We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
What does 2 Corinthians 4:8 mean?
The apostles were great sufferers, yet they met with wonderful support. Believers may be forsaken of their friends, as well as persecuted by enemies; but their God will never leave them nor forsake them.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:8
Paul here refers to some of the trials to which he and his fellow laborers were subjected in making known the gospel. The "design" for which he does it seems to be to show them: (1) What they endured in preaching the truth; (2) To show the sustaining power of that gospel in the midst of afflictions; and, (3) To conciliate their favor, or to remind them that they had endured these things on their account, 2 Corinthians 4:12-15 . Perhaps one leading design was to recover the affections of those of the Corinthians whose heart had been alienated from him, by showing them how much he had endured on their account.
Key words
- troubled
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The word rendered "troubled" (θλιβομενοι thlibomenoi, from θλιβω thlibo) may have reference to wrestling, or to the contests in the Grecian games.
- side
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"When we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
Context in 2 Corinthians 4
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2 Corinthians 4 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as reconciliation and the new covenant. Second Corinthians is Paul’s deepest letter on apostolic suffering, consolation, generosity, reconciliation, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of weakness, ministry, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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