2 Corinthians 12:1-14
New American Standard Bible
Paul’s Vision
12 (A)Boasting is necessary, though it is not beneficial; but I will go on to visions and (B)revelations [a]of the Lord. 2 I know a man (C)in Christ, who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, (D)God knows—such a man was (E)caught up to the (F)third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, (G)God knows— 4 was (H)caught up into (I)Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 (J)In behalf of such a man I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except regarding my (K)weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be (L)foolish, (M)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 (N)revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a (O)thorn in the flesh, a (P)messenger of Satan to [b]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord (Q)three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for (R)power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather (S)boast [c]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore (T)I delight in weaknesses, in [d]insults, in (U)distresses, in (V)persecutions, in (W)difficulties, (X)in behalf of Christ; for (Y)when I am weak, then I am strong.
11 I have become (Z)foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was (AA)in no respect inferior to the [e]most eminent apostles, even though (AB)I am a nobody. 12 The (AC)distinguishing marks [f]of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by [g]signs, wonders, and [h]miracles. 13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that (AD)I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me (AE)this wrong!
14 Here (AF)for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I (AG)will not be a burden to you; for I (AH)do not seek what is yours, but (AI)you; for (AJ)children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but (AK)parents for their children.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2 Corinthians 12:1 Or from
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 Lit beat
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 Lit in
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 Or mistreatment
- 2 Corinthians 12:11 Or super-apostles
- 2 Corinthians 12:12 Lit of the apostle
- 2 Corinthians 12:12 Or confirming miracles
- 2 Corinthians 12:12 Or works of power
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Bible Gateway Recommends
![NASB, MacArthur Study Bible, Large Print: Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/1309/6047/files/9781418542276_005f09c2-e969-44c8-a601-61ea88a286d1.jpg?v=1692854588)
![NASB, Thinline Bible, Red Letter Edition, 2020 Text, Comfort Print](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/1309/6047/files/9780310455431_fec5119a-5a5f-46d6-9b13-eb12a2422ed9.jpg?v=1714817887)
![NASB, Super Giant Print Reference Bible, Red Letter Edition, 1995 Text, Comfort Print](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/1309/6047/products/9780310454960_5c9e5be7-84c6-4ba5-b272-9f01d5166e2d.jpg?v=1644570835)
![NASB, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition, 1995 Text, Comfort Print](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/1309/6047/products/9780310451037.jpg?v=1644571207)
![NASB, Thinline Bible, Red Letter Edition, 1995 Text, Comfort Print](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/1309/6047/products/9780310450924.jpg?v=1644565289)
![NASB, Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, 2nd Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0044/1309/6047/products/9780785225645.jpg?v=1645115998)