TRV
Translation
King James Version
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
KJV (with Strong's)
Behold G2400, the third time G5154 I am G2192 ready G2093 to come G2064 to G4314 you G5209; and G2532 I will G2655 not G3756 be burdensome G2655 to you G5216: for G1063 I seek G2212 not G3756 yours G5216, but G235 you G5209: for G1063 the children G5043 ought G3784 not G3756 to lay up G2343 for the parents G1118, but G235 the parents G1118 for the children G5043.
Complete Jewish Bible
Look, I am ready this third time to come and visit you; and I will not be a burden to you; for it is not what you own that I want, but you! Children are not supposed to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Berean Standard Bible
See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
American Standard Version
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
World English Bible Messianic
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Behold, the thirde time I am ready to come vnto you, and yet will I not be slouthfull to your hinderance: for I seeke not yours, but you: for the children ought not to laye vp for the fathers, but the fathers for the children.
Young's Literal Translation
Lo, a third time I am ready to come unto you, and I will not be a burden to you, for I seek not yours, but you, for the children ought not for the parents to lay up, but the parents for the children,
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In the KJVVerse 29,037 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12 verses 11–21
11 ¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
In these verses the apostle addresses himself to the Corinthians two ways: -
I. He blames them for what was faulty in them; namely, that they had not stood up in his defence as they ought to have done, and so made it the more needful for him to insist so much on his own vindication. They in manner compelled him to commend himself, who ought to have been commended of them Co2 12:11. And had they, or some among them, not failed on their part, it would have been less needful for him to have said so much on his own behalf. He tells them further that they in particular had good reason to speak well of him, as being in nothing behind the very chief apostles, because he had given them full proof and evidence of his apostleship; for the signs of an apostle were wrought among them in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. Note, 1. It is a debt we owe to good men to stand up in the defence of their reputation; and we are under special obligations to those we have received benefit by, especially spiritual benefit, to own them as instruments in God's hand of good to us, and to vindicate them when they are calumniated by others. 2. How much soever we are, or ought to be, esteemed by others, we ought always to think humbly of ourselves. See an example of this in this great apostle, who thought himself to be nothing, though in truth he was not behind the greatest apostles - so far was he from seeking praise from men, though he tells them their duty to vindicate his reputation - so far was he from applauding himself, when he was forced to insist upon his own necessary self-defence.
II. He gives a large account of his behaviour and kind intentions towards them, in which we may observe the character of a faithful minister of the gospel. 1. He was not willing to be burdensome to them, nor did he seek theirs, but them. He says (Co2 12:13) he had not been burdensome to them, for the time past, and tells them (Co2 12:14) he would not be burdensome to them for the time to come, when he should come to them. He spared their purses, and did not covet their money: I seek not yours but you. He sought not to enrich himself, but to save their souls: he did not desire to make a property of them to himself, but to gain them over to Christ, whose servant he was. Note, Those who aim at clothing themselves with the fleece of the flock, and take no care of the sheep, are hirelings, and not good shepherds. 2. He would gladly spend and be spent for them (Co2 12:15); that is, he was willing to take pains and to suffer loss for their good. He would spend his time, his parts, his strength, his interest, his all, to do them service; nay, so spend as to be spent, and be like a candle, which consumes itself to give light to others. 3. He did not abate in his love to them, notwithstanding their unkindness and ingratitude to him; and therefore was contented and glad to take pains with them, though the more abundantly he loved them the less he was loved, Co2 12:15. This is applicable to other relations: if others be wanting in their duty to us it does not follow therefore that we may neglect our duty to them. 4. He was careful not only that he himself should not be burdensome, but that none he employed should. This seems to be the meaning of what we read, Co2 12:16-18. If it should be objected by any that though he did not himself burden them, yet, being crafty, he caught them with guile, that is, he sent those among them who pillaged them, and afterwards he shared with them in the profit: "This was not so," says the apostle; "I did not make a gain of you myself, nor by any of those whom I sent; nor did Titus, nor any others - We walked by the same spirit and in the same steps." They all agreed in this matter to do them all the good they could, without being burdensome to them, to promote the gospel among them and make it as easy to them as possible. Or, this may be read with an interrogation, as utterly disclaiming any guile in himself and others towards them. 5. He was a man who did all things for edifying, Co2 12:19. This was his great aim and design, to do good, to lay the foundation well, and then with care and diligence to build the superstructure. 6. He would not shrink from his duty for fear of displeasing them, though he was so careful to make himself easy to them. Therefore he was resolved to be faithful in reproving sin, though he was therein found to be such as they would not, Co2 12:20. The apostle here mentions several sins that are too commonly found among professors of religion, and are very reprovable: debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults; and, though those who are guilty of these sins can hardly bear to be reproved for them, yet faithful ministers must not fear offending the guilty by sharp reproofs, as they are needful, in public and in private. 7. He was grieved at the apprehension that he should find scandalous sins among them not duly repented of. This, he tells them, would be the cause of great humiliation and lamentation. Note, (1.) The falls and miscarriages of professors cannot but be a humbling consideration to a good minister; and God sometimes takes this way to humble those who might be under temptation to be lifted up: I fear lest my God will humble me among you. (2.) We have reason to bewail those who sin and do not repent, to bewail many that have sinned, and have not repented, Co2 12:21. If these have not, as yet, grace to mourn and lament their own case, their case is the more lamentable; and those who love God, and love them, should mourn for them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–21. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul’s desire was to gain the Corinthians themselves and not their money. Once they understood that, they would have more affection for him.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 27 on 2 Corinthians
"Behold this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children."
What he says is this; 'It is not because I do not receive of you that I do not come to you; nay, I have already come twice; and I am prepared to come this third time, "and I will not be a burden to you."' And the reason is a noble one. For he did not say, 'because ye are mean,' 'because ye are hurt at it,' 'because ye are weak:' but what? "For I seek not yours, but you." 'I seek greater things; souls instead of goods; instead of gold, salvation.' Then because there still hung about the matter some suspicion, as if he were displeased at them; he therefore even states an argument. For since it was likely they would say, 'Can you not have both us and ours?' he adds with much grace this excuse for them, saying, "For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children;" instead of teachers and disciples, employing the term parents and children, and showing that he does as a matter of duty what was not of duty. For Christ did not so command, but he says this to spare them; and therefore he adds also something further. For he did not only say that "the children ought not to lay up," but also that the parents ought to. Therefore since it is meet to give,
PelagiusAD 418
COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 12
Paul is telling the Corinthians that if he had more to give them, he would be bound to do so, as a loving parent.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 12:14, the Apostle Paul declares his readiness for a third visit to the Corinthian church, emphasizing his selfless intentions. He assures them he will not be a financial burden, stating his primary desire is for their spiritual well-being, not their material possessions. This assertion is powerfully underscored by the analogy that parents, out of love and duty, provide for their children, rather than the children being expected to support their parents, thus portraying his deep, paternal care for the believers he discipled.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to convey his message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is Analogy, specifically the Parent-Child Analogy. By comparing himself to a parent and the Corinthians to children, Paul invokes a universally recognized relationship of love, responsibility, and provision. This analogy powerfully justifies his refusal of financial support, as it is the natural order for parents to provide for their offspring, not the other way around. This also underscores his deep, paternal affection and commitment to their spiritual welfare. Secondly, Paul uses striking Contrast in the phrase "I seek not yours, but you." This sharp juxtaposition highlights his pure motives, distinguishing between material gain ("yours," referring to possessions) and spiritual well-being ("you," referring to their persons). This rhetorical device emphasizes his selfless dedication and serves to refute the accusations of mercenary motives leveled against him. The opening word "Behold" (Idou in Greek) serves as an Exclamation or Interjection, drawing immediate attention to the significant announcement that follows, adding emphasis and gravity to his declaration of readiness and pure intent.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 12:14 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true spiritual leadership and the selfless heart of ministry. It underscores the principle that those who minister the gospel should prioritize the spiritual good of the people over any personal or material gain. This commitment to self-sacrifice for the sake of the church reflects the very character of God, who gives abundantly and sacrificially. Paul's analogy of parents providing for children elevates the pastoral role to one of nurturing, loving provision, mirroring God's own paternal care for His children. It challenges believers to discern leadership based on genuine love and selfless service, rather than outward appearances or material demands.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 12:14 offers a timeless blueprint for authentic Christian leadership and a powerful challenge for every believer. For those in positions of spiritual authority, Paul's example calls for radical selflessness, prioritizing the spiritual growth and well-being of the flock above all personal gain, comfort, or recognition. It demands a heart that genuinely seeks "you" – the people – rather than "yours" – their resources. This means being willing to sacrifice, to serve, and to give, even when it means personal hardship or foregoing legitimate rights, all for the sake of the gospel and the edification of the body of Christ. For all believers, this verse encourages discernment: to recognize and support leaders who embody this selfless spirit, and to examine our own motives in service. Are we seeking to gain, or are we seeking to give? Are we focused on what we can get from others, or how we can pour into them? This passage reminds us that true spiritual family operates on principles of sacrificial love, where the spiritually mature nurture and provide for the less mature, fostering an environment of generous giving and receiving within the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Paul so insistent on not being a financial burden to the Corinthians?
Answer: Paul's insistence on not being a financial burden was multifaceted and deeply strategic. Primarily, it was to remove any potential obstacle to the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12). In a culture where many religious teachers and philosophers charged fees, Paul wanted to demonstrate that his ministry was not for personal profit or gain, distinguishing himself sharply from the false apostles who likely sought financial advantage. By supporting himself through his tent-making trade, he aimed to prove the purity of his motives and the authenticity of his divine calling, ensuring that the Corinthians would receive the gospel freely and without suspicion (2 Corinthians 11:7-9). This selfless approach underscored his genuine love and commitment to their spiritual welfare above all else.
What is the significance of the parent-child analogy in this verse?
Answer: The parent-child analogy ("the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children") is profoundly significant. It highlights Paul's deep, paternal affection and responsibility for the Corinthian believers. He saw himself as their spiritual father, having brought them to faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 4:15). Just as natural parents lovingly provide for their children, often sacrificing their own resources for their offspring's future, Paul felt it was his duty to give to the Corinthians—his spiritual children—rather than to receive from them. This analogy powerfully reinforces his selfless motives, his commitment to nurturing their spiritual growth, and his rejection of any mercenary approach to ministry.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's selfless commitment to the Corinthians, expressed in his desire to seek "you" rather than "yours" and his willingness to provide rather than receive, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the supreme example of one who "sought not His own, but us." He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The very essence of the Incarnation is God, the ultimate Parent, "laying up" His Son for humanity, emptying Himself of divine prerogatives to become a servant, rather than demanding anything from His creation (Philippians 2:5-8). Christ, our spiritual Father and Shepherd, gave His life on the cross, not seeking our possessions or earthly tribute, but our very selves—our hearts, our faith, and our eternal salvation (John 3:16). His entire ministry was characterized by giving, healing, teaching, and ultimately, sacrificing, demonstrating the perfect love that seeks the highest good of the beloved, embodying the principle that the parent provides for the child. Thus, Paul's ministry, though exemplary, merely reflects the greater, more profound self-giving love of God revealed in Jesus Christ, who truly laid up for us the treasure of eternal life.