What does thorn in the flesh mean?
Definitions for thorn in the flesh
thorn in the flesh
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Wiktionary
thorn in the fleshnoun
A persistent difficulty or something very annoying that will not go away.
Etymology: With reference to the Bible 2nd Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 7.
Wikidata
Thorn in the flesh
"Thorn in the Flesh" is a colloquialism used to describe a chronic infirmity, annoyance, or trouble in one's life. It is most commonly used by Christians. The source of this expression is Paul of Tarsus, who uses it in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: An more recent translation of the same fragment is: Paul's use of the phrase may have its origin in a Hebrew saying, common in the Old Testament, i.e.: or Notably, Paul does not mention the nature of this "thorn," and his other letters do not address the topic directly. Through the centuries Christians have speculated as to the nature of the "thorn." Common interpretations include: ⁕A common interpretation is that the thorn describes the persecutions and unfortunate accidents that characterized Paul's life after his conversion to Christianity; as laid out in the preceding chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. ⁕Some Roman Catholic writers think that it denotes suggestions to impiety. ⁕Martin Luther, John 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. It has been suggested that his malady was a defect of sight caused the dazzling light which shone around him at his conversion. 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.
Suggested Resources
thorn in the flesh
Read the full text of the Thorn In The Flesh poem by Harry Crosby on the Poetry.com website.
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of thorn in the flesh in Chaldean Numerology is: 4
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of thorn in the flesh in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1
Translations for thorn in the flesh
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"thorn in the flesh." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/thorn+in+the+flesh>.
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