2 Corinthians 12:14

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἰδού,

G2400

Behold

used as imperative lo!

τρίτον

G5154

the third time

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

ἑτοίμως

G2093

ready

in readiness

ἔχω

G2192

I am

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

ἐλθεῖν

G2064

to come

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

πρὸς

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,

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#10

καταναρκήσω·

G2655

I will

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

#11

ὑμῶν·

G5216

to you

of (from or concerning) you

#12

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#13

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#14

ζητῶ

G2212

I seek

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

#15

τὰ

G3588

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

#16

ὑμῶν·

G5216

to you

of (from or concerning) you

#17

ἀλλ'

G235

but

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

#18

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#19

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#20

γὰρ

G1063

for

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

#21

ὀφείλει

G3784

ought

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

#22

τὰ

G3588

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

#23

τέκνοις

G5043

for the children

a child (as produced)

#24

τοῖς

G3588

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

#25

γονεῖς

G1118

for the parents

a parent

#26

θησαυρίζειν

G2343

to lay up

to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)

#27

ἀλλ'

G235

but

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

#28

οἱ

G3588

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

#29

γονεῖς

G1118

for the parents

a parent

#30

τοῖς

G3588

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

#31

τέκνοις

G5043

for the children

a child (as produced)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?