2 Corinthians 12:21

Authorized King James Version

And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μὴ

G3361

And lest

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

πάλιν

G3825

again

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἐλθόντα

G2064

when I come

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

με

G3165

ταπεινώσῃ

G5013

will humble

to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)

τῇ

G3588

which

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

θεός

G2316

God

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

μου

G3450

of me

πρὸς

G4314

among

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,

#10

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

πενθήσω

G3996

that I shall bewail

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

#13

πολλοὺς

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#14

τῇ

G3588

which

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

#15

προημαρτηκότων

G4258

have sinned already

to sin previously (to conversion)

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

μὴ

G3361

And lest

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

#18

μετανοησάντων

G3340

have

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

#19

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#20

τῇ

G3588

which

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

#21

ἀκαθαρσίᾳ

G167

the uncleanness

impurity (the quality), physically or morally

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

πορνείᾳ

G4202

fornication

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

ἀσελγείᾳ

G766

lasciviousness

licentiousness (sometimes including other vices)

#26

ᾗ

G3739

which

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

#27

ἔπραξαν

G4238

they have committed

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?