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was caught up into paradise[a] and heard things too sacred to be put into words,[b] things that a person[c] is not permitted to speak. On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling[d] the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard[e] me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me,

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 12:4 sn In the NT, paradise is mentioned three times. In Luke 23:43 it refers to the abode of the righteous dead. In Rev 2:7 it refers to the restoration of Edenic paradise predicted in Isa 51:3 and Ezek 36:35. The reference here in 2 Cor 12:4 is probably to be translated as parallel to the mention of the “third heaven” in v. 2. Assuming that the “first heaven” would be atmospheric heaven (the sky) and “second heaven” the more distant stars and planets, “third heaven” would refer to the place where God dwells. This is much more likely than some variation on the seven heavens mentioned in the pseudepigraphic book 2 Enoch and in other nonbiblical and rabbinic works.
  2. 2 Corinthians 12:4 tn Or “things that cannot be put into words.”
  3. 2 Corinthians 12:4 tn Grk “a man.”
  4. 2 Corinthians 12:6 tn Or “speaking.”
  5. 2 Corinthians 12:6 tn Or “may think of.”

was caught up(A) to paradise(B) and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.(C) Even if I should choose to boast,(D) I would not be a fool,(E) because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,

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