King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:14 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:14 in the King James Version says “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: fo...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 12:14 · KJV

Context

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. for you: Gr. for your souls

16

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

Read 2 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. Paul announces his third planned visit (previous: founding visit Acts 18:1-11; "painful visit" 2:1). He maintains his policy: I will not be burdensome—refusing financial support. But now he explains the pastoral motivation: I seek not your's, but you (ou gar zētō ta hymōn alla hymas, οὐ γὰρ ζητῶ τὰ ὑμῶν ἀλλὰ ὑμᾶς)—not your possessions but yourselves.

The analogy is tender: children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. Paul positions himself as spiritual father (1 Corinthians 4:15, "I have begotten you through the gospel") who sacrifices for his children's welfare, not extracting resources from them. This inverts mercenary ministry: true pastors give sacrificially; false teachers take exploitatively (cf. 2:17, "which corrupt the word of God"; 11:20, "if a man devour you").

The phrase captures gospel logic: God doesn't need our resources but desires relationship (Psalm 50:12-14). Likewise, pastoral ministry flowing from gospel priorities seeks people's hearts, not their wallets. Paul's financial independence demonstrated this gospel shape.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Greco-Roman patronage culture, teachers, philosophers, and religious leaders expected payment—often exploiting followers financially. Paul's refusal to accept Corinthian support (while accepting Macedonian support, 11:8-9) was strategic: it prevented accusations of greed and demonstrated that gospel ministry seeks converts' welfare, not wealth. The false apostles' financial exploitation (11:20) made Paul's self-support even more crucial.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does "I seek not yours, but you" define the heart of pastoral ministry versus mercenary religious professionalism?
  2. What does the parent-child analogy teach about the proper direction of sacrifice in ministry—leaders serving people versus people serving leaders' comfort?
  3. How can contemporary church leaders balance biblical teaching on financial support for ministry (1 Timothy 5:17-18) with Paul's example of refusing support for gospel clarity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
Ἰδού,1 of 31

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

τρίτον2 of 31

“the third time”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

ἑτοίμως3 of 31

“ready”

G2093

in readiness

ἔχω4 of 31

“I am”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐλθεῖν5 of 31

“to come”

G2064

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

πρὸς6 of 31

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς7 of 31

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ8 of 31

“and”

G2532

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

οὐ9 of 31

“not”

G3756

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

καταναρκήσω·10 of 31

“I will”

G2655

to grow utterly torpid, i.e., (by implication) slothful (figuratively, expensive)

ὑμῶν·11 of 31

“to you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

οὐ12 of 31

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ13 of 31

“for”

G1063

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

ζητῶ14 of 31

“I seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τὰ15 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑμῶν·16 of 31

“to you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀλλ'17 of 31

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὑμᾶς18 of 31

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

οὐ19 of 31

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ20 of 31

“for”

G1063

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

ὀφείλει21 of 31

“ought”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

τὰ22 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέκνοις23 of 31

“for the children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

τοῖς24 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γονεῖς25 of 31

“for the parents”

G1118

a parent

θησαυρίζειν26 of 31

“to lay up”

G2343

to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)

ἀλλ'27 of 31

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οἱ28 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γονεῖς29 of 31

“for the parents”

G1118

a parent

τοῖς30 of 31
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέκνοις31 of 31

“for the children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

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 12:14 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 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 19:14Genesis 24:35-361 Corinthians 10:33Genesis 31:14-151 Corinthians 10:24Proverbs 13:22

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

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