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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 12:21 I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-21.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_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 12:21 - Concern for the Corinthians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery." /><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/12-21.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/12-21.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 21</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="/ad1.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/12-20.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:20">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 12:21 <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm" title="2 Corinthians 13:1">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New International Version</a> I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> lest of my having come again, my God should humble me as to you, and I should mourn over many of those having before sinned and not having repented of the impurity, and sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a> lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and indecent behavior which they have practiced. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality which they have practiced. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality and decadence which they formerly practiced. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I fear that when I come my God will again humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned before and have not repented of the moral impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality they practiced. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I fear that when I come my God will again humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned before and have not repented of the moral impurity, sexual immorality, and promiscuity they practiced. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am afraid God will make me ashamed when I visit you again. I will feel like crying because many of you have never given up your old sins. You are still doing things that are immoral, indecent, and shameful. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> lest, when I come again, my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I'm afraid that when I come to you again, my God may humble me. I may have to grieve over many who formerly led sinful lives and have not changed the way they think and act about the perversion, sexual sins, and promiscuity in which they have been involved. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am afraid that the next time I come my God will humiliate me in your presence, and I shall weep over many who sinned in the past and have not repented of the immoral things they have done--their lust and their sexual sins. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> I am afraid that when I come my God may again humble me before you and that I may have to grieve over many who formerly lived in sin and have not repented of their impurity, sexual immorality, and promiscuity that they once practiced. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a> I am afraid that when I come again, my God may humiliate me before you, and I will grieve for many of those who previously sinned and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and lustfulness which they committed. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And lest, when I come again, my God may humble me among you, and I shall bewail many who have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness, and lewdness, and lasciviousness, which they have committed. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and that upon re-visiting you I may be humbled by my God in your presence, and may have to mourn over many whose hearts still cling to their old sins, and who have not repented of the impurity, fornication, and gross sensuality, of which they have been guilty.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a> that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lustfulness which they committed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> lest again having come, my God may humble me in regard to you, and I may mourn many of those having sinned before, and having not changed their mind concerning the uncleanness, and whoredom, and licentiousness, that they practiced. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> lest of my having come again, my God should humble me as to you, and I should mourn over many of those having before sinned and not having repented of the impurity, and sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> lest again having come, my God may humble me in regard to you, and I may bewail many of those having sinned before, and not having reformed concerning the uncleanness, and whoredom, and lasciviousness, that they did practise. <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Lest, coming again, my God should humble me with you, and I shall mourn for many of them having sinned before, and not having repented for uncleanness, and fornication, and licentiousness which they committed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Lest again, when I come, God humble me among you: and I mourn many of them that sinned before, and have not done penance for the uncleanness, and fornication, and lasciviousness, that they have committed. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If so, then, when I have arrived, God may again humble me among you. And so, I mourn for the many who sinned beforehand, and did not repent, over the lust and fornication and homosexuality, which they have committed. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a> I fear that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and licentiousness they practiced. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I fear that when I come again, my God may humble me before you, and that I may have to mourn over many who previously sinned and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Perhaps when I come to you, my God will humble me, and I will mourn over many who have sinned, and who have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and lasciviousness which they have committed. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Lest when I come to you, my God would humble me and I would grieve over many who have sinned and have not returned from defilement, from fornication and from lewdness which they have practiced. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn over many of those who have already sinned, and have not repented of the uncleanness and lewdness and wantonness which they have committed. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> lest, I again having come, my God will humble me before you, and I will mourn over many of those having previously committed sins, and not having repented over the uncleanness and the fornication and debauchery which they have done. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and lest when I come to you again, my God should bow me down, and I should lament over many who have sinned before, and have not repented of the impurities, and whoredom, and lasciviousness which they have committed.<CM> <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and I am afraid, God will humble me when I come again among you, and I shall bewail many who have formerly sinned, and have not yet repented of their impurity, their fornication, and dissoluteness. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and that upon re-visiting you I may be humbled by my God in your presence, and may have to mourn over many whose hearts still cling to their old sins, and who have not repented of the impurity, fornication, and gross sensuality, of which they have been guilty. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> lest, when I come again, my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of those who have heretofore sinned, and repented not of the uncleanness, and fornication and lasciviousness which they practiced. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> when I come again, my God should humble me among you, and I should be grieved for many of those who have sinned heretofore, and have not repented of the impurity, and fornication, and lewdness which they have practised. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-21.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=2414" 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">Concern for the Corinthians</a> …20For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 21<a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">I am afraid that</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthontos (V-APA-GMS) -- To come, go. ">when I come</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">again,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</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.">God</a> <a href="/greek/5013.htm" title="5013: tapeinōsē (V-ASA-3S) -- To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.">will humble</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">before</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3996.htm" title="3996: penthēsō (V-ASA-1S) -- To mourn, lament, feel guilt. From penthos; to grieve.">I will be grieved over</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollous (Adj-AMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/4258.htm" title="4258: proēmartēkotōn (V-RPA-GMP) -- To sin previously. From pro and hamartano; to sin previously.">have sinned earlier</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3340.htm" title="3340: metanoēsantōn (V-APA-GMP) -- From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.">have not repented</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">of</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hē (RelPro-DFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/4238.htm" title="4238: epraxan (V-AIA-3P) -- To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. ">their acts of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/167.htm" title="167: akatharsia (N-DFS) -- Uncleanness, impurity. From akathartos; impurity, physically or morally.">impurity,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4202.htm" title="4202: porneia (N-DFS) -- Fornication, whoredom; met: idolatry. From porneuo; harlotry; figuratively, idolatry.">sexual immorality,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/766.htm" title="766: aselgeia (N-DFS) -- From a compound of a and a presumed selges; licentiousness.">debauchery.</a> <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="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1-2</a> It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. / And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3-5</a> But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. / Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. / For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5-6</a> Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. <a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24-27</a> Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. / They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen. / For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ... <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-7</a> For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; ... <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14-16</a> But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. / In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. / Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Revelation 21:8</a> But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">1 Timothy 1:9-10</a> We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, / for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching <a href="/jude/1-4.htm">Jude 1:4-7</a> For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. / Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe. / And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. ... <a href="/leviticus/18-24.htm">Leviticus 18:24-30</a> Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. / Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. / But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/22-21.htm">Deuteronomy 22:21-24</a> she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house, and there the men of her city will stone her to death. For she has committed an outrage in Israel by being promiscuous in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you. / If a man is found lying with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. / If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, ... <a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32-33</a> He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. / Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away. <a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1-3</a> “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. / “Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness. / Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed. <a href="/ezekiel/16-30.htm">Ezekiel 16:30-34</a> How weak-willed is your heart, declares the Lord GOD, while you do all these things, the acts of a shameless prostitute! / But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment. / You adulterous wife! You receive strangers instead of your own husband! ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall mourn many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.my God.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7</a> And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-24.htm">2 Corinthians 8:24</a> Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.<a href="/2_corinthians/9-3.htm">2 Corinthians 9:3,4</a> Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: … that I.<a href="/2_corinthians/2-1.htm">2 Corinthians 2:1-4</a> But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness… <a href="/exodus/32-31.htm">Exodus 32:31</a> And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.<a href="/deuteronomy/9-15.htm">Deuteronomy 9:15,25</a> So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands… sinned.<a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">2 Corinthians 13:2</a> I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:and have not.<a href="/2_corinthians/2-5.htm">2 Corinthians 2:5-11</a> But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all… <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">2 Corinthians 7:9-11</a> Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing… <a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">2 Corinthians 10:6</a> And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.uncleanness.<a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a> Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.<a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1,9-11</a> It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife… <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">1 Corinthians 6:15-18</a> Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">Already</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-9.htm">Bewail</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Cling</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Debauchery</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-6.htm">Earlier</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Fornication</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-27.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-14.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-7.htm">Humiliate</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Immorality</a> <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Impurity</a> <a href="/james/5-5.htm">Indulged</a> <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Lasciviousness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Lewdness</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Lustfulness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Past</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Practiced</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">Regret</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/mark/7-22.htm">Sensuality</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-8.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-17.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/romans/6-19.htm">Uncleanness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Already</a> <a href="/revelation/18-9.htm">Bewail</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Cling</a> <a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Debauchery</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Earlier</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/galatians/1-16.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Fornication</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/james/5-5.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/james/2-9.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/galatians/4-6.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-7.htm">Humiliate</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Immorality</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Impurity</a> <a href="/james/5-5.htm">Indulged</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">Lasciviousness</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Lewdness</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Lustfulness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Past</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-30.htm">Practiced</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/revelation/9-21.htm">Regret</a> <a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Sensuality</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Uncleanness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">Ways</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 am afraid that when I come again Paul expresses a personal concern about his upcoming visit to the Corinthian church. This reflects his pastoral heart and the responsibility he feels for the spiritual well-being of the believers. His previous visits to Corinth were marked by challenges, as seen in <a href="/acts/18.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/16-5.htm">1 Corinthians 16:5-9</a>, where he dealt with issues of division and immorality. The phrase indicates a sense of apprehension, suggesting that Paul anticipates confronting unresolved issues.my God will humble me before you Paul acknowledges that God may use the situation to humble him, highlighting his submission to God's will. This humility is consistent with Paul's teachings in <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-8</a>, where he emphasizes the importance of humility and servanthood, modeled by Christ. The potential humbling could involve Paul witnessing the spiritual failures of the Corinthians, which would be a source of personal sorrow and a reminder of his own limitations as a leader.and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier Paul anticipates sorrow over those who continue in sin despite previous admonitions. This reflects the ongoing struggle within the Corinthian church, as addressed in <a href="/1_corinthians/5.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1-13</a>, where Paul dealt with issues of immorality. The grief Paul mentions is akin to the godly sorrow he describes in <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">2 Corinthians 7:9-10</a>, which leads to repentance and salvation.and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery Paul lists specific sins that were prevalent in Corinth, a city known for its moral laxity and pagan practices. The call to repentance is central to Paul's message, as seen in <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a>, where he declares that God commands all people to repent. The sins mentioned—impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery—are often linked in Paul's writings (<a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>, <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3-5</a>) as behaviors that are incompatible with the kingdom of God. The emphasis on repentance underscores the transformative power of the gospel and the necessity of turning away from sin to live a life pleasing to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter, expressing his concern for the Corinthian church's spiritual state. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth struggling with issues of sin and repentance. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The divine authority whom Paul fears will humble him if the Corinthians have not repented. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sinful_behaviors.htm">Sinful Behaviors</a> Impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery are specifically mentioned as issues within the church. 5. <a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a> A key theme in the passage, highlighting the need for turning away from sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_repentance.htm">The Necessity of Repentance</a> True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_church_discipline.htm">The Role of Church Discipline</a> Addressing sin within the church is crucial for maintaining spiritual health and integrity. <a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a> Recognize that God may use circumstances to humble us, leading to spiritual growth and repentance. <a href="/topical/t/the_grief_of_unrepentant_sin.htm">The Grief of Unrepentant Sin</a> Sin not only affects the individual but also grieves the community and its leaders. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a> Believers are called to live lives of purity, reflecting the holiness of God in their conduct.<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_does_the_bible_say_on_debauchery.htm">What does the Bible say about debauchery?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_dmt_and_lsd_mimic_religious_visions.htm">Why do drugs like DMT and LSD cause similar visions to religious experiences?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_a_heaven.htm">Is there a Heaven?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'no_condemnation'_mean.htm">What does 'no condemnation in Christ' mean?</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>(21) And lest when I come again . . .--The words do not imply more than one previous visit (<a href="/acts/18-1.htm" title="After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;">Acts 18:1</a>), but it can scarcely be said that they exclude the supposition of another. (See Note on <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm" title="This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.">2Corinthians 13:1</a>.)My God will humble me among you.--We lose the force of the Greek verb by not seeing that it reproduces the word which has been so prominent in the Epistle, and which has appeared in <a href="/2_corinthians/7-6.htm" title="Nevertheless God, that comforts those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;">2Corinthians 7:6</a>, as "cast down;" in <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm" title="Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:">2Corinthians 10:1</a> as "base;" in <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm" title="Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?">2Corinthians 11:7</a> as "abasing." There is something almost plaintive in the tone in which the Apostle speaks of the sin of his disciples as the only real "humiliation" which he has to fear. The readings vary; and one of them may be taken as a question: Will God humble me again? There is, however, it is believed, no adequate ground for altering the text. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Humble me among you; rather, in my relation to you. Many which have sinned already, and have not repented; rather, who have sinned before and did not repent. Many had sinned (<a href="/1_corinthians/6-12.htm">1 Corinthians 6:12-20</a>); some only had repented. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[I am afraid that] μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. when I come ἐλθόντος (elthontos) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. again, πάλιν (palin) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. God Θεός (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. will humble ταπεινώσῃ (tapeinōsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5013.htm">Strong's 5013: </a> To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate. me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. before πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you, ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I will be grieved over πενθήσω (penthēsō) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3996.htm">Strong's 3996: </a> To mourn, lament, feel guilt. From penthos; to grieve. many πολλοὺς (pollous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. have sinned earlier προημαρτηκότων (proēmartēkotōn) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4258.htm">Strong's 4258: </a> To sin previously. From pro and hamartano; to sin previously. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. have not repented μετανοησάντων (metanoēsantōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3340.htm">Strong's 3340: </a> From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider. of ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. their acts of ἔπραξαν (epraxan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4238.htm">Strong's 4238: </a> To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require. impurity, ἀκαθαρσίᾳ (akatharsia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_167.htm">Strong's 167: </a> Uncleanness, impurity. From akathartos; impurity, physically or morally. sexual immorality, πορνείᾳ (porneia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4202.htm">Strong's 4202: </a> Fornication, whoredom; met: idolatry. From porneuo; harlotry; figuratively, idolatry. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. debauchery. ἀσελγείᾳ (aselgeia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_766.htm">Strong's 766: </a> From a compound of a and a presumed selges; licentiousness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">2 Corinthians 12:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:21 That again when I come my God (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 13:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 13:1" /></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>