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.

I knew {G1492} a man {G444} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} above {G4253} fourteen {G1180} years {G2094} ago {G4253},(whether {G1535} in {G1722} the body {G4983}, I cannot {G3756} tell {G1492}; or whether {G1535} out {G1622} of the body {G4983}, I cannot {G3756} tell {G1492}: God {G2316} knoweth {G1492};) such an one {G5108} caught up {G726} to {G2193} the third {G5154} heaven {G3772}.

I know a man in union with the Messiah who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the third heaven; whether he was in the body or outside the body I don’t know, God knows.

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows.

I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.

In 2 Corinthians 12:2, the Apostle Paul describes a profound, supernatural experience where he was "caught up to the third heaven." This verse is part of his reluctant defense of his apostleship against critics in Corinth who questioned his authority and spiritual credentials.

Context

Paul introduces this extraordinary account by speaking of himself in the third person ("I knew a man in Christ"), a rhetorical device likely employed to avoid the appearance of self-glorification, even while sharing a deeply personal and powerful revelation. This vision occurred "above fourteen years ago," indicating it was a significant event from his past, foundational to his ministry but kept private for a long time. The broader context of 2 Corinthians chapters 11 and 12 shows Paul reluctantly "boasting" in his weaknesses, sufferings, and even his spiritual experiences, to counter false apostles who prided themselves on outward displays of power and eloquence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Supernatural Experience: This verse highlights God's ability to grant profound, direct spiritual encounters that transcend normal human experience. Paul's uncertainty about whether he was "in the body" or "out of the body" emphasizes the mysterious and otherworldly nature of such divine encounters.
  • The Reality of Heaven: The mention of being "caught up to the third heaven" affirms the existence of a distinct heavenly realm, often understood as the immediate dwelling place of God. This concept is further elaborated in verse 4, where he mentions "Paradise."
  • Humility in Spiritual Gifts: Despite receiving such an incredible revelation, Paul's humility is evident in his reluctance to speak of it and his immediate attribution of all knowledge about the experience to God ("God knoweth"). This sets the stage for his discussion of his "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7, which served to keep him humble.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "caught up" translates the Greek word harpazo (ἁρπάζω), which means to "snatch away," "seize," or "carry off by force." This term implies a sudden, powerful, and involuntary removal, emphasizing the divine agency in this experience. It's the same word used to describe the future rapture of believers in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
  • The "third heaven" is a concept found in ancient Jewish cosmology, which often divided the heavens into multiple layers. The first heaven was the atmosphere, the second was the realm of stars and celestial bodies, and the "third heaven" (or highest heaven) was understood to be the very presence of God, the divine abode.

Practical Application

While few may experience such a dramatic vision as Paul's, this verse reminds believers that God is capable of profound, supernatural interaction with His people. It encourages a focus on God's glory rather than personal spiritual experiences, no matter how extraordinary. Paul's example teaches us humility, even when blessed with unique insights or revelations. Our ultimate confidence should rest not in our experiences, but in God's power and His sovereign will, as Paul later concludes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where he embraces his weakness so that Christ's power may rest upon him.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 22:17

    And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

  • Ezekiel 8:1

    ¶ And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [as] I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.

  • Ezekiel 8:3

    And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:11

    Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

  • Revelation 4:2

    And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • Isaiah 45:24

    Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
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