3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows),
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
And I knew such a man - It is not uncommon to repeat a solemn affirmation in order that it may be made more emphatic. This is done here. Paul repeats the idea, that he was intimately acquainted with such a man, and that he did not know whether he was in the body or out of the body. All that was known to God.
And I knew such a man,.... The same man, namely himself, is here designed, and the same rapture spoken of, and the condition he was in expressed in the same words: which repetition is made for the more strong affirmation of what he delivered, and to signify the marvellousness of this vision, and how surprising and unaccountable it was.
Translate, "I know."
out of--Most of the oldest manuscripts read "apart from."
Yea, I knew such a man - That at another time.
*More commentary available at chapter level.