2 Corinthians 12:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:8 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:8 describes how Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take away a particular trouble or hardship from him. Paul is open about repeatedly asking God to remove this difficulty, showing both his persistence in prayer and his willingness to seek relief.

Paul is writing to the believers in Corinth, explaining a personal struggle that he calls his "thorn in the flesh" in the verses just before this one. Here, Paul shares that he did not just ask once, but three times, for God to take this problem away. This detail highlights both the seriousness of his struggle and his dependence on God for help.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:8

• "Besought" (παρακαλέω, parakaleō): This Greek word means to urge, plead, or beg. Paul’s use of this word shows he was not making a casual request but was earnestly and repeatedly asking for relief.
• "Thrice" (τρίς, tris): The word means "three times." In the culture of the time, repeating a request three times often showed deep seriousness or completeness in asking.
• "Depart" (ἀφίστημι, aphistēmi): This word means to remove or take away. Paul was specifically asking for the hardship to be taken away from him, not just eased.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:8 matters

• This verse helps clear up the idea that even someone as faithful as Paul could experience ongoing struggles and would persistently ask God for help, showing that repeated prayer is not a lack of faith.
• Paul’s honesty about his repeated requests sets up the next verses, where God’s answer is not to remove the problem but to give Paul grace and strength, which is a key lesson in the larger passage.
• The verse emphasizes that it is normal to ask God for relief from suffering, but also prepares the reader for the idea that God’s response may be different from what is asked.