2 Corinthians 12:20 web — For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by yo…

World English Bible

"For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;"

— 2 Corinthians 12:20, World English Bible

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2 Corinthians 12:20 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:”

  • ASV

    “For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults; ”

  • NET

    “For I am afraid that somehow when I come I will not find you what I wish, and you will find me not what you wish. I am afraid that somehow there may be quarreling, jealousy, intense anger, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.”

  • DRB

    “For I fear lest perhaps, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found by you such as you would not. Lest perhaps contentions, envyings, animosities, dissensions, detractions, whisperings, swellings, seditions, be among you.”

  • BBE

    “For I have a fear that, when I come, you may not be answering to my desire, and that I may not be answering to yours; that there may be fighting, hate, angry feeling, divisions, evil talk about others, secrets, thoughts of pride, outbursts against authority;”

  • KJVA

    “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:”

2 Corinthians 12 — Context

17

Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you?

18

I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn't we walk in the same spirit? Didn't we walk in the same steps?

19

Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

20

For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;

21

that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and lustfulness which they committed.

2 Corinthians 12:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Corinthians 12:20 say?
2 Corinthians 12:20 in the World English Bible reads: “For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;”
Where is 2 Corinthians 12:20 in the Bible?
2 Corinthians 12:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 20.
Who wrote 2 Corinthians?
2 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55–56.
What is the book of 2 Corinthians about?
Paul's most personal letter — a defense of his ministry against "false apostles" and a window into the suffering, comfort, weakness, and strength of a true servant of Christ. It contains some of the New Testament's most striking words on generosity, reconciliation, and the new creation.
What are the major themes of 2 Corinthians?
2 Corinthians explores themes including Ministry, Suffering, Comfort, Reconciliation, Generosity, New Creation. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Corinthians 12:20.
What translation should I read 2 Corinthians 12:20 in?
2 Corinthians 12:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Corinthians 12:20?
2 Corinthians 12:20 reads (WEB): “For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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