King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 12:8 Mean?

2 Corinthians 12:8 in the King James Version says “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 12:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Paul's pareklaesa (παρεκάλεσα, "I besought," "I pleaded") echoes Jesus in Gethsemane, who prayed three times for the cup to pass (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44). The parallel is deliberate: like Christ, Paul prayed earnestly for relief; like Christ, God answered not by removing suffering but by providing sufficient grace to endure it.

The phrase the Lord most likely refers to Christ (as throughout 2 Corinthians), whom Paul addresses directly in prayer—confirming Christ's deity and Paul's Trinitarian practice. The thrice isn't magical formula but persistent, anguished petition: Paul genuinely wanted deliverance, not stoic resignation. This validates seeking God for healing while submitting to His sovereign "no."

Paul's transparency—admitting he prayed repeatedly for something God refused—models honest prayer and humble submission. He didn't receive what he asked (thorn removal) but something better (sufficient grace, v. 9). This defines mature faith: continuing to seek God even when initial prayers go unanswered, trusting His wisdom over our preferences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's three-fold petition mirrors Jewish prayer patterns (Daniel 6:10) and Jesus's Gethsemane prayers. In a culture valuing answered prayer as proof of divine favor, Paul's unanswered plea—coupled with God's wise refusal—teaches that spiritual maturity isn't measured by getting what you want but by trusting God's greater purposes in suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's three-fold unanswered prayer challenge prosperity theology that views answered prayer as proof of faith or favor?
  2. What's the difference between persistent prayer (which Paul models) and demanding prayer that refuses to accept God's "no"?
  3. Why is Paul's transparency about this unanswered prayer pastorally important for Christians facing long-term suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὑπὲρ1 of 10

“For”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τούτου2 of 10

“this thing”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

τρὶς3 of 10

“thrice”

G5151

three times

τὸν4 of 10
G3588

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

κύριον5 of 10

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

παρεκάλεσα6 of 10

“I besought”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἵνα7 of 10

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀποστῇ8 of 10

“it might depart”

G868

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc

ἀπ'9 of 10

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἐμοῦ10 of 10

“me”

G1700

of me

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 12:8 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 12:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 5:7Matthew 26:39-441 Samuel 15:112 Samuel 12:16-18Psalms 77:2-11Matthew 20:21-22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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