2 Corinthians 12:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
τρίτον
the third time
G5154
τρίτον
the third time
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
2 of 31
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
ἔχω
I am
G2192
ἔχω
I am
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 31
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐλθεῖν
to come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
to come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 31
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 31
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,
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταναρκήσω·
I will
G2655
καταναρκήσω·
I will
Strong's:
G2655
Word #:
10 of 31
to grow utterly torpid, i.e., (by implication) slothful (figuratively, expensive)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ζητῶ
I seek
G2212
ζητῶ
I seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
14 of 31
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
17 of 31
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
20 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὀφείλει
ought
G3784
ὀφείλει
ought
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
21 of 31
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θησαυρίζειν
to lay up
G2343
θησαυρίζειν
to lay up
Strong's:
G2343
Word #:
26 of 31
to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
27 of 31
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.1 Corinthians 10:33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.1 Corinthians 10:24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.Proverbs 13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.2 Corinthians 1:15And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;Ezekiel 34:2Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?Acts 20:33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.1 Thessalonians 2:11As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "I seek not yours, but you" define the heart of pastoral ministry versus mercenary religious professionalism?
- What does the parent-child analogy teach about the proper direction of sacrifice in ministry—leaders serving people versus people serving leaders' comfort?
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.