2 Corinthians 12:8

KJV

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G5228} this thing {G5127} I besought {G3870} the Lord {G2962} thrice {G5151}, that {G2443} it might depart {G868} from {G575} me {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Three times I begged the Lord to take this thing away from me;

Berean Standard Bible

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

American Standard Version

Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 12:8, the Apostle Paul recounts his earnest and repeated plea to the Lord concerning a persistent and debilitating affliction, famously known as his "thorn in the flesh." This verse captures a moment of intense personal struggle and fervent prayer, setting the stage for one of the most profound revelations of divine grace and power in the New Testament, where God's strength is perfected in human weakness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly personal and deeply theological section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically [2 Corinthians 12:1-10](/2_corinthians/12-1-10 "2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - Paul's Vision and Thorn in the Flesh"). Paul has just described extraordinary, ineffable revelations, having been "caught up to the third heaven" ([2 Corinthians 12:2-4](/2_corinthians/12-2-4 "2 Corinthians 12:2-4 - Paul's Heavenly Vision")). To prevent him from becoming conceited due to these unparalleled spiritual experiences, a "thorn in the flesh" was given to him—a "messenger of Satan" to torment him ([2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "2 Corinthians 12:7 - The Thorn in the Flesh")). Verse 8 directly details Paul's immediate and very human response to this severe and unwelcome trial: his desperate, repeated appeals to God for its removal. It is the crucial setup for the Lord's transformative answer in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was characterized by immense suffering, opposition, and physical hardships, as he often details (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings")). In the Greco-Roman world, suffering was often interpreted as a sign of divine disfavor or weakness, contrasting sharply with the Hellenistic ideal of human strength and self-sufficiency. For Paul to admit to a persistent, tormenting weakness, especially one he prayed so fervently to have removed, was counter-cultural and potentially damaging to his apostolic credibility in the eyes of some Corinthians who valued outward displays of power. However, Paul redefines strength through weakness, aligning with the paradoxical nature of the Gospel where Christ's power is made perfect in human frailty. The concept of a "messenger of Satan" also reflects the biblical worldview of spiritual warfare, where physical ailments or opposition could be attributed to demonic influence, even if ultimately permitted by God for a higher purpose.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians") and the broader New Testament. It highlights the theme of **Persistence in Prayer**, as Paul's "thrice" (τρίς) underscores the earnestness and repetition of his petitions, echoing the persistent prayer of Jesus in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-36-44 "Matthew 26:36-44 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"). It also foregrounds the theme of **Human Weakness and Divine Power**, demonstrating that even a great apostle like Paul experienced profound personal struggles and a natural desire for relief from suffering. This vulnerability becomes the canvas upon which God's **Sufficient Grace** is painted, a theme that culminates in the subsequent verse. Furthermore, it touches upon the **Purpose of Suffering** in the life of a believer—not as punishment, but as a means for God's power to be magnified and for humility to be cultivated, preventing spiritual pride.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** This verb means "to call near," implying an earnest, urgent appeal, invitation, or invocation. It carries connotations of imploration, exhortation, and consolation. Paul's use of this word indicates not a casual request, but a fervent, repeated, and intense pleading with the Lord, reflecting deep distress and a strong desire for intervention.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Derived from a root signifying supremacy, _kýrios_ denotes one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or Master. Here, it is used as a respectful title for God, emphasizing Paul's recognition of Christ's ultimate sovereignty and power to answer his prayer. It signifies a relationship of submission and trust in the one who holds all authority.
* **depart (Greek, _aphístēmi'_):** This verb means "to remove," "to desist," or "to withdraw oneself." Paul's prayer was for the "thorn" to be completely taken away, to cease its tormenting presence. It signifies a desire for cessation of the affliction, a complete and permanent removal from his experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,"**: This clause reveals the object of Paul's intense prayer ("this thing," referring to the "thorn in the flesh" from the preceding verse) and the intensity and persistence of his supplication. The adverb "thrice" (τρίς) emphasizes the repeated, earnest nature of his appeals, signifying not a casual or half-hearted request, but a sustained, fervent wrestling in prayer before God. It suggests a deep, ongoing burden that drove him to persistent intercession.
* **"that it might depart from me."**: This clause states the specific content of Paul's prayer. He was not praying for strength to endure the thorn, nor for understanding of its purpose (at this point), but for its complete removal. This highlights a natural human desire to be free from pain, suffering, or any form of torment, even for a spiritual giant like Paul. It underscores the severity of the affliction and his genuine yearning for relief.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's concise statement in this verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, conveyed through the word "thrice" (τρίς). This numerical specificity emphasizes the intensity and persistence of Paul's prayer, underscoring that his plea was not a fleeting thought but a sustained, earnest supplication. This repetition also serves as a literary foreshadowing, preparing the reader for the equally profound and repeated divine response in the following verse. The "thorn in the flesh" itself, introduced in the preceding verse, functions as a potent **Metaphor** for a persistent, painful affliction, the exact nature of which remains ambiguous, allowing for broader application. Furthermore, the entire passage is a raw and honest **Personal Narrative** or **Confession**, where Paul lays bare his vulnerability and desperate prayer life, lending authenticity and relatability to his apostolic witness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's persistent prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:8 offers profound theological insights into the nature of prayer, divine sovereignty, and the Christian experience of suffering. It affirms that it is not only permissible but vital for believers to bring their deepest burdens and desires for relief before God, even when those desires are not immediately met. This verse sets the stage for the paradoxical truth that God's power is often most perfectly displayed not in the absence of weakness, but within it. It underscores that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His answers may transcend our expectations, ultimately leading to a deeper revelation of His grace and strength. The "thorn" became an instrument of humility and a conduit for divine power, transforming Paul's weakness into a platform for God's glory.

* [Matthew 26:44](/matthew/26-44 "Matthew 26:44 - Jesus' Third Prayer in Gethsemane")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 12:8 provides a powerful template for our own prayer lives and how we navigate suffering. It validates the human desire for relief from pain, illness, or oppressive circumstances, assuring us that it is right and good to earnestly beseech the Lord for deliverance, even repeatedly. We are encouraged to be transparent and persistent in our prayers, bringing our deepest struggles and vulnerabilities before God, just as Paul did. This verse teaches us that genuine faith does not always mean immediate deliverance from trials, but it always involves bringing those trials before the One who has the power to act. It prepares us to receive God's answer, which may not be the removal of the problem, but rather the profound and sufficient provision of His grace to endure, to grow, and to experience His power perfected in our weakness. Our prayers, even when seemingly unanswered in the way we desire, are never in vain, for they deepen our reliance on God and open us to His transformative work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "thorns" or persistent struggles are you currently carrying that you have earnestly prayed for God to remove?**
* **How does Paul's persistence in prayer encourage or challenge your own prayer habits, especially when answers are not immediately apparent?**
* **In what ways might God be using a difficult situation in your life, not for removal, but to draw you closer to Him and display His power?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of trust and surrender, even when God's answer to your fervent prayer is different from what you desired?**

### FAQ

**What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh" that he prayed to have removed?**

Answer: The exact nature of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" is one of the most debated questions in biblical scholarship, and the text intentionally leaves it ambiguous. While many theories exist—ranging from physical ailments (like an eye disease, malaria, or epilepsy) to spiritual opposition (like false apostles or persistent persecution)—the Bible does not provide a definitive answer. The ambiguity is significant, as it allows believers throughout history to identify with Paul's struggle, whatever their specific "thorn" might be. What is clear is that it was a real, painful, and persistent affliction, described as a "messenger of Satan" ([2 Corinthians 12:7](/2_corinthians/12-7 "2 Corinthians 12:7 - The Thorn in the Flesh")) designed to keep him humble amidst extraordinary revelations.

**Why did Paul pray "thrice" for the thorn to depart?**

Answer: The word "thrice" (Greek: _trís_) indicates that Paul prayed on three distinct occasions, or perhaps engaged in three intense periods of prayer, for the removal of his affliction. This repetition emphasizes the earnestness, intensity, and persistence of his supplication. It was not a casual request but a fervent, sustained appeal to God, demonstrating the depth of his suffering and his profound desire for relief. This mirrors other biblical examples of persistent prayer, such as Jesus praying three times in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-36-44 "Matthew 26:36-44 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane") for the cup to pass from Him. It shows that it is appropriate to bring our deepest and most urgent requests to God repeatedly.

**Does God always answer our prayers for relief from suffering?**

Answer: As seen in Paul's experience, God does not always answer our prayers for relief by removing the suffering. While He certainly has the power to do so and often does, sometimes His answer is to provide sufficient grace to endure the suffering, demonstrating His power in our weakness. In [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient"), the Lord tells Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." This reveals that God's answers are always for our ultimate good and His glory, even if they don't align with our immediate desires. He may choose to sustain us through a trial rather than remove it, using it to deepen our faith, humility, and reliance on Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's earnest prayer for the removal of his "thorn in the flesh" and the Lord's subsequent response in 2 Corinthians 12:9 find profound resonance and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul, in his human weakness, cried out for relief, so too did Christ, in the Garden of Gethsemane, repeatedly pray for the "cup" of suffering to pass from Him ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Yet, in ultimate submission to the Father's will, Jesus declared, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Submission to the Father")). Christ's willingness to embrace the cross, despite His human agony, demonstrates the ultimate example of divine strength perfected through profound weakness and suffering. His crucifixion, a display of utter human vulnerability, became the very means by which God's power triumphed over sin and death, securing salvation for humanity ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). Thus, Paul's experience mirrors Christ's: the power of God is not found in the absence of suffering, but in the divine strength that sustains and ultimately glorifies through it, empowering believers to live out their faith in the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")).

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

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Matthew 26:39

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

Matthew 26:44

And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Psalms 77:2

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.

Psalms 77:11

¶ I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

2 Samuel 12:16

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.