It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:1KJV
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2 Corinthians 12:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:1 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:1 describes Paul saying that it is not really helpful or appropriate for him to boast, but he is about to talk about visions and revelations he has received from the Lord. Paul signals that what he will share is not for his own glory, but to make a point about his experiences with God.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, defending his ministry against critics who question his authority. In this verse, Paul prepares the readers for a discussion about extraordinary spiritual experiences, but he does so with reluctance, making it clear that boasting about such things is not his goal. The verse sets the stage for Paul to describe his unique encounters with God, while emphasizing humility.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:1

  • "not expedient" (συμφέρω, sympherō): This word means "profitable" or "beneficial." Paul is saying that boasting is not truly useful or good for him or for others.
  • "glory" (καυχάομαι, kauchaomai): This Greek word means "to boast" or "to take pride." Paul uses it here to distance himself from self-promotion.
  • "visions" (ὀπτασία, optasia): This refers to supernatural sights or appearances, often understood as spiritual experiences where God reveals something directly.
  • "revelations" (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis): This means "unveilings" or "disclosures," and points to moments when God reveals hidden truths or knowledge.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:1 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul does not want to boast about his spiritual experiences, even though he has had remarkable encounters with God. This humility is important for understanding his attitude throughout the letter.
  • The mention of "visions and revelations" signals that Paul’s authority comes from direct experiences with God, not from human achievements or status.
  • The verse sets up the following passage, where Paul will describe a specific vision, helping readers see the context and reason for sharing such personal experiences.

Where else these words appear

“visions” Greek G3701 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
  • Luke 24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
  • Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

“doubtless” Greek G1211 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

“is” Greek G4851 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

“revelations” Greek G602 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,