And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Exalted above measure, х huperairoomai (G5229)] - 'overmuch uplifted.' How dangerous must self-exaltation be, when even the apostle required so much restraint.
Abundance, х huperbolee (G5236)] - 'the excess;' exceeding greatness.
Given to me - namely, by God (Job 5:6; Philippians 1:29).
Thorn in the flesh (Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24). Compare the affliction (Galatians 4:13-14). But it rather was one that followed the 'revelation,' something affecting him individually, not as an apostle: causing bodily paroxysms of pain (as "thorn" implies), with shame ("buffet:" as a slave, 1 Peter 2:20).
Messenger of Satan - permitted by God to afflict his saints, as Job (Job 2:7; Luke 13:16).
To buffet me - `that he may buffet me' х kolafizee (G2852), present], even now continuously. It was still afflicting him now. After tasting the bliss of good angels, he is now exposed to an evil angel. The chastisement from hell follows the revelation from heaven. As his sight and hearing had been ravished with heavenly "revelations," so his touch is pained with the "thorn in the flesh."
Lest I should be (may be) exalted above measure. So B C, Origen, Cyprian, Hilary. But A Delta G f g, Vulgate, omit it. The repetition may answer to two stages of exaltation-the third heaven and paradise (if these be distinct). Compare "Abraham's bosom," Luke 16:23, with the heavenly "temple," Revelation 3:12; Revelation 6:9.