2 Corinthians 12:2-10
New American Standard Bible
2 I know a man (A)in Christ, who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, (B)God knows—such a man was (C)caught up to the (D)third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, (E)God knows— 4 was (F)caught up into (G)Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 (H)In behalf of such a man I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except regarding my (I)weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be (J)foolish, (K)for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
A Thorn in the Flesh
7 Because of the extraordinary greatness of the (L)revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a (M)thorn in the flesh, a (N)messenger of Satan to [a]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord (O)three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for (P)power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather (Q)boast [b]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore (R)I delight in weaknesses, in [c]insults, in (S)distresses, in (T)persecutions, in (U)difficulties, (V)in behalf of Christ; for (W)when I am weak, then I am strong.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 Lit beat
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 Lit in
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 Or mistreatment
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