2 Corinthians 12:21

Translations

Modern

I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.

Traditional

And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

Literal

…lest on my having come again, my God should humble me as to you, and I should mourn many of those having before sinned and not having repented of the impurity and sexual immorality and sensuality that they have practiced.

Latin

…ne iterum cum venero, humiliet me Deus apud vos, et lugeam multos ex iis qui ante peccaverunt, et non egerunt pœnitentiam super immunditia, et fornicatione, et impudicitia, quam gesserunt.

Original

Greek

English

I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.

Notes

2 Corinthians 12:21

Paul fears that God will humble him in their presence, similar to the previous visit (2:1), when the Corinthians had rejected and humiliated him.
The listed vices were among the Corinthians’ old sins (see 6:14–7:1; 1 Corinthians Book Introduction, "Setting").

2 Corinthians 12:20–21

Paul worried about facing rebellion and resistance during his upcoming visit. He feared the Corinthians had returned to their old ways.
you may not find me as you wish: If necessary, Paul would respond firmly to obvious sinners (compare 1:23–2:17; 1 Corinthians 4:21).

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.
These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:
1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).
2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.
3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

2 Corinthians 13:2
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
1 Peter 4:2–3
Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.
1 Corinthians 5:9–11
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
Revelation 21:8
But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
1 Corinthians 5:1
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.
Galatians 5:19
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;
Jude 1:23
…save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
Jude 1:7
In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire.
Revelation 22:15
But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
2 Corinthians 9:3–4
But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.
Philippians 3:18–19
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Lasciviousness Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Adultery: General Scriptures Concerning Backsliders: Corinthian Christians Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Church: Dissensions In Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning Lasciviousness: General Scriptures Concerning Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Religious Zeal: Exemplified Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul

2 Corinthians 12:21

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