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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} lest {G3363} I should be exalted above measure {G5229} through the abundance {G5236} of the revelations {G602}, there was given {G1325} to me {G3427} a thorn {G4647} in the flesh {G4561}, the messenger {G32} of Satan {G4566} to {G2443} buffet {G2852} me {G3165}, lest {G3363} I should be exalted above measure {G5229}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn’t grow conceited.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, having received unparalleled divine revelations, was given a mysterious "thorn in the flesh"—a persistent affliction identified as a messenger of Satan designed to "buffet" him. This divinely permitted suffering served a singular, crucial purpose: to prevent Paul from becoming conceited or "exalted above measure" due to the extraordinary spiritual insights and experiences bestowed upon him, thereby safeguarding his humility and dependence on God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's deeply personal defense of his apostolic ministry, particularly in [2 Corinthians 10-13](/2_corinthians/10-13 "Paul's Defense of His Apostleship"). Immediately preceding [2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "The Thorn in the Flesh"), Paul reluctantly recounts his extraordinary visions and revelations, including being [caught up to the third heaven and hearing inexpressible words](/2_corinthians/12-2-4 "Paul's Heavenly Vision"). He emphasizes that while he *could* boast in these spiritual privileges, he chooses instead to boast in his weaknesses, setting the stage for the introduction of his "thorn." This passage serves as a powerful counterpoint to the false apostles in Corinth who boasted in their perceived strengths and impressive displays, demonstrating that true spiritual authority and power are found in God's strength perfected in human weakness, not in human achievement or spiritual ecstasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was characterized by immense hardship, persecution, and opposition, as detailed throughout his letters (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings")). The Corinthian church itself was plagued by factions, immorality, and challenges to Paul's authority, making his defense both necessary and painful. The concept of "messengers" (ἀγγέλοι, *angeloi*) was common in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought, referring to divine or demonic agents. The idea of a "thorn" or "stake" as a metaphor for persistent, painful affliction was also understood in the ancient world. Paul's audience would have recognized the gravity of an affliction attributed to Satan, yet the theological nuance of God permitting such an attack for a holy purpose would have been striking and counter-cultural, challenging their understanding of power and divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "The Purpose of the Thorn") is central to several profound themes woven throughout Paul's letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **humility and guarding against pride**, explicitly stating the thorn's purpose: "lest I should be exalted above measure." This reveals God's proactive measure to protect His servants from the spiritual danger of conceit, even when blessed with extraordinary insights. Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereignty over suffering and evil**, demonstrating that even when a "messenger of Satan" is involved, God remains in ultimate control, permitting affliction for His redemptive purposes. This sets the stage for the powerful declaration in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Grace is Sufficient"), where the Lord assures Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness," introducing the third major theme: **God's strength perfected in human weakness**. Paul's thorn becomes a tangible illustration that true power in ministry and life comes not from human ability or the absence of struggle, but from divine grace working through human frailty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This word (G1325) signifies a deliberate act of bestowal or permission. The passive voice "there was given" strongly implies divine agency, indicating that the thorn, despite its painful nature and satanic origin, was not a random misfortune but was permitted or even ordained by God for a specific, holy purpose. This highlights God's sovereignty even over what appears to be an attack from evil.
* **thorn (Greek, _skólops'_):** This term (G4647) literally refers to a sharp stake, splinter, or prickle. It conveys the idea of something acutely painful, persistent, and irritating, not a fleeting discomfort but a chronic, deeply embedded affliction. The use of "in the flesh" (G4561, _sárx_) suggests it was a deeply personal burden, affecting Paul's physical being, emotional state, or overall human experience, rather than a purely external opposition.
* **buffet (Greek, _kolaphízō'_):** This verb (G2852) means to strike with the fist, to beat, or to maltreat. It paints a vivid picture of a relentless, painful, and humiliating assault. The present tense in Greek implies continuous or repeated action, indicating that the "messenger of Satan" was constantly harassing or tormenting Paul, making the thorn a persistent and active source of distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations":** Paul immediately states the *purpose* of the thorn. The phrase "exalted above measure" (G5229, _hyperaíromai_) denotes becoming excessively proud, arrogant, or conceited. The "abundance of the revelations" (G5236, _hyperbolḗ_ and G602, _apokálypsis_) refers to the extraordinary spiritual insights and experiences Paul had received, including his vision of the third heaven. This clause reveals God's proactive wisdom in safeguarding His servant from the spiritual danger of pride, which can corrupt even the most profound spiritual gifts.
* **"there was given to me a thorn in the flesh":** This identifies the specific affliction. The passive voice "was given" points to a divine allowance or ordination, even if the immediate instrument was evil. The "thorn in the flesh" (G4647, _skólops_ and G4561, _sárx_) is a metaphor for a painful, persistent, and deeply personal affliction. Its exact nature remains unspecified, allowing believers throughout history to identify with Paul's experience in their own diverse struggles.
* **"the messenger of Satan to buffet me":** This clause reveals the *agent* of the affliction and the *nature* of its attack. The "messenger of Satan" (G32, _ángelos_ and G4566, _Satân_) indicates a demonic entity acting as an instrument of torment. To "buffet" (G2852, _kolaphízō_) implies a continuous, painful, and humiliating assault, like being repeatedly struck. This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the devil's desire to hinder God's servants.
* **"lest I should be exalted above measure":** This repetition of the initial purpose clause serves as an emphatic reiteration of the thorn's primary function. It underscores the gravity of pride and God's unwavering commitment to cultivating humility in His chosen instruments, ensuring that His power, not human boasting, remains paramount.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The central device is **Metaphor**, specifically "a thorn in the flesh," which vividly conveys a persistent, painful, and irritating affliction without specifying its exact nature. This ambiguity allows for broad application and identification by readers. The phrase "messenger of Satan to buffet me" uses **Personification** to describe the demonic agent as an active, physical tormentor, bringing the spiritual battle into tangible terms. The repetition of the phrase "lest I should be exalted above measure" is a form of **Emphasis** or **Anaphora** (though not at the very beginning of clauses), underscoring the paramount reason for the thorn and highlighting God's deep concern for Paul's humility. This repetition draws the reader's attention to the spiritual danger of pride, particularly for those entrusted with great spiritual gifts or revelations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of suffering, divine sovereignty, and the nature of spiritual power. It reveals that God, in His infinite wisdom, can permit or even ordain painful afflictions, even those orchestrated by demonic forces, for redemptive purposes. The primary purpose here is the cultivation of humility and the prevention of pride, demonstrating that even profound spiritual experiences and revelations require a divine safeguard. This paradox—that God uses weakness and suffering to achieve His purposes and display His strength—is a cornerstone of New Testament theology, particularly in Paul's writings. It assures us that our struggles are not always punitive but can be purposeful, designed to deepen our dependence on God and magnify His grace.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Strength Perfected in Weakness")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "Resist the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's "thorn in the flesh" offers profound comfort and guidance for believers navigating their own struggles. It challenges the common misconception that suffering is always a sign of divine displeasure or personal failure. Instead, it reveals that God can use even the most persistent and painful afflictions—including those with a demonic origin—as instruments of grace, designed to keep us humble, dependent on Him, and ultimately to display His power through our weakness. This perspective transforms our view of hardship, encouraging us to seek God's purpose in our pain rather than merely praying for its removal. It reminds us that true spiritual strength is not the absence of weakness, but the presence of God's sufficient grace working within it. Our "thorns" can be the very means through which we experience a deeper intimacy with Christ and a more profound reliance on His strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "thorns" or persistent struggles might God be using in your life to cultivate humility or prevent pride?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over even demonic activity change your perspective on personal suffering?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's strength being made perfect in your weakness?**
* **How can embracing your weaknesses, rather than hiding them, lead to a deeper reliance on Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh"?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the nature of Paul's "thorn in the flesh," and its identity has been a subject of speculation for centuries. Common theories include a chronic physical ailment (such as poor eyesight, epilepsy, or malaria), persistent opposition from false apostles or Jewish antagonists, or intense spiritual torment and temptation. The ambiguity is significant, as it allows believers facing diverse forms of suffering to identify with Paul's experience. What is clear is its purpose: to keep Paul humble and prevent him from becoming conceited due to the "abundance of the revelations" he received, as stated in [2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "The Purpose of the Thorn").

**Why would God allow Satan to "buffet" Paul?**

Answer: While the "thorn" is identified as a "messenger of Satan to buffet me," Paul explicitly states that "there was given to me" this thorn, indicating divine permission or ordination. This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty even over demonic activity. God allowed Satan to be the instrument of this affliction, not because He is weak or uncaring, but because He intended to use it for a greater, holy purpose: to prevent Paul from becoming "exalted above measure." This demonstrates that God can turn what Satan intends for harm into a means of spiritual growth, humility, and the display of His own power, as further elaborated in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Grace is Sufficient").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's experience with the "thorn in the flesh" finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound paradox of the Gospel: God's power is made perfect in weakness. Just as Paul's thorn prevented him from exalting himself, ensuring that God's strength was magnified, so too did Christ's ultimate act of humility and weakness—His crucifixion—become the very means of God's greatest triumph over sin and death. The "messenger of Satan" sought to "buffet" Paul, just as Satan tempted and afflicted Christ in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "The Temptation of Jesus")) and at Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42-44](/luke/22-42-44 "Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Yet, through Christ's perfect obedience and suffering, God's redemptive plan was accomplished. Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humility")). His "weakness" on the cross, a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, is the very power of God for salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "The Message of the Cross")). Thus, Paul's thorn serves as a microcosm of the divine principle perfectly embodied in Christ: true power and glory are revealed not in self-exaltation, but in humble submission to God's will, even through suffering, so that God alone receives all the glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 33:55

But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Judges 2:3

Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be [as thorns] in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

2 Chronicles 32:25

But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 32:26

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Daniel 5:20

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

Galatians 4:13

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Genesis 32:31

And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.