2 Corinthians 12:7
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.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's account of 'a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me' is deliberately enigmatic — the specific nature of the 'thorn' (skolops) is unknown, generating centuries of speculation (epilepsy, ophthalmia, opponents, temptation) — and this very enigma has made it a maximally generative text for Christians experiencing various forms of suffering. The stated purpose — 'lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations' — frames suffering as a divine protective mechanism against spiritual pride, a move that subordinates the theodicy question to the sanctification question. God's response to Paul's three-fold prayer (v. 9: 'my grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness') has become one of the most frequently cited divine assurances in Christian pastoral care. The verse is central to Christian theologies of suffering, weakness, and the sufficiency of grace.
Other Translations
And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.
and that by the exceeding greatness of the revelations I might not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of the Adversary, that he might buffet me, that I might not be exalted overmuch.
And because the revelations were so very great, in order that I might not be overmuch lifted up, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, one sent from Satan to give me pain.
Cross References
And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow …
And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to …
Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the …
That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to …
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in …
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his …
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there …
Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the …
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the …