New International VersionWe are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
New Living TranslationWe are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
English Standard VersionWe are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
Berean Standard BibleWe are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
Berean Literal Biblebeing hard pressed in every way but not being crushed, being perplexed but not despairing,
King James BibleWe are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
New King James VersionWe are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
New American Standard Biblewe are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
NASB 1995we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
NASB 1977we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
Legacy Standard Biblein every way afflicted, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
Amplified BibleWe are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair;
Christian Standard BibleWe are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair;
Holman Christian Standard BibleWe are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair;
American Standard Versionwe are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;
Contemporary English VersionWe often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up.
English Revised Versionwe are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIn every way we're troubled, but we aren't crushed by our troubles. We're frustrated, but we don't give up.
Good News TranslationWe are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair;
International Standard VersionIn every way we're troubled but not crushed, frustrated but not in despair,
NET BibleWe are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair;
New Heart English BibleWe are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;
Webster's Bible TranslationWe are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Weymouth New TestamentWe are hard pressed, yet never in absolute distress; perplexed, yet never utterly baffled; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWe are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
World English BibleWe are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbeing in tribulation in every [way], but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
Berean Literal Biblebeing hard pressed in every way but not being crushed, being perplexed but not despairing,
Young's Literal Translation on every side being in tribulation, but not straitened; perplexed, but not in despair;
Smith's Literal TranslationBeing pressed in every thing, but not straightened; being at a loss, but not utterly perplexed; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn all things we suffer tribulation, but are not distressed; we are straitened, but are not destitute;
Catholic Public Domain VersionIn all things, we endure tribulation, yet we are not in anguish. We are constrained, yet we are not destitute.
New American BibleWe are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
New Revised Standard VersionWe are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWe are distressed in every way, but not overwhelmed; we are harassed on all sides, but not conquered;
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor we are squeezed in all things, but we are not strangled; we are harassed, but we are not condemned. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWe are pressed on all sides, yet not restrained; perplexed, but not in despair;
Godbey New Testamentin everything being troubled, but not in difficulties incorrigible; being at a loss, but not utterly at a loss;
Haweis New TestamentWe are afflicted on every side, yet not reduced to extremities; under difficulties, yet not in despair;
Mace New TestamentI am press'd on every side, yet not crush'd; perplexed, but not in despair;
Weymouth New TestamentWe are hard pressed, yet never in absolute distress; perplexed, yet never utterly baffled;
Worrell New Testamentbeing pressed on every side, yet not cooped up; perplexed, yet not despairing;
Worsley New Testamentbeing afflicted on every side, but not oppressed; perplexed, but not in despair;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Treasures in Jars of Clay7Now 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 pressedonall sides,butnotcrushed;perplexed,butnotin despair;9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.…
Cross References Romans 8:35-37Who 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.
Philippians 4:12-13I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
James 1:2-4Consider 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.
1 Peter 1:6-7In 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.
1 Peter 4:12-13Beloved, 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.
John 16:33I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
Acts 14:22strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
2 Timothy 3:12Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Matthew 5:10-12Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
Hebrews 12:1-3Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. / Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Isaiah 41:10Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Psalm 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Psalm 46:1-3For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalm 23:4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Treasury of Scripture We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; troubled. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: … 2 Corinthians 6:4 But in allthings approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; withoutwere fightings, withinwere fears. yet. 2 Corinthians 4:16,17 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inwardman is renewed day by day… 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 1 Samuel 28:15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. not in despair. 1 Samuel 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. Job 2:9,10 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die… Psalm 37:33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Jump to Previous AbsoluteAfflictedApparentBaffledCrushedDespairDespairingDistressDistressedDrivenEntirelyHardIssuePerplexedPressedRoundShutSideStraitenedTroubledTroublesUtterlyWayJump to Next AbsoluteAfflictedApparentBaffledCrushedDespairDespairingDistressDistressedDrivenEntirelyHardIssuePerplexedPressedRoundShutSideStraitenedTroubledTroublesUtterlyWay2 Corinthians 4 1.Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,7.and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,12.to the benefit of the church,16.and to the apostle's own eternal glory.We are hard pressed on all sidesThis phrase reflects the intense pressure and challenges faced by Paul and his companions in their ministry. The imagery of being "hard pressed" suggests a situation where they are surrounded by difficulties, much like being besieged in a battle. This can be connected to the various trials Paul describes in his letters, such as persecution, imprisonment, and opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities. The phrase also echoes the broader biblical theme of believers facing trials, as seen in passages like James 1:2-4, which encourages believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials of many kinds. but not crushed
Despite the overwhelming pressure, Paul emphasizes that they are not crushed. This resilience is attributed to the sustaining power of God, who provides strength and support. The idea of not being crushed under pressure can be linked to the promise of God's faithfulness in1 Corinthians 10:13, where it is stated that God will not let believers be tempted beyond what they can bear. This assurance of divine support is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting God's role as a protector and sustainer. perplexed
The term "perplexed" indicates a state of confusion or uncertainty, which Paul and his companions experienced in their ministry. This reflects the reality that even the most faithful servants of God can encounter situations that are difficult to understand or navigate. The feeling of perplexity is not uncommon in the biblical narrative, as seen in the lives of figures like Job, who struggled to comprehend his suffering. It underscores the human limitation in understanding God's ways, as expressed inIsaiah 55:8-9, where God's thoughts and ways are described as higher than human understanding. but not in despair
Despite the confusion and uncertainty, Paul asserts that they are not in despair. This resilience is rooted in their hope and trust in God, who provides assurance and purpose even in the midst of perplexity. The contrast between being perplexed and not despairing highlights the sustaining power of faith, as seen in passages likeRomans 8:28, which assures believers that God works all things together for good. This hope is ultimately anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which guarantees victory over all forms of suffering and confusion. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He is sharing his experiences and the challenges faced in his ministry. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including internal divisions and external pressures. 3. The Early ChurchThe broader context involves the early Christian communities who were often persecuted and faced various trials for their faith. Teaching Points Endurance in TrialsBelievers are called to endure hardships with the assurance that they will not be crushed. This resilience is rooted in faith and the strength provided by God. Understanding PerplexityWhile believers may be perplexed by life's challenges, they are encouraged not to fall into despair. Trust in God's plan and wisdom is crucial. Spiritual ResilienceThe Greek word for "hard pressed" implies pressure, yet not being "crushed" suggests a divine resilience. This teaches us that God's support prevents us from being overwhelmed. Hope in DespairThe contrast between being "perplexed" and "not in despair" highlights the hope that believers have in Christ, even when circumstances are confusing or difficult. Community SupportThe early church faced these challenges together, reminding us of the importance of community and mutual support in enduring trials. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 4
What does "Pressed but Not Crushed" mean biblically?
How should we respond to persecution for our faith?
What does the Bible say about perseverance?
Who was John Foxe and what did he write?(8) We are troubled on every side.--The Greek presents all the clauses in a participial form, in apposition with the "we" with which 2Corinthians 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. Verse 8. - Troubled; afflicted, as in 2 Corinthians 1:4. On every side;in everything. Distressed; rather, driven to straits. Perplexed, but not in despair. In the original is a beautiful paronomasia, which might, perhaps, be represented in English by "pressed, but not oppressed." Literally the words mean, being at a loss, but not utterly at a loss. In the special anguish of trial of which he spoke in 2 Corinthians 1:8 (comp. 2 Corinthians 7:5), he was indeed for a time "utterly at a loss," reduced to utter despair; but in the normal conditions which he here describes he always, as it were, saw some outlet out of his worst perplexities.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek We are pressedθλιβόμενοι(thlibomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2346:(a) I make narrow (strictly: by pressure); I press upon, (b) I persecute, press hard. Akin to the base of tribos; to crowd.onἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.all [sides],παντὶ(panti)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.butἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.crushed;στενοχωρούμενοι(stenochōroumenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4729:From the same as stenochoria; to hem in closely, i.e. cramp.perplexed,ἀπορούμενοι(aporoumenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 639:From a compound of a and the base of poreuomai; to have no way out, i.e. Be at a loss.butἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.in despair;ἐξαπορούμενοι(exaporoumenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1820:To be utterly without resource, be in despair. Middle voice from ek and aporeo; to be utterly at a loss, i.e. Despond.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:8 We are pressed on every side yet (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
