{By reason of the exceeding greatness} (	(8869) huperbol(8869)).
Instrumental case, "by the excess." {That I should not be exalted
overmuch} (hina m(8820)huperair(936d)ai). Present passive subjunctive
in final clause of huperair(935c), 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(8869) 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 	(8869) 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(8869)). See on 烘t
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.