2 Corinthians 12:14
New International Version
Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

New Living Translation
Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.

English Standard Version
Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Berean Standard Bible
See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Berean Literal Bible
Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not burden you. For I do not seek what is yours, but you. For the children ought not to treasure up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

King James Bible
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

New King James Version
Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

New American Standard Bible
Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

NASB 1995
Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

NASB 1977
Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Legacy Standard Bible
Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you. For children ought not to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Amplified Bible
Now for the third time I am ready to visit you. I will not burden you [financially], because I do not want what is yours [not your money or your possessions], but you. For children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Christian Standard Bible
Look, I am ready to come to you this third time. I will not burden you, since I am not seeking what is yours, but you. For children ought not save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now I am ready to come to you this third time. I will not burden you, for I am not seeking what is yours, but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

American Standard Version
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Contemporary English Version
I am planning to visit you for the third time. But I still won't make a burden of myself. What I really want is you, and not what you have. Children are not supposed to save up for their parents, but parents are supposed to take care of their children.

English Revised Version
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'm ready to visit you for a third time, and I won't bother you for help. I don't want your possessions. Instead, I want you. Children shouldn't have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children.

Good News Translation
This is now the third time that I am ready to come to visit you--and I will not make any demands on you. It is you I want, not your money. After all, children should not have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children.

International Standard Version
Now I'm ready to visit you for a third time, and I will not bother you for help. I do not want your things, but rather you yourselves. Children should not have to support their parents, but parents their children.

Majority Standard Bible
See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

NET Bible
Look, for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you, because I do not want your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

New Heart English Bible
Look, for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not what is yours, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Weymouth New Testament
See, I am now for the third time prepared to visit you, but I will not be a dead weight to you. I desire not your money, but yourselves; for children ought not to put by for their parents, but parents for their children.

World English Bible
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Behold, a third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you, for I do not seek yours, but you, for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children,

Berean Literal Bible
Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not burden you. For I do not seek what is yours, but you. For the children ought not to treasure up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, a third time I am ready to come unto you, and I will not be a burden to you, for I seek not yours, but you, for the children ought not for the parents to lay up, but the parents for the children,

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, I have prepared to come to you the third time; and I will not act with negligence to you: for I seek not your things, but you: for children ought not to treasure up for parents, but parents for children.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, this is the third time I have prepared to come to you, and yet I will not be a burden to you. For I am seeking not the things that are yours, but you yourselves. And neither should the children store up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

New American Bible
Now I am ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, for I want not what is yours, but you. Children ought not to save for their parents, but parents for their children.

New Revised Standard Version
Here I am, ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, because I do not want what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, this is the third time I am prepared to come to you; and I will not burden you; for I seek nothing from you, but yourselves: for children are not under obligation to lay up treasure for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I shall not be a burden to you, because I do not seek yours, but you; for children ought not lay up treasure for the parents but the parents for their children.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Behold, I am ready the third time to come to you, and I will not burden you: for I seek not yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up treasure for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Godbey New Testament
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not spare: for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up treasures for the parents, but the parents for the children,

Haweis New Testament
Lo! I hold myself ready the third time to come unto you, and I will not burden you; for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up treasure for their parents, but the parents for the children.

Mace New Testament
This is the third time I purposed to come to you; but I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: since it is not expected children should lay up for their parents, but parents for their children: on the contrary,

Weymouth New Testament
See, I am now for the third time prepared to visit you, but I will not be a dead weight to you. I desire not your money, but yourselves; for children ought not to put by for their parents, but parents for their children.

Worrell New Testament
Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Worsley New Testament
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your substance, but your selves. For children are not expected to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Concern for the Corinthians
13In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! 14See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:14-15
I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. / Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! / Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. / On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. ...

Philippians 4:17
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

Acts 20:33-35
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 9:12-15
If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. / Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. ...

1 Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Luke 12:15
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.

Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.

Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

the third.

2 Corinthians 1:15
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;

2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

1 Corinthians 4:19
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

for I.

Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Acts 20:33
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

1 Corinthians 10:33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

for the.

Genesis 24:35,36
And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses…

Genesis 31:14,15
And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? …

Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Jump to Previous
Burden Burdensome Business Children Children's Dead Desire Fathers Lay Money Ought Parents Possessions Prepared Property Ready Responsible Save Seek Store Third Time Visit Weight Your's Yourselves
Jump to Next
Burden Burdensome Business Children Children's Dead Desire Fathers Lay Money Ought Parents Possessions Prepared Property Ready Responsible Save Seek Store Third Time Visit Weight Your's Yourselves
2 Corinthians 12
1. For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,
9. yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;
11. blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.
14. He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;
20. although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.














See, this is the third time I am ready to come to you
The Apostle Paul is expressing his eagerness and determination to visit the Corinthian church once again. The phrase "third time" indicates his persistent commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians. Historically, this reflects Paul's deep pastoral concern and his role as a spiritual father to the church. The Greek word for "ready" (ἑτοίμως, hetoimos) conveys a sense of preparedness and willingness, underscoring Paul's dedication despite previous challenges and misunderstandings with the Corinthians.

and I will not be a burden to you
Paul reassures the Corinthians that his visit will not impose any financial or logistical strain on them. This reflects his consistent practice of self-support through tent-making, as seen in Acts 18:3, to avoid being a financial burden. The Greek word for "burden" (καταναρκάω, katanarkaō) suggests a heavy weight or pressure, which Paul is keen to avoid placing on the church. This approach highlights his integrity and desire to serve without seeking personal gain.

because I am not seeking your possessions, but you
Here, Paul emphasizes his genuine love and concern for the Corinthians themselves, rather than any material benefit he might receive from them. The contrast between "possessions" and "you" underscores the relational and spiritual focus of Paul's ministry. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that spiritual leaders should prioritize the well-being of their flock over material gain, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children
Paul uses a familial metaphor to illustrate his role as a spiritual parent to the Corinthians. In the Greco-Roman world, it was customary for parents to provide for their children, not the other way around. This analogy reinforces Paul's selfless commitment to nurturing the Corinthians' faith. The Greek word for "obligated" (ὀφείλω, opheilō) implies a moral duty or responsibility, which Paul willingly assumes as their spiritual father. This reflects the biblical principle of sacrificial love and care, as exemplified by Christ Himself.

(14) Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you.--The visit to Corinth of Acts 18:1. followed by a long sojourn, may perhaps be reckoned as the first occasion; then came the projected journey from Ephesus to Corinth and thence to Macedonia (2Corinthians 1:16); now he was preparing for the third journey, announced in 1Corinthians 16:5-7, from Macedonia to Corinth. (See, however, the Note on 2Corinthians 13:1.)

I seek not your's, but you.--The words point to the secret motive of the conduct which had annoyed some of the Corinthians. He loved them, as all true friends love, for their own sake, not for anything he might hope to gain from them. He must be sure that he had gained their hearts before he could receive their gifts as poor substitutes for their affections; and therefore he announces beforehand that he meant to persevere in the same line of conduct, working for his own maintenance as before. Romans 16:23 indicates that he so far deviated from his purpose as to accept the hospitality of Gaius of Corinth. . . .

Verse 14. - The third time I am ready to come to you. He had been ready twice before, though the second time his actual visit had been prevented by the scandals in their Church. That the visit which he now contemplates is a third visit, and that there was an unrecorded second visit, is a needless and improbable inference from this passage. Be burdensome (see ver. 13). Not yours, but you (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
See,
Ἰδοὺ (Idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

I am
ἔχω (echō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

ready
ἑτοίμως (hetoimōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2093: Readily. Adverb from hetoimos; in readiness.

to come
ἐλθεῖν (elthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

a third time,
τρίτον (triton)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5154: Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I will not be a burden,
καταναρκήσω (katanarkēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2655: (properly a medical term: I stupefy, hence) I burden, encumber. From kata and narkao; to grow utterly torpid, i.e. slothful.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I am not seeking
ζητῶ (zētō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[possessions],
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

you [yourselves].
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

children
τέκνα (tekna)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

should not have
ὀφείλει (opheilei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3784: Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.

to save up
θησαυρίζειν (thēsaurizein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2343: To store up, treasure up, save, lay up. From thesauros; to amass or reserve.

for [their]
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

parents,
γονεῦσιν (goneusin)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1118: A begetter, father; plur: parents. From the base of ginomai; a parent.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

parents
γονεῖς (goneis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1118: A begetter, father; plur: parents. From the base of ginomai; a parent.

for [their]
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

children.
τέκνοις (teknois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.


Links
2 Corinthians 12:14 NIV
2 Corinthians 12:14 NLT
2 Corinthians 12:14 ESV
2 Corinthians 12:14 NASB
2 Corinthians 12:14 KJV

2 Corinthians 12:14 BibleApps.com
2 Corinthians 12:14 Biblia Paralela
2 Corinthians 12:14 Chinese Bible
2 Corinthians 12:14 French Bible
2 Corinthians 12:14 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold this is the third time (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 12:13
Top of Page
Top of Page