Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. New Living Translation Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. English Standard Version Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. Berean Standard Bible Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. Berean Literal Bible Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me. King James Bible For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. New King James Version Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. New American Standard Bible Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. NASB 1995 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. NASB 1977 Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. Legacy Standard Bible Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. Amplified Bible Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; Berean Annotated Bible Three times I pleaded with the Lord {Kyrion} to take it away from me. Christian Standard Bible Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. Holman Christian Standard Bible Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. American Standard Version Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Contemporary English Version Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away. English Revised Version Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. GOD'S WORD® Translation I begged the Lord three times to take it away from me. Good News Translation Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. International Standard Version I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me, NET Bible I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. New Heart English Bible Concerning this thing, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. Webster's Bible Translation For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Weymouth New Testament As for this, three times have I besought the Lord to rid me of him; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThree times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. World English Bible Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI called on the LORD three times concerning this thing, that it might depart from me, Berean Literal Bible Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me. Young's Literal Translation Concerning this thing thrice the Lord did I call upon, that it might depart from me, Smith's Literal Translation For this thrice besought I the Lord, that it remove away from me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor which thing thrice I besought the Lord, that it might depart from me. Catholic Public Domain Version Because of this, three times I petitioned the Lord that it might be taken away from me. New American Bible Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, New Revised Standard Version Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThree times I besought my LORD concerning this thing, that it might depart from me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And I begged of my Lord concerning this three times, to remove it from me. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWith regard to this, I three times entreated the Lord that it might leave me; Godbey New Testament Three times I called on the Lord concerning this, that it may depart from me. Haweis New Testament For this thrice I besought the Lord, that he might depart from me. Mace New Testament I besought the Lord thrice, to make him leave me. Weymouth New Testament As for this, three times have I besought the Lord to rid me of him; Worrell New Testament Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Worsley New Testament For this I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Thorn and God's Grace7or 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. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.… Cross References Three times Matthew 26:44 So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing. Mark 14:41 When Jesus returned the third time, He said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. I pleaded with the Lord Deuteronomy 3:23-26 At that time I also pleaded with the LORD: / “O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your greatness and power to Your servant. For what god in heaven or on earth can perform such works and mighty acts as Yours? / Please let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that pleasant hill country as well as Lebanon!” … 2 Samuel 12:16-18 David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. / On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” Exodus 32:11-14 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? / Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. / Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” … to take it away from me. Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Luke 22:42 “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Psalm 39:10 Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand. Matthew 26:42 A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” Luke 22:41-44 And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, / “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” / Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. … Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Treasury of Scripture For this thing I sought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. I besought. Deuteronomy 3:23-27 And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, … 1 Samuel 15:11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. 2 Samuel 12:16-18 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth… Jump to Previous Begged Besought Depart Implored Leave Pleaded Request Rid Three Thrice TimesJump to Next Begged Besought Depart Implored Leave Pleaded Request Rid Three Thrice Times2 Corinthians 12 1. For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,9. yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities; 11. blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting. 14. He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father; 20. although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there. Three times The phrase "three times" indicates a repeated and earnest appeal. In biblical terms, the number three often signifies completeness or emphasis. This is seen in other scriptural contexts, such as Jesus praying three times in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39-44) and Peter's three denials of Christ (Matthew 26:34). The repetition underscores the intensity and sincerity of Paul's request. I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is a key figure in the New Testament, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. 2. The Lord Refers to Jesus Christ, to whom Paul is directing his plea. This highlights the personal relationship Paul has with Christ. 3. The Thorn in the Flesh While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is the context of Paul's plea. The nature of this "thorn" is debated, but it represents a significant trial or affliction. 4. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, which Paul addresses in his letters. 5. Paul's Plea An event where Paul earnestly prays for relief from his affliction, demonstrating his reliance on God. Teaching Points The Power of Persistent PrayerPaul’s repeated plea to the Lord underscores the importance of persistence in prayer. Believers are encouraged to continually bring their requests before God, trusting in His timing and wisdom. Acceptance of God's Will Despite his earnest prayers, Paul accepts God's decision not to remove the thorn. This teaches believers to trust in God's greater plan, even when His answers are not what we desire. Strength in Weakness The context of this verse reveals that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Believers can find comfort in knowing that their weaknesses are opportunities for God’s strength to be displayed. Reliance on God's Grace Paul learns that God’s grace is sufficient for him. This is a reminder that God’s grace is enough to sustain us through any trial or hardship. The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth Paul’s experience shows that suffering can lead to deeper spiritual insights and growth. Believers are encouraged to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual development. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 12:8?2. How does Paul's plea in 2 Corinthians 12:8 demonstrate persistent prayer in trials? 3. What can we learn about God's response to Paul's request in 2 Corinthians 12:8? 4. How does 2 Corinthians 12:8 connect with Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39)? 5. How can we apply Paul's example of seeking God's will in our struggles? 6. What does 2 Corinthians 12:8 teach about accepting God's answers to our prayers? 7. Why did Paul plead with the Lord three times in 2 Corinthians 12:8? 8. What is the "thorn in the flesh" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:8? 9. How does 2 Corinthians 12:8 relate to unanswered prayers in a believer's life? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12? 11. Why doesn't God answer my prayers? 12. In Psalm 142:5–6, David expects personal divine rescue—why do similar prayers often go unanswered in observable human experience? 13. What does it mean when God says no? 14. John 15:7: Why do many devout believers experience unanswered prayers despite Jesus’s promise that abiding in him ensures requests are granted? What Does 2 Corinthians 12:8 Mean Three times• Paul repeats his request exactly three times, showing both perseverance and restraint. Matthew 26:44 notes that Jesus “prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more”; Elijah likewise “stretched himself over the child three times and cried out to the LORD” (1 Kings 17:21). Scripture portrays “three” as enough to prove earnest sincerity without slipping into fretful unbelief. After the third plea Paul stops, accepting whatever answer the Lord will give, echoing Psalm 37:7—“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him”. I pleaded • “Pleaded” is stronger than a casual request; it pictures fervent, faith-filled begging. Hebrews 5:7 reminds us that Jesus Himself “offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears”. • Philippians 4:6 urges, “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. Paul follows his own teaching, bringing deep need with honest emotion. • Genuine pleading is not faithlessness; it is childlike dependence, modeled in Psalm 50:15: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me”. with the Lord • Paul directs his plea to “the Lord,” a title he uses for the risen Jesus (2 Corinthians 12:9 makes this clear). Prayer to Christ displays the living, personal relationship every believer enjoys. • Acts 9:5 began this relationship: “‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied”. From that day Paul’s instinct was to go straight to Jesus. • Romans 10:12 adds, “The same Lord is Lord of all and gives richly to all who call on Him”. Paul knows he is addressing One both willing and able to intervene. to take it away from me • The request is crystal-clear: remove the thorn. This mirrors Jesus in Gethsemane—“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). • God often answers by sustaining rather than removing. Psalm 34:19 promises, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all”—sometimes by deliverance, sometimes by grace within the affliction (2 Corinthians 12:9). • 1 Peter 5:7 invites us to “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you”. The care may come through strength to endure. • James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials produce maturity; God’s “no” to removal may be His “yes” to deeper growth. summary Paul’s threefold, heartfelt plea shows us how to pray: persistently yet trustingly, honestly yet submissively, always directing our cry to the Lord Jesus. Even when the answer is not the removal we seek, His grace is sufficient, His presence is near, and His purpose is loving. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice.--We are reminded of our Lord's three-fold prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36; Luke 22:42-45). Was St. Paul himself reminded of it? There also the answer to the prayer was not compliance with its petition, but the gift of strength to bear and to endure.Verse 8. - For this thing. In reference to this or "to him," the angel of Satan. The Lord. That is, Christ (1 Corinthians 1:3). Thrice (comp. Matthew 26:44).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Three timesτρὶς (tris) Adverb Strong's 5151: Three times. Adverb from treis; three times. I pleaded with παρεκάλεσα (parekalesa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. take it away ἀποστῇ (apostē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 868: From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc. from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. me. ἐμοῦ (emou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Links 2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV2 Corinthians 12:8 NLT 2 Corinthians 12:8 ESV 2 Corinthians 12:8 NASB 2 Corinthians 12:8 KJV 2 Corinthians 12:8 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 12:8 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 12:8 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 12:8 French Bible 2 Corinthians 12:8 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:8 Concerning this thing I begged the Lord (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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