2 Corinthians 12 7

2 Corinthians 12:7 kjv

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

2 Corinthians 12:7 nkjv

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

2 Corinthians 12:7 niv

or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

2 Corinthians 12:7 esv

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

2 Corinthians 12:7 nlt

even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

2 Corinthians 12 verses

2 Corinthians 12 7 Meaning

This verse reveals Paul's struggle with a "thorn in the flesh," a severe and persistent affliction, which he understood was divinely given to counteract his tendency to pride stemming from the extraordinary spiritual revelations he received. It highlights God's sovereign design to maintain humility in His chosen instruments, even permitting the agency of Satan, so that His strength might be perfected in human weakness. The repeated phrase "lest I should be exalted above measure" underscores the divine purpose behind this ongoing hardship.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Context

Chapter 12, verse 7 is found within a section (chapters 10-13) where Paul reluctantly defends his apostolic authority against false apostles who questioned his legitimacy. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul was forced to "boast," but primarily boasted in his weaknesses and sufferings, contrasting his experience with the superficial boasts of his opponents. Immediately preceding verse 7, in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, Paul recounts his extraordinary mystical experiences: being caught up to the third heaven and hearing inexpressible things. This personal, unique spiritual privilege could easily lead to spiritual arrogance or excessive pride. Thus, verse 7 serves as a crucial theological counterbalance to these profound revelations, explaining why God allowed a persistent affliction in his life. It demonstrates that God's plan involves keeping His instruments humble despite, or even because of, immense spiritual gifts or experiences.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Word analysis

• And lest (Καὶ ἵνα μή, Kai hina mē): The conjunction "kai" links this statement to the preceding revelations. "Hina me" signifies a purpose clause, "in order that not." It establishes the divine intent behind the "thorn."

• I should be exalted above measure (ὑπεραίρωμαι, hyperairōmai): A present passive subjunctive verb. It denotes a continuous state of being excessively elevated, overly proud, or inflated beyond proper bounds. The passive voice implies it is an inward disposition.

• through the abundance (τῇ ὑπερβολῇ, tē hyperbolē): Dative case of hyperbole, meaning "excess," "superiority," "extraordinary greatness." It refers to the overwhelming nature of the visions Paul received. This is the direct catalyst for potential pride.

• of the revelations (τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων, tōn apokalypseōn): Genitive plural of apokalypsis, meaning "unveilings," "disclosures." These were divine, supernatural insights into spiritual realities, as detailed in 2 Cor 12:1-4.

• there was given (ἐδόθη, edothē): Aorist passive indicative. This is a "divine passive," strongly implying God is the ultimate agent who allowed or administered this "thorn." It signifies a definitive act in the past with ongoing effects.

• to me (μοι, moi): Dative pronoun, indicating the direct recipient of this divine act.

• a thorn (σκόλοψ, skolops): A noun referring to a pointed stake, splinter, or spike; a medical term for a foreign body embedded in tissue. It denotes something painful, sharp, irritating, and deeply troublesome, not just a minor annoyance.

• in the flesh (τῇ σαρκί, tē sarki): Dative case of sarx. It signifies a deeply personal, human, and possibly physical dimension of the affliction. While "flesh" can denote sinful nature, here, juxtaposed with "revelations," it more likely points to Paul's physical body or his human weakness.

• the messenger (ἄγγελος, angelos): Noun, "messenger" or "angel." In this context, given the following genitive, it refers to an agent or envoy.

• of Satan (Σατανᾶ, Satana): Genitive, indicating possession or origin. Satan's agent, potentially a demon or even a person empowered by Satan to harass Paul.

• to buffet me (ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ, hina me kolaphizē): Purpose clause, "in order that it might beat me with fists" or "strike me repeatedly." The verb kolaphizo implies a violent, painful, humiliating, and persistent assault.

• lest I should be exalted above measure (ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι, hina mē hyperairōmai): This repetition provides emphatic reinforcement of the primary purpose. The initial "lest" provides the reason for the thorn, and this repetition solidifies the ongoing objective for the continuous buffetings.

• "lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations": This phrase clarifies the precise reason for the thorn. Paul's unique access to profound divine secrets carried the inherent danger of spiritual pride, which is a sin that directly opposes reliance on God. The phrase underscores the gravity of this potential for self-exaltation even in someone as spiritual as Paul.

• "a thorn in the flesh": This specific description of the affliction is widely debated regarding its precise nature. The metaphor skolops (stake/splinter) denotes intense, unremitting pain and disability. "In the flesh" makes it a profoundly personal and possibly physical, internal experience rather than just an external persecutor. This group of words emphasizes its agonizing and personal impact.

• "the messenger of Satan to buffet me": This group clarifies the agent and the manner of the suffering. God "given" it, but the instrument is a demonic entity. The description "to buffet me" highlights the ongoing, painful, and humiliating nature of the assault, confirming it was a severe and repeated tribulation. It shows that God allows His enemies to be instruments in His hands for His holy purposes.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Bonus section

The exact nature of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" remains a subject of considerable theological debate and historical speculation. Interpretations range from chronic debilitating illnesses (e.g., poor eyesight, malaria, epilepsy, migraine headaches) to intense personal temptations, specific adversaries (like Alexandrian Jews or false apostles), or even a severe speech impediment that undermined his public speaking effectiveness. The deliberate ambiguity of the term skolops allows believers throughout history to identify with Paul's experience, knowing that God works through personal, painful struggles. Regardless of its precise identity, the thorn's theological function is unequivocally stated: to humble Paul and prevent pride stemming from his extraordinary spiritual gifts. This focus shifts attention from the affliction itself to its divine purpose, encouraging a trust in God's wise sovereignty over all forms of suffering in a believer's life. The recurrence of the purpose clause ("lest I should be exalted above measure") serves as a powerful reminder of this overriding divine intent, ensuring that Paul's boast, and by extension, our own, remains always in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Commentary

2 Corinthians 12:7 is a profound testament to the paradox of divine strength manifested in human weakness. Paul, despite experiencing unparalleled heavenly visions, was not immune to the dangerous sin of pride. God, in His infinite wisdom and foresight, preemptively addressed this by allowing a "thorn in the flesh" to afflict Paul. This "thorn"—a grievous, persistent, and humiliating suffering, possibly physical—was paradoxically administered by "a messenger of Satan" but ultimately permitted, or "given," by God for a specific redemptive purpose: to keep Paul humble. It highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, even over the demonic realm, as He uses various means to shape His servants. The very agent intended for destruction became an instrument for divine preservation of Paul's spiritual integrity. This verse provides comfort that suffering, even when demonic in origin, can be orchestrated by God to protect and refine His people, forcing reliance on His sufficient grace.