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2 Corinthians 12:14

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 12:14, the Apostle Paul expresses his unwavering commitment and pure motives concerning his upcoming third visit to the Corinthian church. This verse highlights his selfless approach to ministry, contrasting sharply with the mercenary attitudes of false teachers who had infiltrated the community.

Context

Paul had a complex relationship with the Corinthian church, marked by challenges, accusations, and spiritual immaturity. He had already visited them twice or made plans for two previous visits that were hindered (see 2 Corinthians 1:15-16 and 2 Corinthians 13:1). Throughout his letters, Paul often defended his apostolic authority and integrity against those who questioned his motives, particularly regarding financial support. He consistently refused to be a financial burden, even though he had the right to receive support (1 Corinthians 9:12).

Key Themes

  • Selfless Ministry: Paul's declaration, "I seek not yours, but you," is a powerful statement of his primary goal: the spiritual well-being and growth of the believers, not their material possessions. This sets a high standard for all Christian leadership.
  • Spiritual Parenthood: The analogy of parents providing for their children underscores Paul's deep, paternal affection and responsibility for the Corinthian believers, whom he had brought to faith. He saw himself as their spiritual father (1 Corinthians 4:15), thus it was his duty to give, not to receive from them in this context.
  • Integrity and Transparency: By openly stating his intentions, Paul sought to dismantle any lingering suspicions about his financial integrity or any perception that he was exploiting the church for personal gain.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I seek not yours, but you" comes from the Greek οὐ ζητῶ τὰ ὑμῶν ἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς (ou zētō ta hymōn alla hymas). The distinction between "yours" (ta hymōn - referring to their possessions or resources) and "you" (hymas - referring to their very persons) emphasizes Paul's profound spiritual concern. He desired their spiritual fruit and their salvation, not their wealth. This highlights the concept of agape love – a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of the other.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for both leaders and congregants within the church. For those in ministry, it calls for a commitment to selfless service, prioritizing the spiritual welfare of people over personal gain or material benefit. It encourages leaders to emulate Paul's example of humility and integrity. For believers, it encourages discernment regarding those who teach and lead, recognizing that true spiritual leadership is characterized by a desire to give and nurture, rather than to take and exploit. It challenges us to examine our own motives in service, ensuring that our focus remains on God and the spiritual growth of others, echoing the call to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 19:14 (13 votes)

    ¶ House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD.

  • Genesis 24:35 (9 votes)

    And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

  • Genesis 24:36 (9 votes)

    And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33 (7 votes)

    Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

  • Genesis 31:14 (7 votes)

    And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, [Is there] yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

  • Genesis 31:15 (7 votes)

    Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:24 (6 votes)

    Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth].