Thorn In The Flesh (Easton)

DIC dictionary-entry · status:draft · license:PD

(2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ). Many interpretations have been given of this passage. Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety. Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting temptation to unbelief. Others suppose the expression refers to 'a pain in the"> StudyL ı ght .org Plug in, Turn on and Be En light ened! Not Yet a Member? Click to Sign Up Now! --> --> Bible Study Tools Lang uage Tools Study Lib rary Hist orical Writings Pas toral Resources Per sonal Resources Site Resources Lectionary Calendar Saturday, June 6th, 2026 the Week of Proper 4 / Ordinary 9 video advertismenet advertisement advertisement advertisement Attention! StudyLight.org has pledged to help build churches in Uganda. Help us with that pledge and support pastors in the heart of Africa. Click here to join the effort! Home » Bible Dictionaries » Easton's Bible Dictionary » Letter T Bible Dictionaries Thorn in the Flesh Easton's Bible Dictionary Search for… Enter query below: or A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z Prev Entry Thorn Next Entry Thousands Resource Toolbox Print Article Additional Links Dictionaries Easton's Bible Dictionary Thorn in the Flesh Holman Bible Dictionary Thorn in the Flesh Hastings' NT Dictionary Thorn in the Flesh Morrish Bible Dictionary Thorn in the Flesh Whyte's Bible Characters The Thorn in Paul's Flesh Encyclopedias International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Thorn in the Flesh McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Thorn in the Flesh ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ). Many interpretations have been given of this passage. Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety. Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers interpret the expression as denoting temptation to unbelief. 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 (Compare 1 Corinthians 2:3 ; 2 co 10:10 ; 11:30 ; Galatians 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 Galatians 4:14 ; 2 co. 10:10 ; also Acts 23:5 , and for his generally making use of the help of an amanuensis (Compare Romans 16:22 , etc.). 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 (Compare 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.).

Source

• part_of source-manifest/easton — Easton's Bible Dictionary (PD)