A Thorn in the Flesh

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the (A)revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a (B)thorn in the flesh, a (C)messenger of Satan to [a]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord (D)three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for (E)power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather (F)boast [b]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore (G)I delight in weaknesses, in [c]insults, in (H)distresses, in (I)persecutions, in (J)difficulties, (K)in behalf of Christ; for (L)when I am weak, then I am strong.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Lit beat
  2. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Lit in
  3. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Or mistreatment

To keep me from becoming conceited because of the exceptional nature of these revelations, a thorn[a] was given to me and placed in my body.[b] It was Satan’s messenger to keep on tormenting me so that I would not become conceited.

I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me, but he has told me, “My grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah’s[c] power may rest on me. 10 That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for the Messiah’s[d] sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or stake
  2. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Lit. was given to me in the flesh
  3. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Or Christ’s
  4. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Or Christ’s