Lexical Summary skolops: Thorn, stake Original Word: σκόλοψ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thorn. Perhaps from the base of skelos and optanomai; withered at the front, i.e. A point or prickle (figuratively, a bodily annoyance or disability) -- thorn. see GREEK skelos see GREEK optanomai HELPS Word-studies 4647 skólops – properly, anything with a sharp point, a thorn; (figuratively) an instrument producing pain, discomfort (acute irritation), used only in 2 Cor 12:7. [4647 (skólops) refers to a thorn (sharp splinter) or even a pointed stake; in Hellenistic vernacular, a thorn (Abbott-Smith). 4647 (skólops) typically means "thorn" in the LXX (WP).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition anything pointed, spec. a stake, thorn NASB Translation thorn (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4647: σκόλοψσκόλοψ, σκολοπος, ὁ, from Homer down, a pointed piece of wood, a pale, a stake: ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, a sharp stake (others say splinter, A. V. thorn; cf. Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24; Hosea 2:6 (8); Babrius fab. 122, 1. 10; others (Sir. 43:19)), to pierce my flesh, appears to indicate some constant bodily ailment or infirmity, which, even when Paul had been caught up in a trance to the third heaven, sternly admonished him that he still dwelt in a frail and mortal body, 2 Corinthians 12:7 (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4); (cf. Winers Grammar, § 31, 10 N. 3; Buttmann, § 133, 27. On Paul's thorn in the flesh see Farrar, St. Paul, i. 652ff (Excursus x.); Lightfoot's Commentary on Galatians, p. 186ff; Schaff in his 'Popular Commentary' on Galatians, p. 331f.) Topical Lexicon Entry: Thorn (σκόλοψ) — Strong’s Greek 4647Biblical Context The only New Testament occurrence of the term appears in 2 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul writes, “Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me”. The imagery conveys something pointed, painful, and persistent, allowed by God but instrumented by the adversary, to restrain pride and foster dependence on divine grace. Paul’s ensuing declaration—“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)—turns the negative image into a testimony of sustaining grace. Old Testament Background The figure of a “thorn” or “prick” is frequent in the Hebrew Scriptures: • Numbers 33:55; Joshua 23:13 — hostile nations left in the land become “thorns in your sides,” signifying ongoing irritation and danger. These passages employ thorn language to depict chronic trouble, opposition, or moral peril. Paul’s selection of the image therefore resonates with an established biblical motif: an abiding affliction that tests covenant fidelity. Cultural and Historical Insights Classical Greek writers used the term for a pointed stake or splinter capable of inflicting ongoing pain. Medical papyri speak of literal thorns lodged in the flesh. Paul writes to a Corinthian audience familiar with both agricultural and medical contexts, so the metaphor would evoke an easily visualized torment, not a fleeting scratch. Interpretive Views on Paul’s “Thorn” 1. Physical Malady: Early Christian writers (e.g., Tertullian, Chrysostom) proposed eye disease, malaria, migraine, or epilepsy. Scripture intentionally leaves the exact nature unidentified, keeping the focus on God’s purpose rather than the ailment itself. The ambiguity encourages every believer facing chronic hardship to find solidarity with Paul. Theological Significance • Divine Sovereignty and Human Weakness: The thorn demonstrates that God may permit adversity both to humble His servants and to magnify His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Pastoral and Ministry Implications • Encouragement for Enduring Trials: Believers can interpret persistent hardships through the lens of sanctification rather than divine displeasure. Synthesis Strong’s Greek 4647 encapsulates the paradox of redemptive suffering. Standing in continuity with Old Testament imagery and enriched by Pauline experience, the “thorn” illustrates how God turns Satan’s torment into a tool for humility, grace, and effective witness. What pierces the flesh can, by divine design, fortify the spirit and exalt the Savior. Forms and Transliterations σκόλοπες σκολοψ σκόλοψ σκόλοψι σκόπελος skolops skólopsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |