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 12:7KJV
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2 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:7 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:7 says that Paul was given a persistent problem or hardship—described as a "thorn in the flesh"—to keep him from becoming proud because of the many special revelations he had received. Paul explains that this difficulty was like a messenger from Satan, meant to trouble him and prevent him from being "exalted above measure."

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining why he, despite his spiritual experiences, still faces ongoing struggles. He wants the Corinthians to understand that his hardships serve a purpose: to keep him humble and dependent on God, even after receiving great spiritual insights. The verse sets up the context for Paul’s later teaching about God’s strength being made perfect in weakness.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:7

  • "Thorn" (σκόλοψ, skolops): This Greek word means a sharp stake or splinter. Paul uses it as a vivid image for something painful and persistent, not just a minor annoyance.
  • "Messenger" (ἄγγελος, angelos): This word usually means "angel" or "messenger." Here, Paul calls his trouble a "messenger of Satan," suggesting it is an ongoing source of opposition or distress, not just a one-time event.
  • "Buffet" (κολαφίζω, kolaphizó): This verb means to strike with the fist or beat repeatedly. It shows that Paul's hardship was not gentle or occasional, but something that battered him over time.
  • "Exalted above measure" (ὑπεραίρω, hyperairō): This phrase means to be lifted up or become overly proud. Paul repeats it to stress that the purpose of his "thorn" is to keep him from pride.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:7 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that spiritual experiences or closeness to God mean a person will have an easy life; Paul’s hardships came even after deep spiritual revelations.
  • Paul’s description of his "thorn" shows that ongoing struggles can have a purpose, even if they are difficult or mysterious.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of 2 Corinthians 12, where Paul teaches that human weakness is not a sign of spiritual failure, but a place where God’s power can be most clearly seen.

Where else these words appear

“measure” Greek G5229 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“buffet” Greek G2852 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
  • Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

“abundance” Greek G5236 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

“revelations” Greek G602 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,