Paul's Thorn in the Flesh: A Biblical Explanation
Paul's "thorn in the flesh," mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:7, refers to a persistent affliction given to him to prevent conceit due to his extraordinary revelations [3, 4]. The exact nature of this "thorn" has been a subject of varied interpretation throughout Christian history, though its purpose—to humble Paul and demonstrate God's power in weakness—is clearly stated [5, 8].
The phrase "thorn in the flesh" itself suggests something that causes acute pain and discomfort [8]. The term "flesh" in biblical contexts can refer to the physical body, but also more broadly to human existence, often with connotations of weakness, mutability, or even sinfulness when contrasted with the spiritual [2, 7]. Paul's use of "flesh" can denote self-reliance or human effort apart from Christ [10]. In this specific instance, the "thorn in the flesh" is described as "a messenger of Satan to torment me" [3, 4]. This indicates that while God allowed it for a divine purpose, its immediate source was an evil entity [5].
Interpretations of the thorn's identity fall into several categories:
- Physical Infirmity: Many scholars suggest the thorn was a severe physical ailment. This view is supported by other passages where Paul alludes to bodily weakness or suffering, such as 1 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 10:10, 11:30, and Galatians 4:13-14 [1]. Some specific suggestions have included a "pain in the ear or head," epileptic fits, or an eye disease [1]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown connect it to the bodily affliction mentioned in Galatians 4:13-14 [8].
- Spiritual Temptation: Early Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin interpreted the thorn as a temptation to unbelief [1]. Roman Catholic writers have sometimes viewed it as suggestions toward impiety [1].
- External Opposition: While less common, some interpretations consider the thorn to be external opposition or persecution Paul faced. The "buffeting" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV) can imply physical abuse, similar to how slaves were buffeted [8]. Paul's scars from wounds received for Christ's sake were seen as "marks" indicating his service to Christ [9].
- Figurative Language: The Old Testament uses similar imagery of "thorns" to describe troublesome adversaries or obstacles. For example, Numbers 33:55 and Ezekiel 28:24 speak of "thorns in your sides" or "a brier to prick you" referring to hostile peoples [5, 8].
Regardless of its precise nature, the theological significance of Paul's thorn is clear. Paul prayed three times for its removal, but God's response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" [5]. This experience taught Paul that his human weakness provided an opportunity for Christ's power to work through him [5]. It served as a constant reminder to remain humble, preventing him from becoming "exalted above measure" due to the "surpassing greatness of the revelations" he received [3, 4, 8]. This principle is echoed in other biblical narratives, such as Jacob's lameness after wrestling with God, which served to humble him even in victory [6]. The thorn ensured that Paul's effectiveness in ministry was attributed to God's strength, not his own [5].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Thorn in the flesh — (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Many interpretations have been given of this passage. (1.) Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety. (2.) Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting temptation to unbelief. (3.) Others suppose the expression refers to "a pain in the ear or head," epileptic fits, or, in general, to some severe physical infirmity, which was a hindrance to the apostle in his work (comp. 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 10:10; 11:30; Gal. 4:13, 14; 6:17). With a great amount of probability, it has been alle”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Flesh — In the Old Testament denotes (1) a particular part of the body of man and animals (Gen. 2:21; 41:2; Ps. 102:5, marg.); (2) the whole body (Ps. 16:9); (3) all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole (Gen. 6:12, 13); (4) mutability and weakness (2 Chr. 32:8; comp. Isa. 31:3; Ps. 78:39). As suggesting the idea of softness it is used in the expression "heart of flesh" (Ezek. 11:19). The expression "my flesh and bone" (Judg. 9:2; Isa. 58:7) denotes relationship. In the New Testament, besides these it is also used to denote the sinful eleme”
- 2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 12:7 (NASB) — Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 12:7 (BSB) — or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 12:7: 12:7b-10 We do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was (cp. Num 33:55; Ezek 28:24; Hos 2:6); we only know that its purpose was to keep him from becoming proud, to prick the bubble of pride. • It was a messenger from Satan—that is, something or someone evil—so Paul prayed to the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered each petition the same way: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him by God’s grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ’s stren”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 32:31: halted upon his thigh--As Paul had a thorn in the flesh given to humble him, lest he should be too elevated by the abundant revelations granted him [Co2 12:7], so Jacob's lameness was to keep him mindful of this mysterious scene, and that it was in gracious condescension the victory was yielded to him. In the greatest of these spiritual victories which, through faith, any of God's people obtain, there is always something to humble them.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 7:5: 7:5 old nature (literally flesh): Although “flesh” can refer to the human body in a neutral sense (see 8:3, which speaks of Christ coming “in the flesh”), Paul more often uses the word negatively, to denote human existence apart from God. To be “in the flesh” is to be dominated by sin and its hostility to God. • the law aroused these evil desires: The law of God is a good thing in itself (see 7:12), but it arouses sinful tendencies by provoking the rebellion that is in people’s hearts. When we are in rebellion against God, his commands spark in us a desire to do th”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 12:7: exalted above measure--Greek, "overmuch uplifted." How dangerous must self-exaltation be, when even the apostle required so much restraint! [BENGEL]. abundance--Greek, "the excess"; exceeding greatness. given . . . me--namely, by God (Job 5:6; Phi 1:29). thorn in the flesh-- (Num 33:55; Eze 28:24). ALFORD thinks it to be the same bodily affliction as in Gal 4:13-14. It certainly was something personal, affecting him individually, and not as an apostle: causing at once acute pain (as "thorn" implies) and shame ("buffet": as slaves are buffe”
- Galatians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Galatians 6:17: let no man trouble me--by opposing my apostolic authority, seeing that it is stamped by a sure seal, namely, "I (in contrast to the Judaizing teachers who gloried in the flesh) bear (as a high mark of honor from the King of kings)." the marks--properly, marks branded on slaves to indicate their owners. So Paul's scars of wounds received for Christ's sake, indicate to whom he belongs, and in whose free and glorious service he is (Co2 11:23-25). The Judaizing teachers gloried in the circumcision mark in the flesh of their followers: Paul glories in ”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 3:4: 3:4 in my own effort (literally in the flesh): Paul uses flesh here for self-reliance and human effort in contrast to reliance on Christ and empowerment by the Spirit.”