UBS Greek Dictionary Article

Form 1

Part of speech: noun, m.

Inflections: σκόλοψ; -οπος

Sense 1: thorn, splinter

Semantic entry: 3.54

Semantic domains: Plants

Subdomains: Non-Fruit Parts of Plants

Definition: a sharp projection of a woody plant (though possibly a splinter of wood) with the implication of its causing injury and discomfort

Notes: In the NT σκόλοψ occurs only in the figurative expression σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί ‘thorn in the flesh,’ and this expression has been subject to a number of different interpretations (see 22.20: σάρξ / 22.20: σκόλοψ).

CO2 12:7: RV CO2 12:7 · LV CO2 12:7 · Read together CO2 12:7

Show passage in OET

OET-RV CO2 12:7

7 So to keep my head from getting too big because of those incredible revelations, I was given a ‘thorn’ in my body—Satan’s messenger to harass me and keep me from becoming conceited.

OET-LV CO2 12:7

7 And by _the excess of _the revelations, therefore in _order _that not I _may _be _being _exalted, was _given to _me a_thorn in _my flesh, a_messenger of _Satan/(Sāţān), in _order _that me he _may _be _tormenting, in _order _that not I _may _be _being _exalted.

Sense 2: trouble, woe, suffering, serious inconvenience, thorn in the flesh

Semantic entry: 22.20

Semantic domains: Trouble, Hardship, Relief, Favorable Circumstances

Subdomains: Experience Trouble, Hardship

Definition: (an idiom, literally: thorn in the flesh) something which causes serious trouble and difficulty

Notes: There are a number of different interpretations of σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί in RV CO2 12:7 · LV CO2 12:7 · Read together CO2 12:7 (see discussion at 20.27: κολαφίζω).

Collocations: σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί