2-Corinthians - 12:3



3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows),

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of 2-Corinthians 12:3.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),
And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth):
And I know such a man, (whether in the body or out of the body I know not, God knows;)
and I have known such a man, whether in the body, whether out of the body, I have not known, God hath known,,
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)
And I know that this man - whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know;
And I have knowledge of such a man (if he was in the body, or out of the body, I am not able to say, but God only),

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

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.


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