Definition: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse! It’s a really important one and often misunderstood. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Paul, a very influential leader in the early Church, feeling overwhelmed and burdened by his own faults and weaknesses. He’s essentially reaching out to God to get help with something that was weighing heavily on him. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice…” – This means Paul was asking God a lot of times, repeatedly. It wasn't just a casual plea; he was really trying to get something from him. “…that it might depart from me.” – This is the key part. “Depart” means to leave or move away. In this context, Paul was asking God to remove his burden, his struggles, and his weaknesses from himself. He wanted God to help him become better, more perfect, and free from these things. What’s the Meaning? It's a powerful expression of repentance and seeking forgiveness. Paul recognized that he had fallen short of God’s expectations and needed help to overcome his own flaws. He was asking for a divine intervention to cleanse him and guide him towards righteousness. Why is it significant? This passage highlights several important themes: Human Imperfection: It shows us that we are all prone to mistakes and weaknesses, and we need God's help to overcome them. Seeking Forgiveness: It’s a plea for forgiveness – acknowledging our shortcomings and asking for God’s grace to change. Faith & Dependence: It demonstrates a reliance on God’s power and wisdom to transform us. In short, it's a heartfelt request for divine intervention to help Paul overcome his own struggles and become more like Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when was it written, who was it addressed to)?