2 Corinthians 12:4

Authorized King James Version

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

How that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡρπάγη

G726

he was caught up

to seize (in various applications)

εἰς

G1519

into

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

τὸν

G3588

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

παράδεισον

G3857

paradise

a park, i.e., (specially), an eden (place of future happiness, "paradise")

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἤκουσεν

G191

heard

to hear (in various senses)

ἄῤῥητα

G731

unspeakable

unsaid, i.e., (by implication) inexpressible

ῥήματα

G4487

words

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

#10

ἃ

G3739

which

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

#11

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#12

ἐξὸν

G1832

it is

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

#13

ἀνθρώπῳ

G444

for a man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#14

λαλῆσαι

G2980

to utter

to talk, i.e., utter words

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?