2 Corinthians 12:3
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἶδεν
I knew
G1492
οἶδεν
I knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιοῦτον
such
G5108
τοιοῦτον
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
4 of 17
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
σώματος
of the body
G4983
σώματος
of the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
8 of 17
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ἐκτὸς
out
G1622
ἐκτὸς
out
Strong's:
G1622
Word #:
10 of 17
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
of the body
G4983
σώματος
of the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
12 of 17
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
οὐκ
I cannot
G3756
οὐκ
I cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
13 of 17
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
οἶδεν
I knew
G1492
οἶδεν
I knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
14 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's repeated "I cannot tell" model proper response to experiences beyond our comprehension—acknowledging mystery rather than manufacturing false certainty?
- What does the phrase "God knoweth" teach about the limits of human knowledge even in the context of divine revelation?
- Why does Paul maintain the third-person voice even when Corinthians would know he's describing himself?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.