2 Corinthians 12:8
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὲρ
For
G5228
ὑπὲρ
For
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
1 of 10
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 10
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
παρεκάλεσα
I besought
G3870
παρεκάλεσα
I besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
6 of 10
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἀποστῇ
it might depart
G868
ἀποστῇ
it might depart
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
8 of 10
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
Cross References
Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;1 Samuel 15:11It 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.
Historical Context
Paul's three-fold petition mirrors Jewish prayer patterns (Daniel 6:10) and Jesus's Gethsemane prayers. In a culture valuing answered prayer as proof of divine favor, Paul's unanswered plea—coupled with God's wise refusal—teaches that spiritual maturity isn't measured by getting what you want but by trusting God's greater purposes in suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's three-fold unanswered prayer challenge prosperity theology that views answered prayer as proof of faith or favor?
- What's the difference between persistent prayer (which Paul models) and demanding prayer that refuses to accept God's "no"?
- Why is Paul's transparency about this unanswered prayer pastorally important for Christians facing long-term suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Paul's pareklaesa (παρεκάλεσα, "I besought," "I pleaded") echoes Jesus in Gethsemane, who prayed three times for the cup to pass (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44). The parallel is deliberate: like Christ, Paul prayed earnestly for relief; like Christ, God answered not by removing suffering but by providing sufficient grace to endure it.
The phrase the Lord most likely refers to Christ (as throughout 2 Corinthians), whom Paul addresses directly in prayer—confirming Christ's deity and Paul's Trinitarian practice. The thrice isn't magical formula but persistent, anguished petition: Paul genuinely wanted deliverance, not stoic resignation. This validates seeking God for healing while submitting to His sovereign "no."
Paul's transparency—admitting he prayed repeatedly for something God refused—models honest prayer and humble submission. He didn't receive what he asked (thorn removal) but something better (sufficient grace, v. 9). This defines mature faith: continuing to seek God even when initial prayers go unanswered, trusting His wisdom over our preferences.