2 Corinthians 12

All 21 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

Read 2 Corinthians 12 in the Bible reader, with audio →

1. 1Boasting is not really helpful for me, but I will talk about visions and revelations of the Lord.
2. 2I knew a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven more than fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell; God knows.
3. 3I know this man — whether he was in his body or out of it, I can't say; God knows —
4. 4He was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words that a person is not allowed to speak.
5. 5I'll boast about someone like that, but I won't boast about myself — except when it comes to my weaknesses.
6. 6Even if I did choose to boast, I wouldn't be a fool for doing it, because I'd be telling the truth. But I'll hold back, so that no one thinks more of me than what they can see with their own eyes or hear from my own lips.
7. 7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8. 83 times I begged the Lord to take it away from me.
9. 9But he told me, "My grace is all you need. My power reaches its full strength in weakness." So I will most gladly boast about my weaknesses, because then the power of Christ rests on me.
10. 10That's why I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11. 11I have acted like a fool by boasting; you compelled me to do it. I should have been commended by you, for I am not inferior to the very chiefest apostles, even though I am nothing.
12. 12The signs of an apostle were clearly shown among you with great patience, through signs, wonders, and powerful deeds.
13. 13In what way were you treated as less than the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me for this wrong.
14. 14Look, this will be my third visit to you, and I will not be a burden. I am not seeking what you have, but you. Children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15. 15I will gladly spend everything I have and exhaust myself for you. Even though the more I love you, the less I am loved.
16. 16Even so, I did not burden you. Yet, being crafty, I caught you through deceit.
17. 17Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you?
18. 18I urged Titus to visit you and sent another brother along with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn't we act with the same spirit? Didn't we follow the same path?
19. 19Do you think we are defending ourselves to you again? We speak before God in Christ, and everything we do, dear friends, is for your edification.
20. 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 there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
21. 21I'm afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me in front of you, and I'll end up grieving over many who sinned before and still haven't repented of their impurity, sexual sin, and shameless behavior.