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

The verse describes a "thorn in the flesh," a painful affliction given to the Apostle Paul. This thorn served to humble him and prevent him from becoming conceited due to the overwhelming revelations he received. Despite Paul’s repeated prayers for its removal, God’s response was that His grace would suffice, and His power would be perfected in weakness. This indicates that the thorn was a divine allowance, not a demonic attack, intended to foster spiritual strength and reliance on God.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Context

In 2 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul recounts his extraordinary spiritual experiences, including being caught up to the third heaven and receiving "unspeakable words." He deliberately downplays his personal boasting, shifting to focus on his weaknesses. This emphasis is in response to false apostles who were challenging his authority and credentials. Paul deliberately presents his suffering and limitations, symbolized by the "thorn in the flesh," as proof that his ministry’s power comes from God, not himself. This verse highlights a key apologetic strategy: leveraging his infirmities to demonstrate divine sufficiency.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Word Analysis

• καὶ ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι (kai hina mē hyperairōmai)

  • καὶ (kai): Conjunction, "and" or "also." Connects this clause to the preceding mention of revelations.
  • ἵνα (hina): Particle introducing a purpose clause, "so that," "in order that."
  • μὴ (mē): Negative particle, "not."
  • ὑπεραίρωμαι (hyperairōmai): Present passive subjunctive of ὑπεραίρω (hyperairō).
    • Literal Meaning: To lift oneself up over, to exalt oneself, to be exceedingly proud.
    • Usage in Classical Greek: Often used for arrogant boasting or overestimating oneself.
    • Significance: Paul feared becoming excessively proud because of the extraordinary revelations, highlighting his awareness of human pride and his intentional humility.

• διὰ τῆς ὑπερβαλλούσης τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων (dia tēs hyperballousēs tōn apokalypsēōn)

  • διὰ (dia): Preposition, "through," "because of," "by means of." Here indicates the reason or instrument of his potential pride.
  • τῆς (tēs): Definite article, "the."
  • ὑπερβαλλούσης (hyperballousēs): Present active participle, feminine genitive singular of ὑπερβάλλω (hyperballō).
    • Literal Meaning: Exceeding, surpassing, abundant, extraordinary.
    • Usage: Denotes something that goes beyond normal measure or expectation.
    • Significance: Emphasizes the superlative nature of the revelations Paul received, underscoring why such profound experiences could lead to pride.
  • τῶν (tōn): Definite article, "the."
  • ἀποκαλύψεων (apokalypsēōn): Noun, feminine genitive plural of ἀποκάλυψις (apokalypsis).
    • Literal Meaning: Revelation, unveiling, disclosure.
    • Usage: Commonly refers to divine disclosures or insights into God’s plan.
    • Significance: Directly references the visions and heavenly knowledge Paul had received, which he carefully contextualizes.

• δόθῃ μοι (dothē moi)

  • δόθῃ (dothē): Second aorist passive subjunctive of δίδωμι (didōmi).
    • Literal Meaning: "might be given."
    • Grammatical Structure: Subjunctive mood is used in the purpose clause following ἵνα (hina). The passive voice suggests that the "thorn" was allowed to be given to him, implying divine permission or direct action, not just an abstract cause.
    • Significance: Highlights that the thorn was a gift, a divine provision, albeit a painful one, entrusted to Paul for a specific purpose.
  • μοι (moi): Dative personal pronoun, "to me."

• σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί (skolops tē sarki)

  • σκόλοψ (skolops): Noun, masculine nominative singular.
    • Literal Meaning: Stake, pointed stick, thorn, javelin, troublesome object, something that pierces or pricks.
    • Ancient Usage: Can refer to a sharpened stake used for impalement or torture, or a painful splinter. The exact nature is debated but implies piercing pain and irritation.
    • Significance: The term is rare and evocative. It was intentionally vague by Paul to cover various possible interpretations of suffering, emphasizing the effect – piercing discomfort and a constant reminder of human frailty.
  • τῇ (tē): Definite article, dative feminine singular.
  • σαρκί (sarki): Noun, feminine dative singular of σάρξ (sarx).
    • Literal Meaning: Flesh.
    • Biblical Usage: Can refer to the physical body, human nature with its inherent weaknesses and corruptibility, or sensual desires. In this context, it points to something afflicting Paul's physical existence or his human constitution, which God would use.
    • Significance: Links the affliction directly to his humanity, making it relatable and a basis for God's power to be manifested through his human limitations.

• ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ (angelos Satanā)

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): Noun, masculine nominative singular.
    • Literal Meaning: Messenger, angel.
    • Usage: Can refer to heavenly messengers, human messengers, or demonic entities.
    • Significance: The precise identification of this "messenger" is debated. Scholars lean towards this not being a demonic entity sent directly by Satan as an attack, but rather an affliction allowed by God that Satan could exploit or that served Satan's ultimate defeat by revealing God's power. Paul explicitly states God gave him this, not Satan, negating the idea of direct demonic agency opposing God's will here. It likely represents a tormenting, vexing aspect or messenger that aligned with satanic opposition but was divinely permitted.
  • Σατανᾶ (Satanā): Proper noun, genitive singular of Σατανᾶς (Satanas).
    • Literal Meaning: Satan, adversary.
    • Significance: Connects the affliction to the realm of opposition to God, framing the type of problem without assigning ultimate origination to Satan against God's sovereign plan.

• ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ (hina me kolaphizē)

  • ἵνα (hina): Purpose clause particle.
  • με (me): Pronoun, accusative "me."
  • κολαφίζῃ (kolaphizē): Present active subjunctive of κολαφίζω (kolaphizō).
    • Literal Meaning: To buffet, to strike with the fist, to wound, to insult.
    • Usage: Implies a painful, repeated striking or torment.
    • Significance: Describes the action of the thorn – a persistent, painful affliction that kept Paul humbled and sensitive to divine strength, preventing arrogance.

• τῇ ὑπερβαλλούσῃ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων (tē hyperballousē tōn apokalypsēōn)

  • τῇ (tē): Dative definite article.
  • ὑπερβαλλούσῃ (hyperballousē): Participle (same as above but now dative).
  • τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων (tōn apokalypsēōn): Genitive noun (same as above).
  • Group Significance: This entire phrase, "by the exceeding greatness of the revelations," reiterates the purpose of the thorn: to counterbalance the overwhelming spiritual benefits Paul received with a personal humbling affliction. The pairing highlights the intentionality of God in balancing Paul's ministry gifts with weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Bonus Section

The "thorn in the flesh" remains one of the Bible's enduring mysteries. While some early church fathers suggested it was an issue with public speaking (potentially alluded to in 2 Cor 10:10 where opponents critique his speech), or eye trouble, the text intentionally leaves its exact nature ambiguous. This ambiguity serves to universalize the experience for believers: we all have our "thorns," personal afflictions, whether physical, emotional, or relational, that serve to humble us and highlight our dependence on God. The power is made perfect not by removing the weakness, but by manifesting through it. This principle is echoed throughout scripture, showing God’s sovereignty in using even adversities for His glory and His people’s sanctification.

2 Corinthians 12 7 Commentary

Paul's admission of a "thorn in the flesh" is a profound statement on spiritual vulnerability and divine methodology. He received unparalleled heavenly revelations, experiences that would naturally puff up anyone's ego. To counteract this, God allowed a piercing affliction—likened to a stake or a severe jabbing instrument—that continually tormented him. This was no ordinary sickness; its source was divinely permitted, acting as an "messenger of Satan" in the sense that it vexed him, but crucially, God ordained its purpose and restraint. Paul’s plea for its removal demonstrates authentic humanity and a desire for ease, yet God’s response—"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"—reveals the central truth. God’s grace is not contingent upon comfort or strength but is most evident when human weakness is at its peak, allowing His power to be gloriously displayed through surrendered frailty. This means the Christian life isn't about being problem-free but about experiencing God’s transformative strength in the midst of unavoidable trials.

• Practical Application: Recognize your own limitations and weaknesses not as hindrances but as potential platforms for God’s power. When facing persistent struggles, ask how God might be using them to humble you and to demonstrate His strength through you. Trust that His grace is your provision, sufficient for every moment of trial.