KJV: 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.
YLT: I have known a man in Christ, fourteen years ago -- whether in the body I have not known, whether out of the body I have not known, God hath known -- such an one being caught away unto the third heaven;
Darby: I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I know not, or out of the body I know not, God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.
ASV: I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.
| οἶδα | I know |
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Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular Root: οἶδα Sense: to see. |
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| ἄνθρωπον | a man |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: ἄνθρωπος Sense: a human being, whether male or female. |
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| Χριστῷ | Christ |
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Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular Root: Χριστός Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God. |
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| πρὸ | ago |
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Parse: Preposition Root: πρό Sense: before. |
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| ἐτῶν | years |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural Root: ἔτος Sense: year. |
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| δεκατεσσάρων | fourteen |
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Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural Root: δεκατέσσαρες Sense: fourteen. |
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| εἴτε | whether |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: εἴτε Sense: if … if. |
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| σώματι | [the] body |
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Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular Root: σῶμα Sense: the body both of men or animals. |
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| ἐκτὸς | out of |
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Parse: Preposition Root: ἐκτός Sense: outside, beyond. |
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| σώματος | body |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular Root: σῶμα Sense: the body both of men or animals. |
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| ὁ | - |
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Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| Θεὸς | God |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: θεός Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities. |
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| οἶδεν | knows |
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Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: οἶδα Sense: to see. |
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| ἁρπαγέντα | having been caught up |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: ἁρπάζω Sense: to seize, carry off by force. |
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| τὸν | - |
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Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| τοιοῦτον | such a man |
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Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: τοιοῦτος Sense: such as this, of this kind or sort. |
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| τρίτου | [the] third |
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Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: τρίτον Sense: the third. |
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| οὐρανοῦ | heaven |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: οὐρανός Sense: the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it. |
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Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 12:2
Paul singles out one incident of ecstasy in his own experience that he declines to describe. He alludes to it in this indirect way as if it were some other personality. [source]
Idiomatic way of putting it, the preposition προ pro (before) before the date (Robertson, Grammar, p. 621f.) as in John 12:1. The date was probably while Paul was at Tarsus (Acts 9:30; Acts 11:25). We have no details of that period. Caught up (αρπαγεντα harpagenta). Second aorist passive participle of αρπαζω harpazō to seize (see note on Matthew 11:12). Even to the third heaven It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat., Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer). [source]
Second aorist passive participle of αρπαζω harpazō to seize (see note on Matthew 11:12). [source]
It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat., Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer). [source]
Rev., correctly, I know. [source]
Above, of A.V., is due to a misunderstanding of the Greek idiom. Lit., before fourteen years, that is, fourteen years ago, as Rev. [source]
Compare Dante:“Thou knowest, who didst lift me with thy light”“Paradiso,” i., 75.The verb suits the swift, resistless, impetuous seizure of spiritual ecstasy. See on Matthew 11:12; and compare Acts 8:39; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 12:5. [source]
It is quite useless to attempt to explain this expression according to any scheme of celestial gradation. The conception of seven heavens was familiar to the Jews; but according to some of the Rabbins there were two heavens - the visible clouds and the sky; in which case the third heaven would be the invisible region beyond the sky. Some think that Paul describes two stages of his rapture; the first to the third heaven, from which he was borne, as if from a halting-point, up into Paradise. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 12:2
First aorist passive indicative of οραω horaō See Luke 22:43. To appoint thee (procheirisasthai se). See note on Acts 22:14 for this verb. Both of the things wherein thou hast seen me The reading ων τε οπτησομαι σοι me (not in all MSS.) makes it the object of ων eides (didst see) and α hōn is genitive of τουτων ha (accusative of general reference) attracted to the case of the unexpressed antecedent εκεινων toutōn Paul is thus a personal eyewitness of the Risen Christ (Luke 1:1; 1 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 9:1). And of the things wherein I will appear unto thee (οπτησομαι hōn te ophthēsomai soi). Here again οραω hōn is genitive of the accusative (general reference) relative απεκριτην ha attracted to the case of the antecedent εποβητην toutōn or ekeinōn as before. But ophthēsomai is first future passive of horaō and cannot be treated as active or middle. Page takes it to mean “the visions in which I shall be seen by you,” the passive form bringing out the agency of God. See those in Acts 18:9; Acts 23:11; 2 Corinthians 12:2. The passive voice, however, like apekrithēn and ephobēthēn did become sometimes transitive in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 819). [source]
Here again οραω hōn is genitive of the accusative (general reference) relative απεκριτην ha attracted to the case of the antecedent εποβητην toutōn or ekeinōn as before. But ophthēsomai is first future passive of horaō and cannot be treated as active or middle. Page takes it to mean “the visions in which I shall be seen by you,” the passive form bringing out the agency of God. See those in Acts 18:9; Acts 23:11; 2 Corinthians 12:2. The passive voice, however, like apekrithēn and ephobēthēn did become sometimes transitive in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 819). [source]
“Saying nothing outside of those things which.” The ablative relative ων hōn is attracted into the case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτων toutōn and so ablative after εκτος ektos (adverbial preposition common in lxx, the papyri. In N.T. here and 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 15:27; 2 Corinthians 12:2.). Cf. Luke 16:29 about Moses and the prophets. [source]
Suddenly and miraculously, for αρπαζω harpazō like the Latin rapio, means to carry off. Cf. 2 Corinthians 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Went on his way (επορευετο eporeueto). Kept on going, imperfect active. [source]
The reading ων τε οπτησομαι σοι me (not in all MSS.) makes it the object of ων eides (didst see) and α hōn is genitive of τουτων ha (accusative of general reference) attracted to the case of the unexpressed antecedent εκεινων toutōn Paul is thus a personal eyewitness of the Risen Christ (Luke 1:1; 1 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 9:1). And of the things wherein I will appear unto thee (οπτησομαι hōn te ophthēsomai soi). Here again οραω hōn is genitive of the accusative (general reference) relative απεκριτην ha attracted to the case of the antecedent εποβητην toutōn or ekeinōn as before. But ophthēsomai is first future passive of horaō and cannot be treated as active or middle. Page takes it to mean “the visions in which I shall be seen by you,” the passive form bringing out the agency of God. See those in Acts 18:9; Acts 23:11; 2 Corinthians 12:2. The passive voice, however, like apekrithēn and ephobēthēn did become sometimes transitive in the Koiné{[28928]}š (Robertson, Grammar, p. 819). [source]
Old word from επικουρεω epikoureō to aid, and that from επικουρος epikouros ally, assister. Only here in N.T. God is Paul‘s ally. All of the plots of the Jews against Paul had failed so far. I stand (εστηκα hestēka). Second perfect of ιστημι histēmi to place, intransitive to stand. Picturesque word (Page) of Paul‘s stability and fidelity (cf. Philemon 4:1; Ephesians 6:13). Both to small and great Dative singular (rather than instrumental, taking μαρτυρουμενος marturoumenos middle, not passive) and use of τε και te kai links the two adjectives together in an inclusive way. These two adjectives in the singular (representative singular rather than plural) can apply to age (young and old) or to rank (Revelation 11:18) as is specially suitable here with Festus and Agrippa present. In Acts 8:10 (Hebrews 8:11) the phrase explains παντες pantes (all). Saying nothing but what (ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων ouden ektos legōn hōn). “Saying nothing outside of those things which.” The ablative relative ων hōn is attracted into the case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτων toutōn and so ablative after εκτος ektos (adverbial preposition common in lxx, the papyri. In N.T. here and 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 15:27; 2 Corinthians 12:2.). Cf. Luke 16:29 about Moses and the prophets. [source]
Dative singular (rather than instrumental, taking μαρτυρουμενος marturoumenos middle, not passive) and use of τε και te kai links the two adjectives together in an inclusive way. These two adjectives in the singular (representative singular rather than plural) can apply to age (young and old) or to rank (Revelation 11:18) as is specially suitable here with Festus and Agrippa present. In Acts 8:10 (Hebrews 8:11) the phrase explains παντες pantes (all). Saying nothing but what (ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων ouden ektos legōn hōn). “Saying nothing outside of those things which.” The ablative relative ων hōn is attracted into the case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτων toutōn and so ablative after εκτος ektos (adverbial preposition common in lxx, the papyri. In N.T. here and 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 15:27; 2 Corinthians 12:2.). Cf. Luke 16:29 about Moses and the prophets. [source]
Found nowhere else except in Hermas, compound like καταλαλεω katalaleō to talk back (James 4:11), and καταλαλια katalalia talking back (2 Corinthians 12:20), talkers back whether secretly or openly. [source]
Plural “revellings.” See Galatians 5:21. Drunkenness (methais). Plural again, “drunkennesses.” See Galatians 5:21. In chambering Plural also. See Romans 9:10. Wantonness (μεταις aselgeiais). Plural likewise. See 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19. Not in strife and jealousy Singular here, but some MSS. have the plural like the previous words. Quarrelling and jealousy go with the other vices (Shedd). [source]
Plural also. See Romans 9:10. Wantonness (μεταις aselgeiais). Plural likewise. See 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19. Not in strife and jealousy Singular here, but some MSS. have the plural like the previous words. Quarrelling and jealousy go with the other vices (Shedd). [source]
Plural likewise. See 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19. [source]
Old word from πσιτυριζω psithurizō to speak into the ear, to speak secretly, an onomatopoetic word like πσιτυρισμος psithurismos (2 Corinthians 12:20) and only here in N.T. Backbiters (καταλαλους katalalous). Found nowhere else except in Hermas, compound like καταλαλεω katalaleō to talk back (James 4:11), and καταλαλια katalalia talking back (2 Corinthians 12:20), talkers back whether secretly or openly. Hateful to God Old word from τεος theos and στυγεω stugeō All the ancient examples take it in the passive sense and so probably here. So στυγητος stugētos (Titus 3:13). Vulgate has deo odibiles. Insolent (υβριστας hubristas). Old word for agent from υβριζω hubrizō to give insult to, here alone in N.T. save 1 Timothy 1:13. Haughty From υπερ huper and παινομαι phainomai to appear above others, arrogant in thought and conduct, “stuck up.” Boastful (αλαζονας alazonas). From αλη alē wandering. Empty pretenders, swaggerers, braggarts. Inventors of evil things Inventors of new forms of vice as Nero was. Tacitus (Ann. IV. ii) describes Sejanus as facinorum omnium repertor and Virgil (Aen. ii. 163) scelerum inventor. Disobedient to parents (γονευσιν απειτεις goneusin apeitheis). Cf. 1 Timothy 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:2. An ancient and a modern trait. [source]
Unseemly wranglings (as opposed to discussing, διαλεγομαι dialegomai) that were leading to the schisms. Listed in works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19.) and the catalogues of vices (2 Corinthians 12:20; Romans 1:19.; 1 Timothy 6:4). [source]
Ablative case of the masculine plural article των tōn by the (folks) of Chloe (genitive case). The words “which are of the household” are not in the Greek, though they correctly interpret the Greek, “those of Chloe.” Whether the children, the kinspeople, or the servants of Chloe we do not know. It is uncertain also whether Chloe lived in Corinth or Ephesus, probably Ephesus because to name her if in Corinth might get her into trouble (Heinrici). Already Christianity was working a social revolution in the position of women and slaves. The name Chloe means tender verdure and was one of the epithets of Demeter the goddess of agriculture and for that reason Lightfoot thinks that she was a member of the freedman class like Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Hermes (Romans 16:14), Nereus (Romans 16:15). It is even possible that Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus (1 Corinthians 16:17) may have been those who brought Chloe the news of the schisms in Corinth. Contentions Unseemly wranglings (as opposed to discussing, διαλεγομαι dialegomai) that were leading to the schisms. Listed in works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19.) and the catalogues of vices (2 Corinthians 12:20; Romans 1:19.; 1 Timothy 6:4). [source]
I can find no satisfactory explanation of this clause, and will not attempt to add to the hopeless muddle of the commentators. It is evident that the false teachers had sought occasion for glorifying themselves in comparison with Paul; that they consequently caught eagerly at every pretext for disparaging him; and that this disparagement was in some way connected with Paul's refusal to receive compensation from the Corinthians. Further, that Paul's way of counteracting their attempts was by persisting in this refusal. The intimation in the last clause is apparently to the effect that by this course he will not only remove the occasion for attack, but that the result will show both his opponents and himself in their true light. Compare find and be found, 2 Corinthians 12:20. [source]
See note on Luke 23:43 for this interesting word. Paul apparently uses paradise as the equivalent of the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2. Some Jews (Book of the Secrets of Enoch, chapter viii) make Paradise in the third heaven. The rabbis had various ideas (two heavens, three, seven). We need not commit Paul to any “celestial gradation” (Vincent). [source]
See note on Ephesians 1:21. All the heavens (παντων των ουρανων pantōn tōn ouranōn). Ablative case after υπερανω huperanō For the plural used of Christ‘s ascent see note on Hebrews 4:14 and note on Hebrews 7:27. Whether Paul has in mind the Jewish notion of a graded heaven like the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 or the seven heavens idea one does not know. That he might fill all things This purpose we can understand, the supremacy of Christ (Colossians 2:9.). [source]
Ablative case after υπερανω huperanō For the plural used of Christ‘s ascent see note on Hebrews 4:14 and note on Hebrews 7:27. Whether Paul has in mind the Jewish notion of a graded heaven like the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 or the seven heavens idea one does not know. [source]
Unbridled lust as in 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19. To work all uncleanness (εις εργασιαν ακαταρσιας πασης eis ergasian akatharsias pasēs). Perhaps prostitution, “for a trading (or work) in all uncleanness.” Certainly Corinth and Ephesus could qualify for this charge. With greediness From πλεονεκτης pleonektēs one who always wants more whether money or sexual indulgence as here. The two vices are often connected in the N.T. [source]
Out of partisanship. From eritheuō to spin wool, and that from erithos a hireling. The papyri examples suit the idea of selfish ambition (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary). See 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20. Not sincerely (ouch hagnōs). “Not purely,” that is with mixed and impure motives. To raise up affliction for my bonds Now that Paul is down they jump on him in mean and nagging ways. Dative case in desmois “To make my chains gall me” (Lightfoot). [source]
By a swift, resistless, divine energy. Comp. 2 Corinthians 12:2, 2 Corinthians 12:4; Acts 8:39. [source]
Ἀκαθαρσία in Matthew 23:27of the corruption of the sepulchre. Elsewhere in N.T. of sensual impurity. See Romans 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Ephesians 4:19. Here in the sense of impurity on the side of sordidness. In Ephesians 4:19, Paul speaks of working uncleanness ( ἀκαθαρσίαν ) in a spirit of selfish desire ( πλεονεξία ) which is the spirit of covetousness. In Ephesians 5:3, uncleanness and covetousness are closely associated. Paul means that his exhortation did not proceed from greed for gain or lust for power. [source]
Lit. from the heavens. Comp. 1 Corinthians 15:47; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7. Paul uses the unclassical plural much oftener than the singular. Although the Hebrew equivalent has no singular, the singular is almost universal in lxx, the plural occurring mostly in the Psalm. Οὐρανός is from a Sanscrit word meaning to cover or encompass. The Hebrew shamayim signifies height, high district, the upper regions. Similarly we have in N.T. ἐν ὑψίστοις inthe highest (places), Matthew 21:9; Luke 2:14: ἐν ὑψηλοῖς inthe high (places), Hebrews 1:3. Paul's usage is evidently colored by the Rabbinical conception of a series of heavens: see 2 Corinthians 12:2; Ephesians 4:10. Some Jewish teachers held that there were seven heavens, others three. The idea of a series of heavens appears in patristic writings, in Thomas Aquinas's doctrine of the celestial hierarchies, and in Dionysius the Areopagite, Through the scholastic theologians it passed into Dante's Paradiso with its nine heavens. The words to await his Son from heaven strike the keynote of this Epistle. [source]
Μη Mē with the present imperative means to stop doing it or not to have the habit of doing it. It is a bold figure. Some of them were trying to put out the fire of the Holy Spirit, probably the special gifts of the Holy Spirit as 1 Thessalonians 5:20 means. But even so the exercise of these special gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14; 2 Corinthians 12:2-4; Romans 12:6-9) was to be decently Today, as then, there are two extremes about spiritual gifts (cold indifference or wild excess). It is not hard to put out the fire of spiritual fervor and power. [source]
As subject like them to bodily sufferings. Not in the body - the church, which would require the article. The expression ἐν σώματι in the sense of being still alive, only in 2 Corinthians 12:2. [source]
Lit., speakings against. A rare word. Only here and 2 Corinthians 12:20. [source]
This old word, from κακος kakos (evil), in the ancients meant vice of any kind and note πασαν pāsan (all) here.Guile (δολον dolon). Old word (from δελω delō to catch with bait), deceit.Hypocrisies Singular Genuine here, not πονους phonous (murders), as B has it. For the word see Matthew 27:18.Evil speakings Late word (from καταλαλος katalalos defamer, Romans 1:30), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 12:20. “Backbitings.” For verb see note on 1 Peter 2:12. [source]
Singular Genuine here, not πονους phonous (murders), as B has it. For the word see Matthew 27:18.Evil speakings Late word (from καταλαλος katalalos defamer, Romans 1:30), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 12:20. “Backbitings.” For verb see note on 1 Peter 2:12. [source]
Late word (from καταλαλος katalalos defamer, Romans 1:30), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 12:20. “Backbitings.” For verb see note on 1 Peter 2:12. [source]
No copula in the Greek, probably εστιν estin (is) rather than δυναται dunatai (can). Late and rare verbal adjective from αρκεω arkeō to suffice, in the papyri several times, in N.T. only here and Matthew 6:34; Matthew 10:25, apparently referring to Christ‘s words in Matthew 6:34 (possibly an axiom or proverb).To have wrought (κατειργασται kateirgasthai). Perfect middle infinitive of κατεργαζομαι katergazomai common compound (κατα εργον kataτο βουλημα ergon work) as in 1 Corinthians 5:3.The desire Correct text, not πεπορευμενους thelēma Either means the thing desired, willed. Jews sometimes fell in with the ways of Gentiles (Romans 2:21-24; Romans 3:9-18; Ephesians 2:1-3) as today some Christians copy the ways of the world.And to have walked (πορευομαι peporeumenous). Perfect middle participle of κατειργασται poreuomai in the accusative plural of general reference with the infinitive εν ασελγειαις kateirgasthai Literally, “having walked or gone.”In lasciviousness All these sins are in the locative case with επιτυμιαις en “In unbridled lustful excesses” (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:21).Lusts (οινοπλυγιαις epithumiais). Cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:2.Winebibbings Old compound Old word (from ποτοις keimai to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and Galatians 5:21; Romans 13:13.Carousings Old word for drinking carousal (from ατεμιτοις ειδωλολατριαις pinō to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their “personal liberty” to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance).Abominable idolatries (ειδωλον λατρεια athemitois eidōlolatriais). To the Christian all “idolatry,” (τεμιτος eidōlonτεμιστος latreia), worship of idols, is “abominable,” not allowed (alpha privative and τεμιζω themitos ατεμιτος themistos the old form, verbal of themizō to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of athemitos is by Peter also (Acts 10:28) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 274). [source]
Correct text, not πεπορευμενους thelēma Either means the thing desired, willed. Jews sometimes fell in with the ways of Gentiles (Romans 2:21-24; Romans 3:9-18; Ephesians 2:1-3) as today some Christians copy the ways of the world.And to have walked (πορευομαι peporeumenous). Perfect middle participle of κατειργασται poreuomai in the accusative plural of general reference with the infinitive εν ασελγειαις kateirgasthai Literally, “having walked or gone.”In lasciviousness All these sins are in the locative case with επιτυμιαις en “In unbridled lustful excesses” (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:21).Lusts (οινοπλυγιαις epithumiais). Cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:2.Winebibbings Old compound Old word (from ποτοις keimai to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and Galatians 5:21; Romans 13:13.Carousings Old word for drinking carousal (from ατεμιτοις ειδωλολατριαις pinō to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their “personal liberty” to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance).Abominable idolatries (ειδωλον λατρεια athemitois eidōlolatriais). To the Christian all “idolatry,” (τεμιτος eidōlonτεμιστος latreia), worship of idols, is “abominable,” not allowed (alpha privative and τεμιζω themitos ατεμιτος themistos the old form, verbal of themizō to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of athemitos is by Peter also (Acts 10:28) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 274). [source]
All these sins are in the locative case with επιτυμιαις en “In unbridled lustful excesses” (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:21).Lusts (οινοπλυγιαις epithumiais). Cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:2.Winebibbings Old compound Old word (from ποτοις keimai to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and Galatians 5:21; Romans 13:13.Carousings Old word for drinking carousal (from ατεμιτοις ειδωλολατριαις pinō to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their “personal liberty” to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance).Abominable idolatries (ειδωλον λατρεια athemitois eidōlolatriais). To the Christian all “idolatry,” (τεμιτος eidōlonτεμιστος latreia), worship of idols, is “abominable,” not allowed (alpha privative and τεμιζω themitos ατεμιτος themistos the old form, verbal of themizō to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of athemitos is by Peter also (Acts 10:28) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 274). [source]
The phrase I was in the Spirit occurs only here and Revelation 4:2: in the Spirit, in Revelation 17:3; Revelation 21:10. The phrase denotes a state of trance or spiritual ecstasy. Compare Acts 10:10; 2 Corinthians 12:2, 2 Corinthians 12:4. “Connection with surrounding objects through the senses is suspended, and a connection with the invisible world takes place” (Ebrard). “A divine release from the ordinary ways of men” (Plato, “Phaedrus,” 265). “You ask, 'How can we know the infinite?' I answer, not by reason. It is the office of reason to distinguish and define. The infinite, therefore, cannot be ranked among its objects. You can only apprehend the infinite by a faculty superior to reason; by entering into a state in which you are your finite self no longer; in which the divine essence is communicated to you. This is ecstacy. It is the liberation of your mind from its finite consciousness … . But this sublime condition is not of permanent duration. It is only now and then that we can enjoy this elevation (mercifully made possible for us) above the limits of the body and the world … . All that tends to purify and elevate the mind will assist you in this attainment, and facilitate the approach and the recurrence of these happy intervals. There are then different roads by which this end may be reached. The love of beauty which exalts the poet; that devotion to the One, and that ascent of science which makes the ambition of the philosopher; and that love and those prayers by which some devout and ardent soul tends in its moral purity towards perfection. These are the great highways conducting to heights above the actual and the particular, where we stand in the immediate presence of the Infinite who shines out as from the deeps of the soul” (Letter of Plotinus, about A D. 260). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Richard of St. Victor (died 1173) lays down six stages of contemplation: two in the province of the imagination, two in the province of reason, and two in the province of intelligence. The third heaven is open only to the eye of intelligence - that eye whose vision is clarified by divine grace and a holy life. In the highest degrees of contemplation penitence avails more than science; sighs obtain what is impossible to reason. Some good men have been ever unable to attain the highest stage; few are fully winged with all the six pinions of contemplation. In the ecstasy he describes, there is supposed to be a dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit as by the sword of the Spirit of God. The body sleeps, and the soul and all the visible world is shut away. The spirit is joined to the Lord, and, one with Him, transcends itself and all the limitations of human thought. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Sufism is the mystical asceticism of Mohammedanism. The ecstasy of a Sufi saint is thus described:“My tongue clave fever-dry, my blood ran fire,My nights were sleepless with consuming lore, Till night and day sped past - as flies a lance-DIVIDER- Grazing a buckler's rim; a hundred faiths-DIVIDER- Seemed there as one; a hundred thousand years-DIVIDER- No longer than a moment. In that hour-DIVIDER- All past eternity and all to come-DIVIDER- Was gathered up in one stupendous Now, - -DIVIDER- Let understanding marvel as it may. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Where men see clouds, on the ninth heaven I gaze,-DIVIDER- And see the throne of God. All heaven and hell-DIVIDER- Are bare to me and all men's destinies,-DIVIDER- The heavens and earth, they vanish at my glance:-DIVIDER- The dead rise at my look. I tear the veil-DIVIDER- From all the world, and in the hall of heaven-DIVIDER- I set me central, radiant as the Sun.”Vaughan, “Hours with the Mystics,” ii., 19 Beatrice says to Dante:“We from the greatest bodyHave issued to the heaven that is pure light; Light intellectual replete with love,-DIVIDER- Love of true good replete with ecstasy,Ecstasy that transcendeth every sweetness.”Dante says:“I perceived myselfTo be uplifted over my own power, And I with vision new rekindled me,-DIVIDER- Such that no light whatever is so pure-DIVIDER- But that mine eyes were fortified against it.”“Paradiso,” xxx., 38-60. Again, just before the consummate beatific vision, Dante says:“And I, who to the end of all desiresWas now approaching, even as I ought The ardor of desire within me ended. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Bernard was beckoning unto me, and smiling,-DIVIDER- That I should upward look; but I already-DIVIDER- Was of my own accord such as he wished;-DIVIDER- Because my sight, becoming purified,-DIVIDER- Was entering more and more into the ray-DIVIDER- Of the High Light which of itself is true. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- From that time forward what I saw was greater-DIVIDER- Than our discourse, that to such vision yields,-DIVIDER- And yields the memory unto such excess.”“Paradiso,” xxxiii., 46-57. [source]
Probably his own spirit, though the Holy Spirit is possible (Revelation 1:10; Revelation 4:2; Revelation 21:10), without Paul‘s uncertainty (2 Corinthians 12:2). Cf. Ezekiel 3:14.; Ezekiel 8:3; Ezekiel 11:24.Into a wilderness (εις ερημον eis erēmon). In Isaiah 21:1 there is το οραμα της ερημου to horama tēs erēmou (the vision of the deserted one, Babylon), and in Isaiah 14:23 Babylon is called ερημον erēmon John may here picture this to be the fate of Rome or it may be that he himself, in the wilderness (desert) this side of Babylon, sees her fate. In Revelation 21:10 he sees the New Jerusalem from a high mountain.Sitting Present middle participle of κατημαι kathēmai as in Revelation 17:1. “To manage and guide the beast” (Vincent).Upon a scarlet-coloured beast (επι τηριον κοκκινον epi thērion kokkinon). Accusative with επι epi here, though genitive in Revelation 17:1. Late adjective (from κοκκος kokkos a parasite of the ilex coccifera), a crimson tint for splendour, in Revelation 17:3, Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12, Revelation 18:16; Matthew 27:28; Hebrews 9:19.Full of names of blasphemy See Revelation 13:1 for “names of blasphemy” on the seven heads of the beast, but here they cover the whole body of the beast (the first beast of Revelation 13:1; Revelation 19:20). The harlot city (Rome) sits astride this beast with seven heads and ten horns (Roman world power). The beast is here personified with masculine participles instead of neuter, like τηριον thērion (γεμοντα gemonta accusative singular, εχων echōn nominative singular, though some MSS. read εχοντα echonta), construction according to sense in both instances. The verb γεμω gemō always has the genitive after it in the Apocalypse (Revelation 4:6, Revelation 4:8; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 15:7; Revelation 17:4; Revelation 21:9) save here and apparently once in Revelation 17:4. [source]