King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:3 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:3 in the King James Version says “And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 12:3 · 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;)

4

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. lawful: or, possible

5

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) The repetition intensifies both Paul's humility (maintaining third-person distancing) and his epistemological honesty. The phrase God knoweth (ho theos oiden, ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν) acknowledges divine omniscience while confessing human limitation—even in receiving revelation, Paul remains creature, not omniscient.

This verse's apparent redundancy serves rhetorical purpose: it separates the location of the vision (third heaven, v. 2) from its content (paradise, unspeakable words, v. 4). The dual structure mirrors Jewish merkabah mysticism's distinction between the journey and the arrival, but Paul subverts self-congratulation by his uncertainty and passivity throughout.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism had developed elaborate speculation about heavenly ascents and merkabah (throne-chariot) visions based on Ezekiel 1. The Mishnah later warned against such speculation (Hagigah 2:1), but in Paul's era, mystical experiences carried prestige. Paul's refusal to exploit this experience for 14 years, and his confusion about its mechanics even now, radically contradicts the boastful mysticism of his opponents.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's repeated "I cannot tell" model proper response to experiences beyond our comprehension—acknowledging mystery rather than manufacturing false certainty?
  2. What does the phrase "God knoweth" teach about the limits of human knowledge even in the context of divine revelation?
  3. Why does Paul maintain the third-person voice even when Corinthians would know he's describing himself?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

οἶδεν2 of 17

“I knew”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸν3 of 17
G3588

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

τοιοῦτον4 of 17

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἄνθρωπον5 of 17

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

εἴτε6 of 17

“(whether”

G1535

if too

ἐν7 of 17

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σώματος8 of 17

“of the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

εἴτε9 of 17

“(whether”

G1535

if too

ἐκτὸς10 of 17

“out”

G1622

the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides

τοῦ11 of 17
G3588

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

σώματος12 of 17

“of the body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

οὐκ13 of 17

“I cannot”

G3756

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

οἶδεν14 of 17

“I knew”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὁ15 of 17
G3588

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

θεὸς16 of 17

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οἶδεν17 of 17

“I knew”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

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 12:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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