How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:4KJV
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2 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:4 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:4 describes how Paul was caught up into paradise and heard words that were so extraordinary or sacred that it was not permitted for a human to speak them. The verse emphasizes the unique and mysterious nature of Paul’s experience, highlighting that what he heard could not be shared openly.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, describing a spiritual experience that happened to him (though he speaks in the third person). He wants the Corinthians to understand the seriousness and reality of his vision, but also to know that some things revealed to him are beyond human expression or not allowed to be spoken. This sets the stage for Paul’s humility and the limits placed on even the most profound spiritual experiences.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:4

  • The word "caught up" (ἁρπάζω, harpazō) means to be suddenly snatched or taken up, often with a sense of force or urgency. This highlights that Paul’s experience was not self-initiated but something that happened to him by God’s action.
  • "Paradise" (παράδεισος, paradeisos) is a term used in the New Testament for a place of blessedness or the presence of God, drawing on imagery of a garden or heavenly realm. This shows the extraordinary setting of Paul’s vision.
  • "Unspeakable" (ἄρρητος, arrētos) means something that cannot be expressed in words, either because it is too holy or simply beyond human language. This underlines the mystery and sacredness of what Paul heard.
  • "Not lawful" (οὐκ ἐξόν, ouk exon) means not permitted or not allowed, suggesting there are divine boundaries about what spiritual experiences can be shared with others.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:4 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that not every spiritual experience is meant to be shared or explained, even by someone as significant as Paul. Some revelations are meant to remain private or are beyond human understanding.
  • Paul’s mention of hearing "unspeakable words" stresses the limits of human language and understanding when it comes to the things of God, reminding readers of the mystery and holiness of divine encounters.
  • In the wider context, Paul is defending his apostleship to the Corinthians, but he does so with humility, showing that even his greatest spiritual experiences are not for boasting or public display. This sets an example of humility and reverence for spiritual matters.

Where else these words appear

“paradise” Greek G3857 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
  • Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

“up” Greek G726 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
  • John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

“is” Greek G1832 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
  • Mark 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
  • Luke 20:22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

“words” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;