2 Corinthians 12:7
What does 2 Corinthians 12:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:7 means
Because of the “exceeding greatness of the revelations,” Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh,” a messenger of Satan to beat against him, so that he would not become conceited. God permitted a persistent affliction—its precise nature is unspecified—to guard Paul’s heart. Satan meant it for torment, but God overruled it for humility. The thorn was not random; it was given with purpose, tethering Paul to dependence. This teaches that extraordinary privileges often come with extraordinary safeguards. The sustaining grace that follows is not a denial of pain but a promise of purpose: God keeps His servants usable by keeping them lowly, so Christ, not the messenger, receives the honor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And because the revelations were so very great, in order that I might not be overmuch lifted up, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, one sent from Satan to give me pain.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and that by the exceeding greatness of the revelations I might not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of the Adversary, that he might buffet me, that I might not be exalted overmuch.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And that I might not be exalted by the exceeding greatness of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn for the flesh, a messenger of Satan that he might buffet me, that I might not be exalted.
Context
Here Paul explains why he refuses to boast in the vision’s content. The revelation’s grandeur could breed pride, so God provided a counterweight: the thorn. This prepares for the prayer in verse 8 and the Lord’s answer in verse 9. The contrast between Paradise (verses 2–4) and persistent pain (verse 7) is intentional, leading readers to the chapter’s theological center: Christ’s power made perfect in weakness. After this centerpiece (verses 9–10), Paul will resume his defense by reminding the Corinthians of the apostolic signs they witnessed (verses 11–12) and his financial independence (verses 13–18).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 11:20
For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.
- Job 2:7
So Satan went forth from the presence of Jehovah, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
- Genesis 32:25
And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was strained, as he wrestled with him.
- Luke 13:16
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound, lo, these eighteen years, to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the sabbath?
- 1 Corinthians 4:11
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;
- Daniel 5:20
But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Corinthians 12
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Corinthians 12.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Grace of God
Understanding God's grace helps us grasp His unconditional love and our salvation through faith in Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gossip
Gossip is a pervasive vice that damages relationships and reflects poorly on our character, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech.
Topic
Bible Verses About Grace
Grace is God's undeserved favor and divine help, freely given to us through Jesus Christ, transforming our lives.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Like a Failure
When the inner voice won't quit — what God actually says about you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Postpartum Depression
Tender scripture for the season no one warns you about.