2 Corinthians 4:8

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2 Corinthians 4:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;

King James Version KJV

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

American Standard Version ASV

we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Troubles are round us on every side, but we are not shut in; things are hard for us, but we see a way out of them;

Free Bible Version FBV

We are attacked from every direction, but we are not crushed. We are at a loss as to what to do, but never in despair.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wee are afflicted on euery side, yet are we not in distresse: we are in doubt, but yet wee despaire not.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

on every side being in tribulation, but not straitened; perplexed, but not in despair;

World English Bible WEB

We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

In all things we suffer tribulation, but are not distressed; we are straitened, but are not destitute;

Translation for Translators T4T

We are continually oppressed {People continually oppress us} in many ways, but we have not been prevented {God has not allowed them to prevent us} from teaching the message about Jesus Christ. We often do not know what to do in difficult situations, but we never say, “God has abandoned us.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 4:8

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Word Study

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2 Corinthians 4:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK εν παντι θλιβομενοι αλλ ου στενοχωρουμενοι απορουμενοι αλλ ουκ εξαπορουμενοι

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

παντι pas G3956 all Adj-DSN

θλιβομενοι thlibō G2346 to press on Verb-PPP-NPM

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

ου ou G3756 no Particle-N

στενοχωρουμενοι stenochōreō G4729 to press upon Verb-PPP-NPM

απορουμενοι aporeō G639 be perplexed Verb-PMP-NPM

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N

εξαπορουμενοι exaporeō G1820 to despair Verb-PNP-NPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 4:8

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

παντι pas G3956 "all" Adj-DSN

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

θλιβομενοι thlibō G2346 "to press on" Verb-PPP-NPM

To press on or crowd, like a narrow way in Matthew 7:14. It can also mean to oppress or afflict, as in 2 Thessalonians 1:6, where God will trouble those who trouble His people.

Definition: θλίβω [in LXX chiefly (ὁ θλίβων, ) for צוּר ;] to press: with accusative of person(s), Mrk.3:9; ὁδὸς τεθλιμμένη, a narrow (compressed) way, Mat.7:14. Metaphorical (as frequently in LXX), to oppress, afflict, distress: with accusative of person(s), 2Th.1:6; pass. (Vg., tribulor, tribulation em patior), 2Co.1:6 4:8 7:5, 1Th.3:4, 2Th.1:7, 1Ti.5:10, Heb.11:37 (cf. ἀπο-, συν-θλίβω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble See also: 1 Thessalonians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:6; Hebrews 11:37.

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

στενοχωρουμενοι stenochōreō G4729 "to press upon" Verb-PPP-NPM

To press upon means to feel cramped or restricted, like when someone is anxious or distressed. The Bible uses it in 2 Corinthians 4:8 and 6:12 to describe emotional pressure.

Definition: στενο-χωρέω, -ῶ (στενός + χῶρος, space) [in LXX: Jos.17:15 (אוּץ), Jdg.16:16 (אָלַץ pi.), Isa.28:19 (20) (קָצַר) Isa.49:19 (צָרַר), 4Ma.11:11 * ;] __1. to be straitened (cf. Isa.49:19); metaphorically, to be anxious (Hipp., al.). __2. In late writers, trans., to straiten, compress (LXX, Diod., al.; π. ap. MM, xxiii): pass., trop., 2Co.4:8 6:12.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: distress, straiten See also: 2 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 6:12.

απορουμενοι aporeō G639 "be perplexed" Verb-PMP-NPM

To be perplexed means to be unsure or confused, as seen in Mark 6:20 and 2 Corinthians 4:8. This term describes being at a loss. It is about lacking a clear understanding.

Definition: ἀπορέω, -ῶ (ἄπορος, ἀ- neg., πόρος, a way, resource), [in LXX for צָרַר, מוּךְ, etc. ;] to be at a loss, be perplexed: absol., Mrk.6:20 (ἐποίει, R, mg.); mid., be in doubt: absol., 2Co.4:8; with accusative, Act.25:20; before περί, Luk.24:4; ἐν, Gal.4:20; περὶ τίνος λέγει, Jhn.13:22.† SYN.: διαπορέω, διακρίνομαι, διστάζω, μετεωρίζομαι (see DCG, i, 491) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: (stand in) doubt, be perplexed See also: 2 Corinthians 4:8; Galatians 4:20; John 13:22.

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

εξαπορουμενοι exaporeō G1820 "to despair" Verb-PNP-NPM

To be in a state of despair, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:8, where Paul describes being perplexed but not in despair. This word means to be utterly at a loss, without hope or direction.

Definition: ἐξ-απορέω, -ῶ [in LXX, pass., for פּוּן, Psa.88:15 * ;] so in NT, depon. pass., to be utterly at a loss, be in despair: absol. (as Ps, l.with), 2Co.4:8; τοῦ ζῆν, 2Co.1:8.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: (in) despair See also: 2 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 4:8.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 4:8

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Context
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8
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Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 4:8

Context — Treasure in Jars of Clay

6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

8We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;

9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	James 1:2–4	Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
2	Romans 8:35–37	Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
3	1 Peter 4:12–14	Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
4	2 Corinthians 12:10	That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
5	Psalms 56:2–3	My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
6	2 Corinthians 7:5	For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within.
7	Romans 5:3–5	Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
8	1 Peter 1:6–7	In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
9	Psalms 37:33	the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.
10	Job 2:9–10	Then Job’s wife said to him, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die!” “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

2 Corinthians 4:8 Summary

[This verse means that even when we're facing really tough situations and feeling overwhelmed, we don't have to give up or lose hope, because God is with us and will help us through it, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Deuteronomy 31:6. We can trust that He will give us the strength we need to keep going, even when things seem impossible. We can be honest about our struggles and weaknesses, but still have confidence in God's power and love for us, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Psalm 34:17-20.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'hard pressed on all sides' in 2 Corinthians 4:8?

This phrase means to be under intense pressure or burden, but as seen in this verse, not crushed, because of our faith in God, as also promised in Psalm 34:19 and 1 Corinthians 10:13.

How can we be 'perplexed, but not in despair'?

We can be perplexed, or unsure, about our circumstances, but not in despair, because we trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Is this verse only for apostles or missionaries, or can ordinary Christians apply it to their lives?

This verse applies to all Christians, as we all face pressures and perplexities in life, and it encourages us to trust in God's power and presence, just as Paul did, as seen in Philippians 4:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

How does this verse relate to the rest of 2 Corinthians 4?

This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul explains how the treasure of the gospel is carried in fragile human vessels, and how God's power is displayed in our weaknesses, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:7 and 2 Corinthians 4:10.

Reflection Questions

What are some pressures or burdens in my life right now, and how can I trust God to help me through them?
In what ways do I feel perplexed or unsure about my circumstances, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom?
How can I, like Paul, trust in God's power and presence in the midst of difficulties, and not give in to despair?
What are some ways I can practically apply this verse to my daily life, and trust God to help me navigate life's challenges?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 4:8

We are troubled on every side,.... Or afflicted; ενπαντι, either "in every place", wherever we are, into whatsoever country, city, or town we enter, we are sure to meet with trouble, of one sort or

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 4:8

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [ Thlibomenoi (G2346) all' (G235) ou (G3756) stenochooroumenoi (G4729)] 'BEING hard pressed, yet not reduced,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8

We are troubled on every side; we are many ways, indeed every way, afflicted, afflicted with all sorts of afflictions; yet not distressed; but yet we are not like persons cooped up into a strait place, so as they are not able to turn them, nor know which way to move (so the word signifies). We are perplexed; the word signifies doubting, uncertain what shall become of us, or how God will dispose of us; full of anxious, troublesome thoughts about what shall be our lot in the world; but not in despair; but yet not despairing of the help, presence, support, and assistance of God.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Ver. 8. We are troubled on every side] This is the world’ s wages to God’ s ministers. Veritas odium parit. Opposition is Evangelii genius, said Calvin. Truth goes ever with a scratched face. We are perplexed] Pray for me, I say, pray for me, saith Latimer; for I am sometimes so fearful, that I could creep into a mouse hole; sometimes God doth visit me again with comfort, &c. There is an elegance here in the original that cannot well be rendered (απορουμενοιαλλουκ’ εξαπορουμενοι. Tertullian hammers at it in his Indigemus, sed non perindigemus. Beza hath it Haesitamus at non prorsus haeremus. Mr Dike "staggering," but not wholly sticking.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8

(8) We are troubled on every side.—The Greek presents all the clauses in a participial form, in apposition with the “we” with which 2 Corinthians 4:7 opens. The careful antithesis in each case requires some modification of the English version in order to be at all adequately expressed. Hemmed-in in everything, yet not straitened for room perplexed, yet not baffled; or, as it has been rendered, less literally, but with great vividness, bewildered, but not benighted. The imagery in both clauses belongs to the life of the soldier on active service.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8

Verse 8. We are troubled on every side] We have already seen, in the notes on the ninth chapter of the preceding epistle, that St. Paul has made several allusions to those public games which were celebrated every fifth year at the Isthmus of Corinth; and those games have been in that place particularly described. In this and the three following verses the apostle makes allusion to the contests at those games; and the terms which he employs in these verses cannot be understood but in reference to those agonistical exercises to which he alludes. Dr. Hammond has explained the whole on this ground; and I shall here borrow his help. There are four pairs of expressions taken from the customs of the agones. 1. Troubled on every side, yet not distressed. 2. Perplexed, but not in despair. 3. Persecuted, but not forsaken. 4. Cast down, but not destroyed. Three of these pairs belong to the customs of wrestling; the fourth, to that of running in the race. Troubled on every side, c.] Ενπαντιθλιβομενοι. The word θλιβεσθαι, belongs clearly to παλη wrestling. So says Aristotle, Rhet. lib. i. cap. 5, (and the Scholiast on that place,) ὁγαρδυναμενος - θλιβεινκαικατεχειν, παλαιστικος·. "He that can gripe his adversary, and take him up, is a good wrestler" there being two dexterities in that exercise: 1. to gripe, and 2. to throw down, which Hesychius calls ωθειν and κρατειν; the first of these is here mentioned, and expressed by θλιβεσθαι, to be pressed down; to which is here opposed, as in a higher degree, στενοχωρεισθαι, to be brought to distress, as when one cannot get out of his antagonist's hands, nor make any resistance against him. So in Isaiah: στενοχωρουμενοιουδυναμεθαμαχεσθαι, we are brought to such extremities that we can fight no longer. Perplexed, but not in despair] Απορουμενοι, αλλ' ουκεξαπορουμενοι. The word απορεισθαι, to be in perplexity, is fit for the wrestler, who being puzzled by his antagonist's skill knows not what to do: so in Hesychius, απορουντες, αμηχανουντες, they that are not able to do or attempt any thing, yet are not εξαπορουμενοι, they miscarry not finally, ορθοιισταμενοι, stand after all upright; ουκαπογινωσκοντεςκαιἡττωμενοι, despair not, nor are they overcome, but find a happy issue out of all, being at last conquerors.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 4:8

8. We are troubled on every side] Perhaps ‘in every way.’ For the word rendered troubled,’ cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 6:4.yet not distressed] This word, says Bengel, denotes angustias tales e quibus non detur exitus, “such straits as there are no escape from.”perplexed, but not in despair] The play upon words here (cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 3:2) has no exact equivalent in English. The nearest approach to it would be ‘at our wits’ end, but not out of our wits.’ See also note on ch. 2 Corinthians 1:8.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 4:8

We are troubled - We the apostles. Paul here refers to some of the trials to which he and his fellow laborers were subjected in making known the gospel.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8

8, 9. We are troubled—Tightly pressed. Yet not distressed—Not crushed together. Perplexed—Dubious, but not desperate. Persecuted— Pursued, (as by a huntsman,) but not by God abandoned to his power.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 4:8

	Sermon	Description
	The Way of the Cross by Devern Fromke	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience about the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. While resting in a car, the speaker's car was hit by another ve
	(Early Anabaptism) Christ in Early Anabaptism by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker discusses a group of 12 men who gathered in the house of Felix Montz to seek God's guidance. The fear of God settled upon them, leading them to separate
	Ephesians 6 - Part 2 by Colin Anderson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being watchful and not allowing Satan to use us. He uses the example of Peter, who unknowingly became an instrument of the
	Desperation, Resignation - Part 2 by Keith Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God even in times of despair and bitterness, highlighting the need to cleanse our hearts from unworthy suspicions concerning God's
	(Ephesians) the Benediction by Jeff Noblit	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of gospel preaching to transform lives. He quotes Romans 10:14-15, where Paul explains the importance of hearing the message of Ch
	(Second Coming of Christ) 07 the Day Christians Stand Before Jesus by Aeron Morgan	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of judgment and rewards in both earthly and heavenly realms. They explain that during the 70th week, a seven-year period, fearful
	Week of Meetings 1974-02 Romans 1:21 by James R. Cochrane	In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing 2 Timothy 3:1, which warns of perilous times in the last days where people will be lovers of themselves and money. The speaker the