CINXE.COM

<!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 12:3 And I know that this man--whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/47_2Co_12_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 12:3 - Paul's Revelation" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And I know that this man--whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows--" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/12-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/12-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:2">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 12:3 <a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And I know such a man--whether in <i>the</i> body or out of the body, I do not know; God knows--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And I know how such a man— whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And I know that such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know; God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don&#8217t know, God knows—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />As I said, only God really knows if this man was in his body at the time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I know that this person<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I know that this man—whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I know that this man?whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And I know that this man-- whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don’t know; God knows), <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and I have known such a man—whether in the body, whether out of the body, I have not known, God has known—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And I know such a man--whether in <i>the</i> body or out of the body, I do not know; God knows--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and I have known such a man -- whether in the body, whether out of the body, I have not known, God hath known, -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, whether out of the body, I know not: God knows;)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth): <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I know a certain man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I do not know: God knows),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And I know that this person (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows—<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And I still know this man, but whether in the body or whether without the body, I cannot tell; God knows;<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 />And I knew this man, if in a body or if without the body, I do not know, God himself knows,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I also know that such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knows,)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And I knew such a man, whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not; God knows,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And I knew such a man, (whether in the body or out of the body I know not: God knoweth,)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but tho' I don't know whether it was in the body, or out of the body, which God only knows,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And I know that this man-- whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And I know such a man (whether in <i>the</i> body, or apart from the body, I know not, God knoweth),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And I know such a man (whether <i>then</i> in the body, or out of the body,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-3.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=2211" 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">2</span>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. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I know that</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).">this</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/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.">man—</a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">whether</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/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">or</a> <a href="/greek/5565.htm" title="5565: chōris (Prep) -- Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.">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> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were too sacred for words, things that man is not permitted to tell.…<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="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a></span><br />We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-44.htm">1 Corinthians 15:44</a></span><br />It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-50.htm">1 Corinthians 15:50</a></span><br />Now I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-53.htm">1 Corinthians 15:53</a></span><br />For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Romans 8:23</a></span><br />Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-10.htm">Romans 8:10-11</a></span><br />But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. / And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">1 Peter 3:18</a></span><br />For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Revelation 1:10</a></span><br />On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Revelation 4:2</a></span><br />At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/37-1.htm">Ezekiel 37:1</a></span><br />The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">Genesis 5:24</a></span><br />Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">1 Kings 18:12</a></span><br />I do not know where the Spirit of the LORD may carry you off when I leave you. Then when I go and tell Ahab and he does not find you, he will kill me. But I, your servant, have feared the LORD from my youth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/luke/23-43.htm">Paradise</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Able</a> <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">Paradise</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">Whether</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>And I know that this man—</b><br>In this passage, Paul refers to a man who experienced extraordinary revelations. The context suggests that Paul is speaking about himself in the third person to maintain humility. This approach aligns with the cultural context of the time, where humility was a valued trait, especially among leaders. The use of "this man" allows Paul to share his experience without boasting, which is consistent with his teachings on humility and selflessness found throughout his letters (<a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>).<p><b>whether in the body or out of it I do not know,</b><br>Paul expresses uncertainty about the nature of the experience, whether it was a physical or spiritual event. This reflects the mystery and transcendence often associated with divine encounters in the Bible. Similar experiences are seen in other scriptural accounts, such as Ezekiel's visions (Ezekiel 1) and John's revelation (<a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Revelation 1:10</a>). These experiences often blur the lines between physical and spiritual realities, emphasizing the divine nature of the revelation.<p><b>but God knows—</b><br>Paul acknowledges that the true understanding of the experience lies with God. This statement underscores the theme of divine omniscience, a recurring concept in scripture (<a href="/psalms/139.htm">Psalm 139:1-6</a>). It also highlights the limitations of human understanding when it comes to spiritual matters. By deferring to God's knowledge, Paul demonstrates trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, a principle that is foundational to Christian faith (<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>).<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, Paul is recounting a vision or revelation he experienced. He is emphasizing his uncertainty about the physical nature of this experience.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_third_heaven.htm">The Third Heaven</a></b><br>Although not mentioned directly in verse 3, the context of the passage involves Paul being caught up to the "third heaven," a term used in Jewish cosmology to describe the dwelling place of God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate knower of all things, including the nature of Paul's experience. Paul defers to God's omniscience regarding the details of his vision.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_spiritual_experiences.htm">Humility in Spiritual Experiences</a></b><br>Paul demonstrates humility by acknowledging his lack of understanding about the nature of his vision. We should approach our spiritual experiences with humility, recognizing that God knows more than we do.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_omniscience.htm">Trust in God's Omniscience</a></b><br>Paul trusts that God knows the details of his experience. We should also trust in God's complete knowledge and understanding of our lives, even when we are uncertain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_divine_revelation.htm">The Mystery of Divine Revelation</a></b><br>The passage highlights the mysterious nature of divine revelations. We should be open to God's revelations while accepting that some aspects may remain beyond our understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_the_message,_not_the_method.htm">Focus on the Message, Not the Method</a></b><br>Paul emphasizes the content of the revelation rather than the method of its delivery. We should focus on the message God is communicating to us, rather than getting caught up in the details of how it is delivered.<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/what_does_'no_condemnation'_mean.htm">What does 'no condemnation in Christ' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_concept_of_dualism.htm">What is the concept of dualism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_'third_heaven'_fit_science.htm">How can Paul’s mention of being caught up to the “third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2) align with any known scientific or astronomical model? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_near-death_experiences.htm">What does the Bible say about near-death experiences?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">And I knew such a man.</span>--Better, as before, <span class= "ital">I know.</span><p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-3.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">And</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I know that</span><br /><span class="grk">οἶδα</span> <span class="translit">(oida)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[this]</span><br /><span class="grk">τοιοῦτον</span> <span class="translit">(toiouton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5108.htm">Strong's 5108: </a> </span><span class="str2">(including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man—</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄνθρωπον</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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">whether</span><br /><span class="grk">εἴτε</span> <span class="translit">(eite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> </span><span class="str2">And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] body</span><br /><span class="grk">σώματι</span> <span class="translit">(sōmati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> </span><span class="str2">Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="grk">εἴτε</span> <span class="translit">(eite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> </span><span class="str2">And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">out of</span><br /><span class="grk">χωρὶς</span> <span class="translit">(chōris)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5565.htm">Strong's 5565: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it]</span><br /><span class="grk">σώματος</span> <span class="translit">(sōmatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> </span><span class="str2">Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I do not know,</span><br /><span class="grk">οἶδα</span> <span class="translit">(oida)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but] God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεὸς</span> <span class="translit">(Theos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knows—</span><br /><span class="grk">οἶδεν</span> <span class="translit">(oiden)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">2 Corinthians 12:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/12-3.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:3 I know such a man whether (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:4" /></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>