King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:7 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:7 in the King James Version says “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in th...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

5

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

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.

8

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

9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Read 2 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The phrase lest I should be exalted above measure (hina mē hyperairōmai, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι) appears twice—bookending the verse—revealing God's purpose: the skolops (σκόλοψ, "thorn," "stake") prevents pride from abundance of revelations (hyperbolē tōn apokalypseōn, ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων).

The thorn in the flesh has generated endless speculation (eye disease, epilepsy, malaria, persecution, opponents), but Paul intentionally leaves it unspecified—what matters isn't the thorn's nature but its function: preventing spiritual pride. The paradox is stunning: God gives extraordinary revelations (third heaven, paradise, unspeakable words), then gives a divinely ordained affliction to prevent those revelations from producing arrogance. Grace includes both the gift and the safeguard against misusing the gift.

Messenger of Satan (aggelos Satana, ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ) to buffet me (kolaphizē, κολαφίζῃ, "to strike with fists") shows God's sovereign use of evil: Satan meant it for harm, God meant it for sanctification (cf. Job 1-2). The passive "there was given" (edothē, ἐδόθη) indicates divine agency—God gave the thorn, even though Satan delivered it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written in Macedonia (AD 55-56) after years of Paul bearing this unspecified affliction. The Corinthians, like modern prosperity gospel adherents, likely viewed suffering as evidence of sin or weak faith. Paul's theology of redemptive suffering—where God ordains affliction to prevent pride and showcase grace—radically contradicts health-and-wealth theology. The thorn isn't punishment but preventive grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God sometimes give extraordinary spiritual experiences and then ordained afflictions to prevent pride from those experiences?
  2. How does the "messenger of Satan" language show God's sovereignty over evil—using Satan's attacks for sanctifying purposes?
  3. What does Paul's non-specification of the thorn's nature teach about focusing on affliction's purpose rather than its details?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῇ2 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπερβολῇ3 of 21

“through the abundance”

G5236

a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently

τῶν4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποκαλύψεων5 of 21

“of the revelations”

G602

disclosure

ἵνα6 of 21

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ7 of 21
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑπεραίρωμαι8 of 21

“I should be exalted above measure”

G5229

to raise oneself over, i.e., (figuratively) to become haughty

ἐδόθη9 of 21

“there was given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι10 of 21

“to me”

G3427

to me

σκόλοψ11 of 21

“a thorn”

G4647

withered at the front, i.e., a point or prickle (figuratively, a bodily annoyance or disability)

τῇ12 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαρκί13 of 21

“in the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἄγγελος14 of 21

“the messenger”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Σατᾶν,15 of 21

“of Satan”

G4566

satan, i.e., the devil

ἵνα16 of 21

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

με17 of 21

“me”

G3165

me

κολαφίζῃ18 of 21

“buffet”

G2852

to rap with the fist

ἵνα19 of 21

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ20 of 21
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑπεραίρωμαι21 of 21

“I should be exalted above measure”

G5229

to raise oneself over, i.e., (figuratively) to become haughty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 12:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 12:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 33:55Judges 2:32 Chronicles 32:25-26Genesis 32:31Galatians 4:131 Corinthians 5:5

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2 Corinthians 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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