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2 Corinthians 12:8

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2 Corinthians 12:8 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in [my] weaknesses.
6For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or heareth from me.
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.
8Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
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.
10Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ`s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
11I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
← 2 Corinthians 12:72 Corinthians 12:9 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, etc..] With respect to the thorn in the flesh, the messenger Satan, who gave him so much continual disturbance. This sent him to the throne of grace, to request of the Lord, that it, or rather, “he might” depart from me: this request greatly confirms the above sense, for it can hardly be thought the apostle would be so importunate about the removal of a common bodily affliction; and he knew that the corruption of his nature would remain with him as long as he was in the body; and as for afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions for the Gospel's sake, he was well apprized they would abide him wherever he went; but that so troublesome an adversary…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For--"concerning this thing." thrice--To his first and second prayer no answer came. To his third the answer came, which satisfied his faith and led him to bow his will to God's will. So Paul's master, Jesus, thrice prayed on the Mount of Olives, in resignation to the Father's will. The thorn seems (from Co2 12:9, and Greek, Co2 12:7, "that he may buffet me") to have continued with Paul when he wrote, lest still he should be "overmuch lifted up." the Lord--Christ. Escape from the cross is not to be sought even indirectly from Satan (Luk 4:7). "Satan is not to be asked to spare us" [BENGEL].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For this thing - On account of this; in order that this calamity might be removed. I besought the Lord - The word “Lord” in the New Testament, when it stands without any other word in connection to limit its signification, commonly denotes the Lord Jesus Christ; see the note on Acts 1:24. The following verse here shows conclusively that it was the Lord Jesus to whom Paul addressed this prayer. The answer was that his grace was sufficient for him; and Paul consoled himself by saying that it was a sufficient support if the power of Christ implied in that answer, should rest on him. He would glory in trials if such was their result. Even Rosenmuller maintains that it was the Lord Jesus to whom…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Concerning this - He had now forgot his being lifted up. I besought the Lord thrice - As our Lord besought his Father. 2 Corinthians 12:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I besought: Deu 3:23-27; Sa1 15:11; Sa2 12:16-18; Psa 77:2-11; Mat 20:21, Mat 20:22; Mat 26:39-44; Heb 5:7 2 Corinthians 12:9”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification