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2 Corinthians 12:1-7
American Standard Version
2 Corinthians 12:1-7
American Standard Version
12 [a]I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth), 4 how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses. 6 For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me. 7 And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the [b]revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a [c]thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2 Corinthians 12:1 Some ancient authorities read Now to glory is not expedient, but I will come etc.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 Some ancient authorities read revelations—wherefore, that etc.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or, stake
2 Corinthians 12:1-7
New International Version
2 Corinthians 12:1-7
New International Version
Paul’s Vision and His Thorn
12 I must go on boasting.(A) Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations(B) from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ(C) who fourteen years ago was caught up(D) to the third heaven.(E) Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.(F) 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up(G) to paradise(H) and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.(I) 6 Even if I should choose to boast,(J) I would not be a fool,(K) because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations.(L) Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,(M) a messenger of Satan,(N) to torment me.
American Standard Version (ASV)
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New International Version (NIV) 
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