Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 12:8
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church while recounting the "thorn in the flesh" given to prevent conceit after his visions. He describes his direct petition to God regarding this persistent affliction.
The words — The Greek τρὶς (tris) literally means "three times," and παρεκάλεσα (parekalesa) translates to "I earnestly pleaded" or "I begged." These terms frame the request as a repeated, urgent appeal for removal.
The thread — This pattern of urgent supplication for deliverance parallels Jesus’ petition in Matthew 26:39 to let the cup pass and the fervent prayers noted in Hebrews 5:7. It establishes a biblical precedent for bringing specific burdens directly to God.
Why it lands — The text records a direct request for relief without promising its granting, requiring the reader to accept divine sovereignty over personal suffering. It demands honest petition followed by submission to God’s stated purpose.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 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.”
- 1 Samuel 15:11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.
- 2 Samuel 12:16 David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground.
- Psalms 77:2 In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted.
- Matthew 20:21 “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.”
- Deuteronomy 3:23 At that time I also pleaded with the LORD: