2 Corinthians 12:14

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 Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, clarifying his financial stance before a planned third visit to counter accusations that his ministry imposed a burden. He frames his refusal to accept their support as a matter of apostolic integrity and relational priority.

The words — ἑτοίμως (hetoimōs) = ready; τρίτον (triton) = third time. The Greek text explicitly pairs his readiness to arrive with a direct negation of seeking their possessions.

The thread — The priority of others over personal gain runs through 1 Corinthians 10:33, where Paul states he does not seek his own advantage but the good of many. The same downward flow of provision is noted in Proverbs 19:14 and Genesis 24:35 regarding inherited wealth and material blessing.

Why it lands — The text demands readers examine whether their service seeks to extract resources or to invest in others, establishing that parental provision flows downward rather than upward. It requires a direct alignment of actions with stated motives, leaving no room for hidden financial agendas.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Proverbs 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Genesis 24:35 “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.
1 Corinthians 10:33 as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
Genesis 31:14 And Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we have any portion or inheritance left in our father’s house?
Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.
1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Ezekiel 34:2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?
2 Corinthians 1:15 Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing.
Acts 20:33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
1 Corinthians 4:14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.