2 Corinthians 12:21

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And lest {G3361}, when I come {G2064} again {G3825}, my {G3450} God {G2316} will humble {G5013} me {G3165} among {G4314} you {G5209}, and {G2532} that I shall bewail {G3996} many {G4183} which {G3588} have sinned already {G4258}, and {G2532} have {G3340} not {G3361} repented {G3340} of {G1909} the uncleanness {G167} and {G2532} fornication {G4202} and {G2532} lasciviousness {G766} which {G3739} they have committed {G4238}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am afraid that when I come again, my God may humiliate me in your presence, and that I will be grieved over many of those who sinned in the past and have not repented of the impurity, fornication and debauchery that they have engaged in.

Berean Standard Bible

I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.

American Standard Version

lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Anticipating his third visit to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul expresses profound apprehension and sorrow, fearing that his God will humble him by revealing a continued state of unrepentant sin among many believers. His distress stems from the prospect of encountering individuals who, despite previous warnings and teachings, persist in moral impurity, specifically "uncleanness, fornication, and lasciviousness," without having turned from their ways. This potential scenario would not only grieve Paul deeply but also underscore the gravity of their spiritual condition and the urgency of genuine repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a poignant conclusion to Paul's intense defense of his apostolic authority and ministry, spanning chapters 10-12 of 2 Corinthians. Having passionately defended his motives, endured accusations, and even recounted his extraordinary visions and the humbling "thorn in the flesh" ([2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "Paul's Thorn in the Flesh")), Paul shifts his focus from his own suffering and vindication to his deep pastoral concern for the Corinthians. The preceding verses in chapter 12 detail his self-sacrificial love and willingness to spend himself for their spiritual well-being ([2 Corinthians 12:15](/2_corinthians/12-15 "Paul's Self-Sacrifice for the Corinthians")). His fear in [2 Corinthians 12:21](/2_corinthians/12-21 "Paul's Fear of Unrepentant Sin") directly precedes his final warning and intention to deal firmly with unrepentant sin upon his arrival, as stated in [2 Corinthians 13:1-2](/2_corinthians/13-1-2 "Paul's Third Visit and Warning"). This verse thus functions as a bridge, moving from Paul's personal struggles to his impending confrontation with the moral failings within the community, highlighting the spiritual stakes of his visit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a prominent Roman provincial capital, a bustling port city renowned for its commercial activity and, notoriously, its pervasive immorality. The term "Corinthianize" (κορινθιάζεσθαι, _korinthiazesthai_) was even coined to signify living a life of debauchery and sexual promiscuity. The early Christian community in Corinth, drawn from this pagan environment, struggled significantly with syncretism and the lingering influence of their former lifestyles. Paul's previous letter ([1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians")) extensively addresses issues of sexual immorality, divisions, and ethical conduct, indicating that these problems were deeply ingrained. Despite Paul's earlier admonitions and the presence of believers, the fact that "uncleanness, fornication, and lasciviousness" persisted unrepented points to the powerful cultural pressures and the spiritual immaturity or resistance of some members. Paul's concern reflects the immense challenge of establishing and maintaining Christian purity in such a morally compromised setting, where believers were constantly tempted to revert to pagan norms.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 12:21](/2_corinthians/12-21 "Paul's Fear of Unrepentant Sin") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Paul's Corinthian correspondence. Firstly, it underscores **Paul's profound pastoral concern and genuine love** for the church, demonstrating that his authority was exercised not for personal gain but for their spiritual health and holiness. His potential "bewailing" reveals a heart burdened by the destructive nature of sin. Secondly, the verse highlights **the gravity and seriousness of unrepented sin**, particularly sexual immorality, which Paul consistently condemns as antithetical to the Christian walk ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "Flee Sexual Immorality")). The emphasis is not merely on the act of sin but on the *lack of repentance*, indicating a hardened heart or a defiant persistence in sin. Thirdly, it implicitly stresses **the absolute necessity of repentance** as a foundational aspect of Christian discipleship, an ongoing turning from sin to God that is essential for spiritual vitality and fellowship. Finally, the idea of God "humbling" Paul among them suggests a divine judgment or consequence for the church's failure to address sin within its ranks, implying that spiritual leaders can be affected by the unfaithfulness of their flock. This theme resonates with Paul's earlier warnings about God's judgment on unholy living ([1 Corinthians 11:27-30](/1_corinthians/11-27-30 "Warning Against Unworthy Communion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **akatharsía (Greek, _akatharsía'_):** From ἀκάθαρτος, meaning "impurity (the quality), physically or morally." In this context, it refers to moral uncleanness, a broad term encompassing various forms of defilement that render one unfit for divine worship or holy living. It often serves as a general category for sins that pollute the inner person and external conduct, frequently associated with sexual sin but not limited to it.
* **porneía (Greek, _porneía'_):** From πορνεύω, meaning "harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry." This term is a comprehensive word for all forms of illicit sexual activity outside the confines of marriage. It includes prostitution, adultery, premarital sex, and other sexual perversions. Its inclusion here indicates that specific acts of sexual sin were prevalent and unaddressed in Corinth.
* **asélgeia (Greek, _asélgeia'_):** From a compound of Α (negative particle) and a presumed root meaning "continent," referring to "licentiousness (sometimes including other vices)." This word describes a lack of moral restraint, characterized by lewdness, sensuality, and a defiant, shameless disregard for decency or public opinion regarding behavior. It implies a brazen indulgence in sin, often with an element of open scandal or wantonness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you":** Paul expresses a deep fear that upon his third visit, God himself will be the agent of his humbling. This humbling would not be due to Paul's own sin or failure, but rather a consequence of the unrepentant state of some within the Corinthian church. It implies that God might allow Paul to experience the profound disappointment and grief of discovering their spiritual stagnation, perhaps as a form of divine discipline or a painful revelation of the true spiritual condition of the community.
* **"and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already":** This clause reveals the emotional core of Paul's apprehension. The verb "bewail" (G3996, _penthéō_) signifies deep mourning, grieving, or lamenting, often associated with death or profound loss. Paul anticipates a sorrowful encounter, where he will be forced to grieve over the spiritual death or severe moral compromise of numerous individuals who had previously sinned. The phrase "sinned already" (G4258, _proamartánō_) indicates that these were not new transgressions but persistent, unaddressed patterns of sin.
* **"and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed":** This final clause specifies the nature of the persistent sin and, crucially, highlights the lack of repentance. The sins listed—"uncleanness" (G167, _akatharsía_), "fornication" (G4202, _porneía_), and "lasciviousness" (G766, _asélgeia_)—are all forms of moral and sexual impurity. The emphasis on "have not repented" (G3340, _metanoéō_) indicates a settled refusal to change their mind, turn from their actions, or seek God's forgiveness and transformation. This unrepentance, rather than the initial sin itself, is the primary source of Paul's anticipated grief and the reason for God's potential humbling of him.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to convey his profound concern and the gravity of the situation. The primary device is **Pathos**, as Paul appeals directly to the emotions through his expressed fear of being "humbled" and his anticipation of "bewailing" the unrepentant. This emotional vulnerability serves to underscore the depth of his pastoral love and the seriousness with which he views their spiritual state, aiming to evoke a similar sense of urgency in his readers. There is also an element of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as Paul explicitly states his dread regarding what he might find upon his return, setting the stage for the stern warnings and potential disciplinary actions detailed in the subsequent chapter. Furthermore, the **Enumeration** of specific sins ("uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness") provides concrete examples of the moral failings, making the warning tangible and specific rather than abstract. This list functions as a clear indictment of the behaviors that are unacceptable within the Christian community and that demand immediate repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's holiness, humanity's sinfulness, and the divine call to repentance. Paul's anguish reflects God's own sorrow over sin and the brokenness it brings, emphasizing that true spiritual health requires a continuous turning away from ungodliness. The specific sins mentioned underscore the New Testament's consistent condemnation of sexual immorality as fundamentally incompatible with Christian identity, defiling both the individual and the community. The lack of repentance reveals a hardened heart, resistant to the transforming power of the Gospel and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Paul's fear of being "humbled" by God due to the Corinthians' unrepentance highlights the interconnectedness of the spiritual body; the unfaithfulness of some members can bring grief and even a sense of corporate shame upon the leadership and the entire church. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's grace, while abundant, never negates the necessity of a repentant heart and a life striving for holiness.

* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confessing Sins for Forgiveness")
* [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "God Commands All to Repent")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1-2](/1_corinthians/5-1-2 "Dealing with Immorality in the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's heartfelt concern in [2 Corinthians 12:21](/2_corinthians/12-21 "Paul's Fear of Unrepentant Sin") serves as a timeless mirror for both individual believers and church communities. It compels us to confront the reality that unrepented sin, particularly that which is blatant and persistent, not only grieves God but also causes profound sorrow to those who genuinely labor for the spiritual well-being of others. This passage challenges us to move beyond superficial confessions to a deep, transformative repentance that results in a tangible change of life. It reminds us that Christian freedom is not a license for immorality but a call to holiness, empowered by the Spirit. For the church, it underscores the loving yet firm responsibility to address sin within its fellowship, not with condemnation, but with a view towards restoration and the preservation of its corporate purity and witness. Ignoring unrepentant sin can lead to spiritual stagnation, a compromised testimony, and a painful humbling for the entire community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life might I be neglecting to bring before God in sincere repentance?**
* **How does my personal pursuit of holiness contribute to or detract from the spiritual health of my church community?**
* **In what ways can I, as a member of the church, lovingly encourage repentance and restoration for others who may be caught in sin?**
* **How does Paul's "bewailing" of unrepented sin challenge my own level of concern for the spiritual state of those around me?**

### FAQ
**Why would Paul be "humbled" by the Corinthians' sin?**

Answer: Paul's humbling would not be a result of his own sin, but rather a profound disappointment and grief caused by the spiritual failure of the Corinthians. As their spiritual father and apostle, their unrepentant sin would reflect poorly on his ministry and the effectiveness of the Gospel he preached among them. It would be a painful realization that despite his immense efforts and suffering for them, many had not truly embraced the transformative power of Christ, causing him to feel a deep sense of sorrow and perhaps even a public diminishment of his apostolic joy and confidence among them. It suggests that God might allow Paul to experience this grief as a consequence of the church's own spiritual negligence, highlighting the serious nature of unrepentant sin within the body of Christ.

**What is the significance of the specific sins listed: "uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness"?**

Answer: These three terms represent a progression from general moral impurity to specific and brazen sexual sin. "Uncleanness" (ἀκαθαρσία, _akatharsía_) is a broad term for moral defilement. "Fornication" (πορνεία, _porneía_) refers to all forms of illicit sexual activity outside marriage, a common problem in the morally lax culture of Corinth. "Lasciviousness" (ἀσέλγεια, _asélgeia_) denotes unbridled lust, wantonness, and a shameless disregard for decency, often implying public and defiant immorality. Their specific mention indicates that these were not isolated incidents but persistent, unaddressed patterns of behavior that were deeply ingrained in the Corinthian church, reflecting a failure to live according to Christian ethical standards and a lack of conviction regarding their sin. Paul's listing of them underscores the severity of their unrepentance.

**How does this verse relate to church discipline?**

Answer: This verse strongly implies the necessity of church discipline, though it focuses on Paul's personal grief rather than the mechanics of discipline. Paul's fear of finding unrepentant sin suggests that the church had failed to address these issues, allowing them to fester. His impending visit, as implied by [2 Corinthians 13:1-2](/2_corinthians/13-1-2 "Paul's Third Visit and Warning"), would involve confronting these individuals and, if necessary, exercising apostolic authority to bring about repentance or, as a last resort, excommunication. The ultimate goal of such discipline, as seen elsewhere in Paul's letters ([1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "Delivering to Satan for Destruction of the Flesh")), is the restoration of the individual and the purity of the church, preventing the leaven of sin from corrupting the whole lump.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 12:21](/2_corinthians/12-21 "Paul's Fear of Unrepentant Sin"), while expressing Paul's human sorrow, ultimately points to the profound reality of Christ's work in addressing sin and calling humanity to repentance. The "uncleanness, fornication, and lasciviousness" that grieved Paul are precisely the kinds of sins from which Christ came to deliver us. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose perfect sacrifice on the cross provides the only means by which sin can be truly forgiven and its power broken ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")). The call to repentance, which Paul laments is absent among some Corinthians, is central to the Gospel message proclaimed by Christ and His apostles ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Jesus Preaches Repentance")). Through union with Christ, believers are called to a new life, dead to sin and alive to God ([Romans 6:1-4](/romans/6-1-4 "Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in holiness. Christ's ultimate purpose for His church is that it be "holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")), a stark contrast to the unrepentant state Paul feared. Thus, Paul's sorrow over unrepented sin foreshadows the heart of Christ, who continually calls His people to turn from darkness to light, transforming them into new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")) who reflect His purity and righteousness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 13:2

I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

1 Corinthians 5:9

¶ I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

1 Corinthians 5:11

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: