2 Corinthians 12:8 Meaning and Explanation
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Three times Paul earnestly begged the Lord to take the thorn away from him.
What Does 2 Corinthians 12:8 Mean?
Paul tells how he responded to this affliction: he besought the Lord thrice, praying urgently that the thorn might depart from him. The word besought conveys earnest pleading, and three times he brought his request before the Lord, longing for relief.
There is comfort in seeing Paul, so mighty an apostle, praying repeatedly for deliverance and not at first receiving it. Persistent prayer is right and good; Jesus Himself prayed three times in Gethsemane. Yet this verse prepares us for an answer different from the one Paul sought. It reminds us that God hears every plea, even when His reply is to give grace rather than to remove the trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 12:8
What does 2 Corinthians 12:8 mean?
Three times Paul earnestly begged the Lord to take the thorn away from him.