2Cor 12:7-10 | RWP | e4.org | By reason of the exceeding greatness ( τη υπερβολη ). Instrumental case, "by the excess." That I should not be exalted overmuch ( ινα μη υπεραιρωμα ). Present passive subjunctive in final clause of υπεραιρω , old verb to lift up beyond, only here in N.T. This clause is repeated at the end of the sentence. A thorn in the flesh ( σκολοπς τη σαρκ ). This old word is used for splinter, stake, thorn. In the papyri and inscriptions examples occur both for splinter and thorn as the meaning. In the LXX it is usually thorn. The case of τη σαρκ can be either locative (in) or dative (for). What was it? Certainly it was some physical malady that persisted. All sorts of theories are held (malaria, eye-trouble, epilepsy, insomnia, migraine or sick-headache, etc.). It is a blessing to the rest of us that we do not know the particular affliction that so beset Paul. Each of us has some such splinter or thorn in the flesh, perhaps several at once. Messenger of Satan ( αγγελος Σατανα ). Angel of Satan, the affliction personified. Buffet ( κολαφιζη ). See on ; for this late and rare word from κολαφος , fist. The messenger of Satan kept slapping Paul in the face and Paul now sees that it was God's will for it to be so.

‏ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

By reason of the exceeding greatness ( τη υπερβολη ). Instrumental case, "by the excess."

That I should not be exalted overmuch ( ινα μη υπεραιρωμα ). Present passive subjunctive in final clause of υπεραιρω, old verb to lift up beyond, only here in N.T. This clause is repeated at the end of the sentence.

A thorn in the flesh ( σκολοπς τη σαρκ ). This old word is used for splinter, stake, thorn. In the papyri and inscriptions examples occur both for splinter and thorn as the meaning. In the LXX it is usually thorn. The case of τη σαρκ can be either locative (in) or dative (for). What was it? Certainly it was some physical malady that persisted. All sorts of theories are held (malaria, eye-trouble, epilepsy, insomnia, migraine or sick-headache, etc.). It is a blessing to the rest of us that we do not know the particular affliction that so beset Paul. Each of us has some such splinter or thorn in the flesh, perhaps several at once.

Messenger of Satan ( αγγελος Σατανα ). Angel of Satan, the affliction personified.

Buffet ( κολαφιζη ). See on Mt 26:67; 1Co 4:11 for this late and rare word from κολαφος, fist. The messenger of Satan kept slapping Paul in the face and Paul now sees that it was God's will for it to be so.

Concerning this thing ( υπερ τουτου ). More likely, "concerning this messenger of Satan."

That it might depart from me ( ινα αποστη αφ' εμου ). Second aorist active (intransitive) subjunctive of αφιστημ in final clause, "that he stand off from me for good."

He hath said ( ειρηκεν ). Perfect active indicative, as if a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and needs this word of Christ.

Is sufficient ( αρκε ). Old word of rich meaning, perhaps kin to Latin arceo, to ward off against danger. Christ's grace suffices and abides.

Is perfected ( τελειτα ). Present passive indicative of τελεω, to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See Php 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ's power and grace.

Most gladly rather ( ηδιστα μαλλον ). Two adverbs, one superlative ( ηδιστα ), one comparative ( μαλλον ). "Rather" than ask any more (thrice already) for the removal of the thorn or splinter "most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses." Slowly Paul had learned this supreme lesson, but it will never leave him (Ro 5:2; 2Ti 4:6-8).

May rest upon me ( επισκηνωση επ' εμε ). Late and rare verb in first aorist active subjunctive with ινα (final clause), to fix a tent upon, here upon Paul himself by a bold metaphor, as if the Shechinah of the Lord was overshadowing him (cf. Lu 9:34), the power ( δυναμις ) of the Lord Jesus.

Wherefore I take pleasure ( διο ευδοκω ). For this noble word see on Mt 3:17; 2Co 5:8. The enemies of Paul will have a hard time now in making Paul unhappy by persecutions even unto death (Php 1:20-26). He is not courting martyrdom, but he does not fear it or anything that is "for Christ's sake" ( υπερ Χριστου ).

For when ( οταν γαρ ). "For whenever," indefinite time.

Then I am strong ( τοτε δυνατος ειμ ). At that very time, but not in myself, but in the fresh access of power from Christ for the emergency.