2 Corinthians 4:9 kjv
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:9 nkjv
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed?
2 Corinthians 4:9 niv
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:9 esv
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:9 nlt
We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 4:8 | Afflicted in every way, but not crushed | Close antecedent, direct parallel |
| 2 Cor 4:17 | Our present troubles are small | Further elaboration on hardship |
| Rom 8:37 | More than conquerors through Him | Universal Christian experience |
| Phil 4:12-13 | Can do all things through Christ who strengthens | Source of strength amidst trials |
| 1 Cor 10:13 | God will not let you be tempted beyond strength | God's faithfulness in trials |
| Gal 6:17 | I bear the marks of Jesus in my body | Suffering as evidence of commitment |
| Acts 14:19 | Paul stoned and left for dead | Personal experience of near destruction |
| Acts 20:23 | The Holy Spirit testifies that hardships await | Foreknowledge of suffering |
| 1 Pet 4:12 | Do not be surprised by the fiery trial | Expectation of suffering |
| Rev 7:14 | Those who have come out of the great tribulation | Ultimate victory over affliction |
| Ps 37:23-24 | Though he stumble, he will not fall | God's sustaining power |
| Ps 118:13 | They pressed me hard to make me fall | Opposition from enemies |
| Job 5:17-18 | Blessed is the one whom God disciplines | Discipline leads to wholeness |
| Lam 3:11-12 | He has made me a target, he has shot at me | God as sovereign in suffering |
| 1 Cor 4:9 | A spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men | Public nature of their struggle |
| Heb 12:1-3 | Run with perseverance the race set before us | Endurance through discouragement |
| John 16:33 | In the world you will have tribulation | Jesus' promise of worldly trouble |
| 2 Tim 3:11-12 | Persecutions suffered by the apostles | Historical reality of persecution |
| Eph 3:10 | To the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms | Spiritual dimension of the struggle |
| Col 1:24 | Suffering for you, and filling up what is lacking | Suffering in Christ's work |
2 Corinthians 4 verses
2 Corinthians 4 9 Meaning
Paul, the apostle, is stating that they, as ministers of the Gospel, are not crushed by hardships, bewildered by difficulties, persecuted by enemies, or destroyed by despair. They face severe opposition but are not overcome.
2 Corinthians 4 9 Context
This verse is found in Second Corinthians chapter 4, a chapter where Paul defends his apostolic ministry. He contrasts the suffering and outward afflictions of the Christian ministry with its inward power and divine origin. Paul emphasizes that the "treasure" of the Gospel is carried in "earthen vessels" (2 Corinthians 4:7), meaning that despite the divine content, the messengers themselves are frail and subject to hardship. This verse is part of a series where Paul describes their ministry experience: persecuted, perplexed, struck down. The immediate context is highlighting how they face immense difficulties but are not utterly defeated, showing the sustaining power of God.
2 Corinthians 4 9 Word Analysis
φέρωμεν (pheromen): Present active indicative, first-person plural of φέρω (pherō). Meaning "we bear," "we carry," or "we endure." In this context, it signifies enduring and continuing to function despite difficulties.
διώκοντες (diokontes): Present active participle, nominative plural of διώκω (diōkō). Meaning "being pursued," "being persecuted," or "being chased." This points to active, hostile opposition from external sources.
καταλυσουσιν (katalusousin): Third-person plural future active indicative of καταλύω (kataluō). Meaning "they overthrow," "they destroy," or "they bring to an end." It signifies the active attempt by enemies to abolish or ruin them.
φερόμενοι, διωκόμενοι, καταλυομενοι, παραδιδομενοι: These participles depict a series of afflictions experienced by the apostles. The use of the present tense highlights the ongoing nature of these persecutions.
2 Corinthians 4 9 Bonus Section
This verse paints a picture of a relentless spiritual warfare. The enemies actively try to dismantle the apostles' work and lives, yet they are continually sustained. This resilience reflects the spirit of Christ, who endured the cross. The contrast between outward crushing pressures and inner unyielding spirit is central to Paul's theology of ministry. It's about being effective not through worldly power but through divine enablement that shines brightest in weakness. The afflictions described are external forces acting upon the apostles. The absence of the word "destroyed" (like in verse 8: "not crushed" vs. here "not destroyed") indicates that while severely tested, their very existence and ministry are preserved.
2 Corinthians 4 9 Commentary
Paul reveals the paradoxical nature of apostolic ministry. Despite being under constant attack and facing relentless pressure that should have led to their utter ruin and despair, they remain unvanquished. This endurance is not a result of their own strength or ingenuity but a testament to God's sustaining power working through them. They are treated as defeated, yet they are not overcome. This highlights the spiritual victory found in continuing God's work amidst worldly opposition. This truth offers encouragement to believers facing trials, assuring them that their faith and ministry will not ultimately fail.