2 Corinthians 12:3

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),
2 Corinthians 12:3 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I knew such a man, etc..] 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.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Translate, "I know." out of--Most of the oldest manuscripts read "apart from."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Yea, I knew such a man - That at another time. 2 Corinthians 12:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:3-4 Paul wasn’t sure whether he was in a trance or actually taken to heaven. • But I do know that I was caught up: Literally But I know such a man, that he was caught up; see study note on 12:2.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification