2 Corinthians 12:8 (DRB)

Passage

For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me.

Nearby Context

2 Corinthians 12:6 For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me.

2 Corinthians 12:8 For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:10 For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "thrice", "besought", "lord", "might", and "depart". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "thrice" and "besought", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 7's "And lest the greatness of the revelations..." into verse 9's "And he said to me My grace...", so "thrice" and "besought" belong inside that flow. In 2 Corinthians context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "thrice" and "besought" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.