2 Corinthians 12:8
What does 2 Corinthians 12:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:8 means
Paul did not stoically accept the thorn without prayer; he pleaded with the Lord three times that it might be taken away. This shows that faith brings burdens to Christ and asks boldly for relief. Repeated petitions are not unbelief but honest dependence. Yet his prayer also models submission: he brings his desire to the Lord whose wisdom exceeds his own. The request itself is not rebuked; instead, the story will show that sometimes God answers not by removing the trial but by meeting His servant within it. Prayer becomes the place where human weakness and divine sufficiency meet, reshaping the petitioner’s perspective on both suffering and service.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And about this thing I made request to the Lord three times that it might be taken away from me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Concerning this thing thrice the Lord did I call upon, that it might depart from me,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this I thrice besought the Lord that it might depart from me.
Context
Following the account of the thorn’s purpose, Paul tells how he responded: he prayed earnestly for its removal. This builds suspense for verse 9, where the Lord’s definitive answer reframes the entire issue. The flow moves from problem to petition to promise. After the promise, Paul will declare his choice to boast in weakness (verse 9b) and embrace trials for Christ’s sake (verse 10). Then the narrative will swing back to his apostolic standing before the Corinthians (verses 11–12), now colored by the theology of grace learned in the school of suffering.
v.7And 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.
v.8This passage
v.9And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:39
And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
- 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 Samuel was wroth; and he cried unto Jehovah all night.
- Psalms 77:2
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: My hand was stretched out in the night, and slacked not; My soul refused to be comforted.
- Matthew 20:21
And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.
- 2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
- Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
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