And I knew such a man,(whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

2 CORINTHIANS 12:3KJV
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2 Corinthians 12:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:3 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:3 describes Paul saying he knows a man (referring to himself in the third person) who had an extraordinary spiritual experience, but he is unsure whether it happened physically or only spiritually—only God truly knows. Paul emphasizes the mysterious nature of this event and his own uncertainty about its exact details.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, defending his ministry and explaining a remarkable vision or revelation he received. By speaking about himself as "such a man," Paul shows humility and avoids boasting. The verse highlights Paul's honesty about the limits of his understanding, making clear that some spiritual experiences are beyond human explanation.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:3

  • ἔγνων (egnōn, "knew"): This word means more than just knowing facts; it often implies personal acquaintance or recognition, suggesting Paul is describing a real, vivid experience.
  • εἴτε (eite, "whether") and ἐκτὸς (ektos, "out of"): These words stress Paul's uncertainty about the nature of the experience—he truly does not know if it was in his body or outside of it.
  • οὐκ οἶδα (ouk oida, "I cannot tell"): Paul repeats this phrase to underline his lack of knowledge, showing humility and honesty about what he cannot explain.
  • θεὸς οἶδεν (theos oiden, "God knoweth"): Paul points to God as the only one who fully understands spiritual realities, reminding the Corinthians that some things are known only to God.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even someone as spiritually mature as Paul can have experiences he cannot fully explain, which can comfort readers who have questions about their own spiritual lives.
  • Paul’s careful wording shows humility and honesty, setting an example for how to speak about spiritual matters without exaggeration or pride.
  • The verse fits into Paul’s larger argument in 2 Corinthians 12, where he contrasts boasting about spiritual experiences with boasting in weakness, helping the reader see the true focus of Christian faith.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G1622 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

“manwhether” Greek G1535 · used in 29 verses

  • Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

“such” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

“body” Greek G4983 · used in 122 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.
  • Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.