ok.
and, i did not check the OT references thorns mentioned in previous posts: they are all different words (though in their contexts boster the idea of an actual annoyance/distress of a disruptive and wicked man). also the suggestion below in the lexicon says this would be Hellenistic vernacular, so again, we have something unique, and not an OT Hebraism.
that particular use of the word thorn is only used the once in 2 Cor 12:7, so i guess it does stand alone.
here's what i've got from the lexicon:
4647. skolops
anything pointed, spec. a stake, thorn
Original Word: σκόλοψ, οπος, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: skolops
Phonetic Spelling: (skol'-ops)
Short Definition: a stake or thorn
Definition: a stake or thorn; fig: a sharp affliction.
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).]
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.
~
nothing here that says definitively infirmity as in sickness or bodily affliction (but nothing that says it is absolutely not).
it says:
Word Origin
a prim. word
~
IF we go ahead and consider what scholars say the primary/primitive origin word MIGHT be from or related to, we have
the leg mentioned (
skelos), and interestingly
the eyes/vision/sight (optanomai)
!
Perhaps from the base of
skelos and
optanomai
to appear
Original Word: ὀπτάνομαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration:
optanomai
Phonetic Spelling: (op-tan'-om-ahee)
Short Definition: I appear, am seen
Definition: I appear, am seen (by), let myself be seen (by).
Cognate: 3700 optánomai (or
optomai/optanō, likely a later cognate of
3708 /horáō) –
become seen (
appear).
See 3708 (
horaō).
[Some forms of Strong's numbering systems designate
optomai as 3708.]
Word Origin
from a prim. root op- (cf.
horaó)
Definition
to appear
NASB Word Usage
appearing (1).
appear, look, see
A (middle voice) prolonged form of the primary (middle voice) optomai (op'-tom-ahee); which is used for it in certain tenses; and both as alternate of
horao; to gaze (i.e. With wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from
blepo, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from
eido, which expresses merely mechanical, passive or casual vision; while
theaomai, and still more emphatically its intensive
theoreo, signifies an earnest but more continued inspection; and
skopeo a watching from a distance) -- appear, look, see, shew self.
~
so, perhaps i'll go back to my earlier acceptance that the thorn was likely
eyesight.
again: this fits:
Numbers 33:55
"'But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land,
those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides.
They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.
thanks Lao!
that was FUN!
zone.