Note 6 at 2 Cor. 12:4: Some scholars believe what this man heard was more unspeakable than unlawful to speak. However, Paul said what he heard was both. There is no reason to interpret it otherwise. The word "lawful" in this verse was translated from the Greek word "exesti," which is used 32 times in the New Testament. In each of these cases, "unlawful" expresses that which would be contrary to God's law.