Encyclopedia entry
Thorn in the flesh
Disambiguation
The source enumerates 4 distinct subjects under Thorn in the flesh. Jump to one below, or read in order.
- 1.Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety.
- 2.Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting temptation…
- 3.Others suppose the expression refers to “a pain in the ear or head,” epileptic…
- 4.Another view which has been maintained is that this “thorn” consisted in an…
(2 Cor. 12:7-10). Many interpretations have been given of this passage.
Thorn in the flesh (1)
#Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety.
Thorn in the flesh (2)
#Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting temptation to unbelief.
Thorn in the flesh (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 alleged that his malady was defect of sight, consequent on the dazzling light which shone around him at his conversion, acute opthalmia. This would account for the statements in Gal. 4:14; 2 Cor. 10:10; also Acts 23:5, and for his generally making use of the help of an amanuensis (comp. Rom. 16:22, etc.).
Thorn in the flesh (4)
#Another view which has been maintained is that this “thorn” consisted in an infirmity of temper, to which he occasionally gave way, and which interfered with his success (comp. Acts 15:39; 23:2-5). If we consider the fact, “which the experience of God’s saints in all ages has conclusively established, of the difficulty of subduing an infirmity of temper, as well as the pain, remorse, and humiliation such an infirmity is wont to cause to those who groan under it, we may be inclined to believe that not the least probable hypothesis concerning the ‘thorn’ or ‘stake’ in the flesh is that the loving heart of the apostle bewailed as his sorest trial the misfortune that, by impatience in word, he had often wounded those for whom he would willingly have given his life” (Lias’s Second Cor., Introd.).
In the Bible
1
Verses where Thorn in the flesh is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 2 Corinthians 12:7
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.
Scripture on Thorn in the flesh
7
See all 7 +−
Voices on Thorn in the flesh
5
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.