2 Corinthians 12:4
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
How that
G3754
ὅτι
How that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παράδεισον
paradise
G3857
παράδεισον
paradise
Strong's:
G3857
Word #:
5 of 14
a park, i.e., (specially), an eden (place of future happiness, "paradise")
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ῥήματα
words
G4487
ῥήματα
words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
9 of 14
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐξὸν
it is
G1832
ἐξὸν
it is
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
12 of 14
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
Cross References
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature often featured elaborate descriptions of heavenly visions to establish the seer's authority (1 Enoch, 2 Baruch, 4 Ezra). Paul's refusal to describe what he saw—because God forbade it—subverts this entire tradition. His opponents likely marketed their visions; Paul's most profound encounter must remain secret, demonstrating that apostolic authority rests on Christ's call and gospel proclamation, not mystical experience.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would God grant a revelation but forbid its communication, and what does this teach about the purpose of some spiritual experiences?
- How does the "not lawful to utter" restriction challenge contemporary Christianity's expectation that every spiritual experience should be shared/published/marketed?
- What's the difference between words that are "unspeakable" due to sublimity versus words prohibited by divine command?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Paradeison (παράδεισον, "paradise") is a Persian loanword meaning royal garden or park—used in the LXX for Eden (Genesis 2:8) and here synonymous with "third heaven" (v. 2). Jesus used it promising the thief "today shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43); John saw it in Revelation 2:7. Paul experienced the intermediate state of the righteous dead and the unveiled divine presence.
The unspeakable words (arrēta rhēmata, ἄρρητα ῥήματα) were not merely indescribable but not lawful (ouk exon, οὐκ ἐξόν) to articulate—a divine prohibition, not linguistic inadequacy. Like Moses forbidden to look at God's face (Exodus 33:20), like John commanded to seal up what the seven thunders spoke (Revelation 10:4), Paul received revelation meant for him alone, not for public consumption or apostolic credentials.
This demolishes the false apostles' boasting: true revelations come with divinely imposed silence, not self-promoting publicity. The highest experiences produce humility and obedience, not religious celebrity.