Definition: How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful passage from 2 Corinthians 12:4. It's a really significant and often confusing verse, so we need to understand its layers of meaning. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a profound and terrifying experience for Paul as he was traveling through the wilderness. He encountered something incredibly difficult – words that are forbidden or beyond human comprehension. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "How that he was caught up into paradise..." This is the starting point - Paul is describing a journey into something wonderful, like heaven. "Paradise" represents perfect peace and joy, a state of ultimate fulfillment. It’s a place of immense beauty and reward. "...and heard unspeakable words..." This is where it gets really heavy. “Unspeakable” means beyond anything we can imagine, beyond our human ability to truly grasp or understand. The words are so strange, shocking, or evil that they are difficult for a human mind to bear. "...which it is not lawful for a man to utter." This is the crucial part. It’s saying that these words were forbidden by God and weren't meant for human voices. It’s like a rule or law that was intentionally set aside, perhaps because they are too dangerous, too painful, or too offensive. So, what does this all mean? Paul is describing a moment of intense spiritual distress and overwhelming fear. He experienced something so strange and disturbing that it went beyond his normal understanding – words that were deliberately prohibited and caused him profound suffering. It suggests a deep challenge to his faith and the limits of human comprehension. Why is this important? This verse speaks to several key themes in the Bible: The Danger of Uncontrolled Thoughts: Paul was experiencing a moment where his thoughts became overwhelming, even dangerous. God’s Protection: It highlights God's protection and the limits of human understanding when He allows us to experience things beyond our normal perception. Spiritual Struggle: It shows that facing difficult truths and encountering profound evil can be a test of faith. In short, it’s a story about a moment of intense spiritual distress caused by something incredibly strange and forbidden. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical passage? Discuss its possible meaning within the context of Paul's letter?