thorn

Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:

[THISTLE

“Thorn in the Flesh” From Concise Bible Dictionary:

This was something that Satan was allowed to inflict on Paul, not because of any fault he had committed, but lest he should be puffed up on account of his having been caught up into the third heaven ({vi 29030-29033}2 Cor. 12:7-10). Apparently it was something that made him contemptible in the eyes of his fleshly opponents (see 2 Cor. 10:10; 2 Cor. 11:30; {vi 29145-29146}Gal. 4:13-14).

“Thorns, Thistles” From Concise Bible Dictionary:

There are about a dozen different words translated “thorns,” and “thistles,” showing how, plentiful these results of the curse are in this sin-stained world. The different species cannot be identified with most of the Hebrew words. The thistle is used to signify a worthless person in the parable of Jehoash, king of Israel (2 Kings 14:9). Thorns are often mentioned as growing up in places given to desolation.
The Hebrew word atad, translated “thorns” in Psalm 58:9, and “bramble” in {vi 6769-6770}Judges 9:14-15, has been identified with the Lycium Europaeum, this and the L. afrum are both found in Palestine. Its identification seems to be confirmed by the Arabs calling the plant atad, but it is also known by the name of ausej.
In the millennium, “instead of the thorn shall come up the myrtle tree” (Gen. 3:18; Isa. 32:13; Isa. 55:13). See CROWN OF THORNS.
Lycium Europaeum

Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:

Number:
173 (find all occurrences in KJV Bible)
Greek:
ἄκανθα
Transliteration:
akantha
Phonic:
ak’-an-thah
Meaning:
probably from the same as 188; a thorn
KJV Usage:
thorn