2 Corinthians 12:1-7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Paul’s Visions and Revelations
12 It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows.(A) 3 And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me,(B) 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep[a] me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.[b]
Read full chapter
2 Corinthians 12:1-7
International Standard Version
Paul’s Thorn
12 I must boast, although it does not do any good. Let’s talk about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man who belongs to the Messiah.[a] Fourteen years ago—whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows—that man was snatched away to the third heaven. 3 I know that this man—whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows— 4 was snatched away to Paradise and heard things that cannot be expressed in words, things that no human being has a right even to mention.
5 I will boast about this man, but as for myself I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 However, if I did want to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I am not going to do it in order to keep anyone from thinking more of me than what he sees and hears about me.
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of the exceptional nature of these revelations, a thorn[b] was given to me and placed in my body.[c] It was Satan’s messenger to keep on tormenting me so that I would not become conceited.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2 Corinthians 12:2 Or Christ
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or stake
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 Lit. was given to me in the flesh
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.