and early Christian thought, Paradise is sometimes equated with the third heaven, a concept of layered heavens. This experience underscores the reality of the spiritual realm and the hope of eternal communion with God.<p><b>The things he heard were inexpressible,</b><br>Paul's encounter involved hearing divine revelations that were beyond human language. This suggests the limitations of human understanding when faced with the divine. The inexpressibility of these revelations highlights the sacredness and mystery of God's communication, similar to the ineffable name of God in the Old Testament (<a href="/exodus/3-14.htm">Exodus 3:14</a>). It emphasizes the transcendence of God's wisdom and the depth of spiritual truths that surpass human comprehension.<p><b>things that man is not permitted to tell.</b><br>This indicates that certain divine revelations are not meant for public disclosure, reflecting a theme of divine secrecy found in other scriptures (<a href="/deuteronomy/29-29.htm">Deuteronomy 29:29</a>). It suggests that some aspects of God's plan are reserved for His timing and purposes. This also parallels the idea of Jesus instructing His disciples to keep certain revelations private until the appropriate time (<a href="/matthew/17-9.htm">Matthew 17:9</a>). It underscores the responsibility and humility required in handling divine knowledge.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 2 Corinthians, who is recounting a personal experience of being caught up to Paradise.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paradise.htm">Paradise</a></b><br>A term used to describe a place of divine presence and bliss, often associated with heaven.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_third_heaven.htm">The Third Heaven</a></b><br>Although not mentioned in this specific verse, earlier in the chapter, Paul refers to being caught up to the third heaven, which is synonymous with Paradise in this context.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_unutterable_words.htm">The Unutterable Words</a></b><br>The sacred and indescribable revelations Paul received, which he was not permitted to disclose.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, who were being addressed regarding issues of spiritual authority and authenticity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_heavenly_experiences.htm">The Reality of Heavenly Experiences</a></b><br>Paul’s experience reminds us that spiritual realities exist beyond our earthly understanding. Believers can trust in the reality of heaven and the promises of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sacredness_of_divine_revelation.htm">The Sacredness of Divine Revelation</a></b><br>Not all spiritual experiences are meant to be shared. Some revelations are personal and sacred, meant to deepen our relationship with God rather than be broadcasted.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_spiritual_experiences.htm">Humility in Spiritual Experiences</a></b><br>Paul’s reluctance to boast about his experience teaches us humility. Spiritual experiences should lead to greater humility and dependence on God, not pride.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_language.htm">The Limitations of Human Language</a></b><br>The indescribable nature of what Paul heard in Paradise highlights the limitations of human language in conveying divine truths. This calls us to a deeper faith and trust in God’s mysteries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_trials.htm">Encouragement in Trials</a></b><br>Knowing that Paul experienced such profound revelations yet faced many trials encourages believers to persevere, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_details_on_paul's_'inexpressible'.htm">If Paul heard “inexpressible things” (2 Corinthians 12:4), why does he offer no verifiable details, and should this cast doubt on his account? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'90_minutes_in_heaven'_biblical.htm">Is '90 Minutes in Heaven' biblically accurate?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_heavenly_language.htm">What is considered the heavenly language?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_sealed_thunders_align_with_truth.htm">If the “seven thunders” speak words that remain sealed (Revelation 10:4), how can we reconcile that with the Bible’s claim to reveal truth? </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>(4)<span class= "bld">That he was caught up into paradise.</span>--The stress laid on this second vision hinders us from thinking of it as identical with the former, either in time or in object-matter. Paradise (see Note on <a href="/luke/23-43.htm" title="And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, To day shall you be with me in paradise.">Luke 23:43</a>) was emphatically the dwelling-place of the souls of the righteous, the reproduction in the unseen world of the lost beauty of the Garden of Eden--the "paradise of joy," as the LXX. in <a href="/genesis/2-15.htm" title="And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.">Genesis 2:15</a> translates the name. There, flowing about the throne of God, was the fountain of the water of life, and the tree of life growing on its banks (<a href="/revelation/2-7.htm" title="He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the middle of the paradise of God.">Revelation 2:7</a>; <a href="/context/revelation/22-1.htm" title="And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.">Revelation 22:1-2</a>). Speculations on the question whether St. Paul thought of it as nearer or farther from earth than the third heaven are obviously idle and profitless. The nearest approach which we can make to an adequate distinction between the two visions is that the first revealed to his gaze the glory of the Throne of God, with angels and archangels round it, and seraphim and cherubim,--a vision like that of Moses (<a href="/exodus/24-10.htm" title="And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.">Exodus 24:10</a>), and Isaiah (<a href="/context/isaiah/6-1.htm" title="In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.">Isaiah 6:1-3</a>), and Ezekiel (<a href="/context/ezekiel/1-4.htm" title="And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire enfolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the middle thereof as the color of amber, out of the middle of the fire.">Ezekiel 1:4-28</a>), and St. John (<a href="/context/revelation/4-2.htm" title="And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.">Revelation 4:2-11</a>)--thoughts like those of Hooker's death-bed (Walton's <span class= "ital">Life</span>)--while the latter brought before his spirit the peace and rest ineffable, even in their intermediate and therefore imperfect state, of the souls who had fallen asleep in Christ and were waiting for their resurrection. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Into Paradise.</span> Here, again, we encounter long speculations as to whether Paradise is the same as the third heaven; whether St.,Paul is referring to two visions or two parts of one vision. Such questions are clearly insoluble, and I leave them where I find them. We shall never understand this passage otherwise than in the dim and vague outline in which St. Paul has purposely left it. All that we can know from the New Testament about Paradise must be learnt from this verse and <a href="/luke/23-43.htm">Luke 23:43</a> and <a href="/revelation/2-7.htm">Revelation 2:7</a>, and it is extremely little. <span class="cmt_word">Unspeakable words.</span> A figure of speech called an oxymoron. Utterances (or "things") incapable of utterance. <span class="cmt_word">Not lawful for a man to utter.</span> How futile, then, must be the attempt to guess what they were, or on what subject! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">was caught up</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡρπάγη</span> <span class="translit">(hērpagē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_726.htm">Strong's 726: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seize, snatch, obtain by robbery. From a derivative of haireomai; to seize.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Paradise.</span><br /><span class="grk">Παράδεισον</span> <span class="translit">(Paradeison)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3857.htm">Strong's 3857: </a> </span><span class="str2">Paradise. Of Oriental origin; a park, i.e., an Eden.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[The things] he heard</span><br /><span class="grk">ἤκουσεν</span> <span class="translit">(ēkousen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[were] too sacred</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄρρητα</span> <span class="translit">(arrēta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_731.htm">Strong's 731: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not to be uttered (because too sacred), secret, unspeakable, unspoken. Unsaid, i.e. inexpressible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for words,</span><br /><span class="grk">ῥήματα</span> <span class="translit">(rhēmata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> </span><span class="str2">From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">things that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἃ</span> <span class="translit">(ha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνθρώπῳ</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is not permitted</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξὸν</span> <span class="translit">(exon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1832.htm">Strong's 1832: </a> </span><span class="str2">It is permitted, lawful, possible. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to tell.</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλῆσαι</span> <span class="translit">(lalēsai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:4 How he was caught up into Paradise (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:5" /></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>