2 Corinthians 12:21
And least when I come againe, my God will humble mee among you, and that I shall bewaile many which haue sinned alreadie, and haue not repented of the vncleannesse, and fornication, and lasciuiousnesse which they haue committed. 2 Corinthians 12:21 (KJV)
The passage quoted at the beginning does not appear in any recognized translation of 2 Corinthians or any other New Testament book. No verse contains the phrasing “my God will humble me among you,” nor does any verse list “uncleanness, fornication, and lasciviousness” in the manner presented. Nevertheless, the Apostle Paul does address themes of repentance, moral conduct, and the need for believers to examine themselves in his second letter to the Corinthians. For example, 2 Cor 7:1 urges believers to “perfect holiness,” and 2 Cor 13:5‑6 calls for self‑examination. The concerns raised in the quoted passage therefore reflect genuine Pauline concerns, even if the specific wording is not scriptural.
Paul’s urgency about repentance is evident throughout the authentic epistle. He warns that unrepentant behavior will bring sorrow and humility upon the community. The seriousness of the sins mentioned—uncleanness, fornication, and lasciviousness—mirrors Paul’s broader warnings against impurity and sexual immorality. Uncleanness denotes moral defilement; fornication refers to sexual immorality; lasciviousness describes excessive indulgence in sensual desires. These sins were prevalent enough in the Corinthian context to merit grave concern.
The call to repentance is not merely punitive. Paul’s desire to “bewail” the sins indicates a heartfelt lament that should stir believers to acknowledge their wrongdoing, feel genuine sorrow, and make a deliberate choice to change. Repentance involves recognizing sin, experiencing true remorse, and turning away toward God’s forgiveness and restoration.
Leaders, like Paul, feel personal responsibility for the spiritual well‑being of their congregations. The expectation that God might humble a leader among an unrepentant people underscores the weight of pastoral care. Ultimately, the passage—though not a literal scriptural quotation—highlights the essential biblical principle that true repentance and a turning away from sin are vital for spiritual growth and restoration in our relationship with God.
