2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know-God knows.

Other Translations of 2 Corinthians 12:2

King James Version

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

English Standard Version

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.

The Message

2 For instance, I know a man who, fourteen years ago, was seized by Christ and swept in ecstasy to the heights of heaven. I really don't know if this took place in the body or out of it; only God knows.

New King James Version

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

New Living Translation

2 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don't know-only God knows.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:2

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:1-6

(Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-6)

There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God.

4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

Other Translations of 2 Corinthians 12:4

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.

The Message

4 

New King James Version

4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

New Living Translation

4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:4

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:1-6

(Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-6)

There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God.