King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:6 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:6 in the King James Version says “For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man sho...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.”

2 Corinthians 12:6 · KJV

Truth

Context

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.

6

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Read 2 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. Paul insists that boasting in the paradise vision wouldn't be aphron (ἄφρων, "foolish")—because it's objectively true ("I will say the truth")—yet he forbears (pheidomai, φείδομαι, "I spare," "I refrain") precisely because factual boasting still produces wrong evaluation.

The pastoral wisdom is profound: even true claims can mislead if they cause people to think of me above that which he seeth me to be. Paul wants judgment based on observable reality—his ministry marked by suffering (11:23-29), his physical presence "weak" and speech "contemptible" (10:10). Spectacular past visions don't define present ministry; cruciform weakness does.

This verse strikes at Christian celebrity culture: Paul could legitimately promote his extraordinary experiences (they're true!), but refuses because it would create false impressions. Ministry credibility rests on what people see (observable fruit, Christlike character) and hear (gospel proclamation), not marketing mystical résumés.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture prized rhetorical self-promotion; philosophers and sophists built reputations on dramatic conversion stories and divine encounters. Paul's refusal to exploit his paradise vision—though it would "win" the argument with false apostles—demonstrates that gospel ministry operates by completely different values: humility, weakness, and transparent accountability to observable fruit rather than marketed credentials.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can even truthful claims about spiritual experiences become "foolish" if they cause people to evaluate ministry by wrong standards?
  2. What's the difference between credibility based on "what you see and hear" in present ministry versus credibility based on past dramatic experiences?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christian culture pressure leaders to "not forbear"—to market their spiritual experiences despite Paul's example?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἐὰν1 of 26

“though”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γὰρ2 of 26

“For”

G1063

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

θελήσω3 of 26

“I would desire”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

καυχήσασθαι4 of 26

“to glory”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

οὐκ5 of 26

“not”

G3756

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

ἔσομαι6 of 26

“I shall”

G2071

will be

ἄφρων7 of 26

“a fool”

G878

properly, mindless, i.e., stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving

ἀλήθειαν8 of 26

“the truth”

G225

truth

γὰρ9 of 26

“For”

G1063

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

ἐρῶ·10 of 26

“I will say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

φείδομαι11 of 26

“now I forbear”

G5339

to be chary of, i.e., (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently

δέ12 of 26

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

μή13 of 26

“lest”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τι14 of 26

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

εἰς15 of 26

“of”

G1519

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

ἐμὲ16 of 26

“me”

G1691

me

λογίσηται17 of 26

“should think”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὲρ18 of 26

“above”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὃ19 of 26

“that which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

βλέπει20 of 26

“he seeth”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

με21 of 26

“me”

G3165

me

ἢ22 of 26

“to be or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀκούει23 of 26

“that he heareth”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τι24 of 26

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐξ25 of 26
G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἐμοῦ26 of 26

“me”

G1700

of me

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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11:162 Corinthians 10:8-102 Corinthians 11:312 Corinthians 12:112 Corinthians 5:132 Corinthians 12:7

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