For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:8KJV
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2 Corinthians 12:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 12:8 mean?

2 Corinthians 12:8 describes Paul repeatedly asking the Lord to remove something that was causing him distress. His request is personal and direct: he wants the troubling thing to leave him.

“For this thing” points back to the “thorn in the flesh” Paul mentions in verse 7. The image suggests a persistent source of pain or trouble. Paul calls it “a messenger of Satan to buffet me,” using a word that pictures being struck.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 12:8

  • “besought” — παρακαλέω (parakaleō): This word can mean to appeal to someone or ask earnestly. Here it brings out the urgency of Paul’s request to the Lord.
  • “depart” — ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi): This word can mean to go away or withdraw. Paul asks for the troublesome thing itself to leave him.

Why 2 Corinthians 12:8 matters

  • Paul’s request is specific, not merely a general plea for relief. “That it might depart from me” names the outcome he is seeking.
  • The three requests prepare the reader for the Lord’s response in verse 9. The response addresses Paul’s weakness rather than granting the removal he requested.

Where else these words appear

“thrice” Greek G5151 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
  • Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

“depart” Greek G868 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
  • Acts 5:37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
  • Acts 22:29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

“thing” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
  • Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

“besought” Greek G3870 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Acts 16:39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?