• 2 Corinthians 12:7
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 7 καὶ and τῇ to the ὑπερβολῇ over-cast τῶν of the ἀποκαλύψεων. revelations.

      διὸ Through which ἵνα in order that μὴ not ὑπεραίρωμαι, I may be overly lifted up, ἐδόθη was given μοι to me σκόλοψ thorn τῇ to the σαρκί, flesh, ἄγγελος angel Σατανᾶ, of Satan, ἵνα in order that με me κολαφίζῃ, he may be slapping, ἵνα in order that μὴ not ὑπεραίρωμαι. I may be overly lifted up.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7
    The Bible in Living English

    • 7 by the very extraordinariness of the revelations. For which reason, in order that I may not feel too lofty, I was given a thorn for my flesh, a messenger of Satan’s to bang me about in order that I may not feel too lofty.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7
    American Standard Version

    • 7 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7
    King James Version

    • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians Study Notes—Chapter 12
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 12:7

      extraordinary: Paul uses the Greek word hy·per·bo·leʹ to describe the “extraordinary,” or surpassing, character of the revelations he received. (See study note on 2Co 12:2.) This Greek word occurs eight times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, all of them in the writings of Paul. It is translated in various ways, according to context. For example, at 2Co 4:7, the word describes “power beyond what is normal,” and at 2Co 1:8, the “extreme pressure” that weighed on Paul and his companions.

      a thorn in the flesh: Paul here uses a metaphor to describe an ongoing affliction. A thorn embedded in the body would be a source of persistent pain. (The Greek word rendered “thorn” means “anything pointed,” such as a pointed stake, a splinter, or a thorn.) Paul does not specify whether the pain represented by this thorn was physical or emotional in nature. Some statements in Paul’s writings raise the possibility that Paul suffered from problems with his eyesight, something that would have made it difficult for him to travel, to write letters, and to carry out his ministry. (Ga 4:15; 6:11; see also Ac 23:1-5.) In this context, Paul was discussing the persistent attacks of his arrogant opposers, so he might be referring to the stress and anxiety those false teachers caused him. (See study note on 2Co 11:5.) Whatever the source of his pain, Paul calls it an angel of Satan, suggesting that Satan seeks to use any affliction, whether physical or emotional, to discourage a servant of God. Paul maintains a positive view of this trial, considering the “thorn” as a way to help him keep from becoming overly exalted, that is, a way to help him remain humble so that he can please God.​—Mt 23:12.

      slapping: Or “beating.” The Greek verb Paul uses here may refer to being literally struck with the hand, knuckles, or fist. It is used that way at Mt 26:67, where Roman soldiers are said to have struck Jesus “with their fists.” At 1Co 4:11, the word is used in a more general sense, expressing the idea of treating roughly.