2 Corinthians 4 8

2 Corinthians 4:8 kjv

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

2 Corinthians 4:8 nkjv

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

2 Corinthians 4:8 niv

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;

2 Corinthians 4:8 esv

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

2 Corinthians 4:8 nlt

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.

2 Corinthians 4 verses

2 Corinthians 4 8 Meaning

This verse declares that despite facing pressures, the Christian apostle is not crushed; despite perplexities, they are not in despair; despite persecution, they are not abandoned; and despite being struck down, they are not destroyed. It emphasizes the sustaining power of God through affliction, assuring that believers, even when facing intense hardship, are divinely preserved.

2 Corinthians 4 8 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 4 continues Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry against critics within the Corinthian church. He contrasts the glorious nature of the new covenant in Christ with the dimmer glory of the old covenant mediated by Moses. Paul emphasizes that the gospel is a treasure carried in earthen vessels – his own fragile human body – which highlights the divine power at work through him. This chapter is a profound reflection on enduring hardship, suffering, and opposition for the sake of the gospel. The specific verse in question, 2 Corinthians 4:8, enumerates a series of severe adversities the apostles face, asserting their remarkable resilience and spiritual victory amidst these trials.

2 Corinthians 4 8 Word Analysis

• "We are hard pressed on every side":
  • θλιβόμενοι (thlibomenoi): Present passive participle of thlibō. Means to be pressed, crushed, afflicted, troubled, distressed. This captures the intense and overwhelming pressure.
• "but not crushed":
  • ἀλλ' οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι (all' ou stenochoroumenoi): all' (but), ou (not), stenochoroumenoi (present passive participle of stenochoreō). Stenochoreō means to be straitened, confined, perplexed, distressed, with no room to move. The contrast is crucial: though experiencing the external pressure (thlibō), they are not inwardly compressed or hemmed in (stenochoreō).
• "perplexed":
  • ἀπορούμενοι (aporoumenoi): Present passive participle of aporeō. Means to be at a loss, in doubt, perplexed, without resources, at a standstill. It refers to confusion or lack of a clear path forward.
• "but not in despair":
  • ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐκπορευόμενοι (all' ouk ekporeuomenoi): all' (but), ouk (not), ekporeuomenoi (present passive participle of ekporeuomai). Ekporeuomai means to go out from, proceed. In this context, it carries the sense of not giving up, not being brought to an end, not despairing or losing all hope. The idea is that the perplexity does not lead to their ultimate exit or ruin.
• "persecuted":
  • διωκόμενοι (diokomenoi): Present passive participle of diōkō. Means to pursue, chase, persecute, be persecuted. Refers to being actively hunted or oppressed for their faith.
• "but not abandoned":
  • ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐγκαταλειπόμενοι (all' ouk enkatalipomenoi): all' (but), ouk (not), enkatalipomenoi (present passive participle of egkataloipomai). Egkataloipomai means to leave behind, abandon, forsake. This signifies God's faithfulness in not deserting them, even when men do.
• "struck down":
  • καταπατόυμενοι (katapatooumenoi): Present passive participle of katapateō. Literally means to tread down, trample underfoot. Here, it refers to being overthrown, defeated, or cast down by afflictions.
• "but not destroyed":
  • ἀλλ' οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι (all' ou apollumenoi): all' (but), ouk (not), apollumenoi (present passive participle of apollymi). Apollymi means to destroy, lose, perish. It signifies that their lives and ministries are not ultimately extinguished or ruined by these blows.

Group by phrase analysis:

• The verse employs a consistent "pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair" structure, emphasizing that while facing severe difficulties and confusion, their inner core remains intact and their hope unextinguished due to divine intervention.
• The parallel "persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" highlights that even in direct opposition and apparent defeat, they are not left to face it alone, nor are they ultimately ruined. These are continuous, ongoing states (present participle) met with God's ongoing, resilient preservation.

2 Corinthians 4 8 Bonus Section

The "earthen vessels" mentioned in the preceding verse (4:7) are central to understanding this verse. The contrast is deliberate: the power is divine, while the carrier is weak and fragile. This disparity ensures that the glory is always God's. The Greek present passive participles (thlibomenoi, aporoumenoi, diokomenoi, katapatooumenoi) suggest ongoing experiences, making the preservation (ou stenochoroumenoi, ouk ekporeuomenoi, ouk egkatalipomenoi, ou apollumenoi) all the more remarkable as a continuous reality of the Christian life and ministry. The statement reflects not only the apostle Paul's personal testimony but also the universal experience of faithful believers throughout history who have endured immense suffering for their faith, often seeing their ministries persevere and even flourish amidst persecution and hardship. This resilience is a testament to the unstoppable nature of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 4 8 Commentary

Paul paints a vivid picture of the Christian minister's experience. The life of faith is not a path free from difficulty; rather, it is characterized by intense opposition and confusion. However, the core message is not one of succumbing to these pressures, but of being divinely preserved and upheld. The difficulties are external, but the sustaining power is internal and divine. The "earthen vessel" (the weak human body and ministry) faces extreme pressure, but the treasure within (the glorious gospel and the power of the Spirit) ensures that the vessel is not destroyed, and its contents are not lost. This resilience is not from their own strength, but from God's power working through them, enabling them to persevere, not in despair, but in the certain hope of ultimate victory through Christ. It speaks to a ministry of endurance characterized by active struggle against adversity but sustained by God's active faithfulness.

• Practical Illustration: Think of a fragile pot holding precious medicine. The pot may get cracked and weathered by many accidents, but if the medicine inside is protected, its healing power remains intact and accessible. Similarly, believers might experience "cracks" of suffering, but their inner spiritual life and the gospel they carry are divinely preserved.
• Endurance in trials: The believer can face rejection, confusion about God's plan, and setbacks that feel like devastating blows. Yet, the promise is that they will not be ultimately crushed, lost, or abandoned by God. This enables them to continue serving and living faithfully.