King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:1 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:1 in the King James Version says “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I will come: Gr. For ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I will come: Gr. For I will come”

2 Corinthians 12:1 · KJV

Context

1

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I will come: Gr. For I will come

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.

3

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

Read 2 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. Paul reluctantly shifts to apokalypseis (ἀποκαλύψεις, "revelations")—divine unveilings received directly from Christ. The phrase not expedient (ou sympheron, οὐ συμφέρον) signals his discomfort: boasting contradicts gospel humility, yet the Corinthians' fascination with visionary experiences (encouraged by the "super-apostles," 11:5) forces his hand.

Paul's visions and revelations of the Lord are not self-generated mysticism but objective divine communication—the same category as his Damascus Road encounter (Acts 9:3-6, 22:6-11) and Arabian revelation (Galatians 1:12, 17). Unlike the false apostles who boasted in ecstatic experiences to validate ministry, Paul mentions his reluctantly and only to defend the gospel's authority among wavering Corinthians.

The grammar is careful: revelations of the Lord (genitive of source) means Christ initiated them, not Paul's spiritual prowess. This anticipates verse 7's "thorn" as God's prophylactic against pride from such experiences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written from Macedonia (AD 55-56) as Paul defends his apostolic authority against opponents who valued ecstatic experiences and spiritual credentials. Greco-Roman religion prized visions and divine encounters as proof of spiritual status. Paul's reluctance to "glory" in such experiences would seem weak to Corinthians impressed by charismatic displays, yet he inverts their values by emphasizing weakness (12:9-10).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul consider boasting in spiritual experiences "not expedient," and how does this challenge modern celebrity Christianity that markets dramatic testimonies?
  2. What's the difference between revelations "of the Lord" (divine origin) versus spiritual experiences generated by technique or pursuit of mysticism?
  3. How should extraordinary spiritual experiences function in the Christian life—as credentials for ministry or as private encounters that produce humility?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Καυχᾶσθαι1 of 12

“to glory”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

δὴ2 of 12

“doubtless”

G1211

a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc

οὐ3 of 12

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

συμφέρει4 of 12

“It is”

G4851

to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage

μοι·5 of 12

“for me”

G3427

to me

ἐλεύσομαι6 of 12

“I will come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

γὰρ7 of 12
G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰς8 of 12

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὀπτασίας9 of 12

“visions”

G3701

visuality, i.e., (concretely) an apparition

καὶ10 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀποκαλύψεις11 of 12

“revelations”

G602

disclosure

κυρίου12 of 12

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 12:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 12:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 1:122 Corinthians 12:71 John 5:202 Corinthians 12:11Acts 22:17-21Acts 18:9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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