The Verse in Focus (2 Corinthians 12:1)
Καυχᾶσθαι δὴ οὐ συμφέρει μοι· ἐλεύσομαι γὰρ εἰς ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις Κυρίου
Καυχᾶσθαι δὴ οὐ συμφέρει μοι: Boasting Is Not Profitable
The opening clause is a powerful mix of honesty and irony:
– Καυχᾶσθαι is the present middle infinitive of καυχάομαι, meaning “to boast” or “to glory.”
– δὴ is a particle that adds emphasis or urgency — “indeed,” “certainly,” or “now.”
– οὐ συμφέρει is a present active indicative of συμφέρω, “it is beneficial,” here negated — “it is not profitable.”
– μοι is dative singular — “to me.”
This clause literally reads: “To boast indeed is not beneficial for me.” Paul acknowledges that boasting — especially about spiritual experiences — does not serve his interests, even as he prepares to describe them.
ἐλεύσομαι γὰρ εἰς: But I Will Go On To…
Here begins a transition from rhetorical restraint to revelatory testimony:
– ἐλεύσομαι is the future middle indicative of ἔρχομαι, “I will come” or “I will go.”
– γὰρ provides explanation or justification — “for,” “because.”
– εἰς + accusative shows goal or direction.
Paul concedes that, despite his reservations, he will now speak of things beyond ordinary human experience.
ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις Κυρίου: Supernatural Experience
Paul introduces two types of divine experience:
– ὀπτασίας — plural of ὀπτασία, “visions.” These are supernatural sights or experiences, often in prophetic or mystical contexts.
– ἀποκαλύψεις — plural of ἀποκάλυψις, “revelations.” This term denotes unveiling of divine truth, insight that could not be known apart from direct disclosure.
– Κυρίου — genitive singular, “of the Lord.” Both visions and revelations are from the Lord, not self-induced or imagined.
This expression reflects Paul’s deep reluctance to speak about his spiritual privileges, yet also reveals the divine source and authority behind them.
The Grammar of Reluctant Revelation
In 2 Corinthians 12:1, Paul’s grammar mirrors his inner tension. The infinitive καυχᾶσθαι is weighed down by the present indicative οὐ συμφέρει — boasting is not helpful. Yet the future middle ἐλεύσομαι shows he must proceed. He moves not into self-glorification, but into sacred disclosure. Through ὀπτασίας and ἀποκαλύψεις, Greek reveals the weight and wonder of things not seen — and the humility of a man entrusted with them.
