Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [2 Corinthians: Chapter 12].
privative, \r•tos\ from \re•\), only here in N.T. {Not lawful}
(\ouk exon\). Copula \estin\ omitted. Hence Paul does {not} give
these words.
12:5 {But on mine own behalf} (\huper de emautou\). As if there
were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the
things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (11:30).
12:6 {I shall not be foolish} (\ouk esomai aphr•n\). Apparent
contradiction to 11:1,16. But he is here speaking of the Paul
"caught up" in case he should tell the things heard (condition of
the third class, \ean\ and first aorist subjunctive \thel•s•\).
{Of me} (\eis eme\). To my credit, almost like dative (cf. \en
emoi\ in 1Co 14:11).
12:7 {By reason of the exceeding greatness} (\t•i huperbol•i\).
Instrumental case, "by the excess." {That I should not be exalted
overmuch} (\hina m• huperair•mai\). Present passive subjunctive
in final clause of \huperair•\, old verb to lift up beyond, only
here in N.T. This clause is repeated at the end of the sentence.
{A thorn in the flesh} (\skolops t•i sarki\). This old word is
used for splinter, stake, thorn. In the papyri and inscriptions
examples occur both for splinter and thorn as the meaning. In the
LXX it is usually thorn. The case of \t•i sarki\ can be either
locative (in) or dative (for). What was it? Certainly it was some
physical malady that persisted. All sorts of theories are held
(malaria, eye-trouble, epilepsy, insomnia, migraine or
sick-headache, etc.). It is a blessing to the rest of us that we
do not know the particular affliction that so beset Paul. Each of
us has some such splinter or thorn in the flesh, perhaps several
at once. {Messenger of Satan} (\aggelos Satana\). Angel of Satan,
the affliction personified. {Buffet} (\kolaphiz•i\). See on ¯Mt
26:67; 1Co 4:11 for this late and rare word from \kolaphos\,
fist. The messenger of Satan kept slapping Paul in the face and
Paul now sees that it was God's will for it to be so.
12:8 {Concerning this thing} (\huper toutou\). More likely,
"concerning this messenger of Satan." {That it might depart from
me} (\hina apost•i aph' emou\). Second aorist active
(intransitive) subjunctive of \aphist•mi\ in final clause, "that
he stand off from me for good."
12:9 {He hath said} (\eir•ken\). Perfect active indicative, as if
a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and
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