2 Corinthians 1:8

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
θέλομεν
G2309
we would
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#4
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#5
ἀγνοεῖν
G50
have
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
#6
ἀδελφοί
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#7
ὑπὲρ
G5228
above
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#8
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
θλίψεως
G2347
trouble
pressure (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#11
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
γενομένης
G1096
came
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#13
ἡμῖν
G2254
to us
to (or for, with, by) us
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
Ἀσίᾳ
G773
Asia
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
#17
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#18
καθ'
G2596
we were pressed
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#19
ὑπερβολὴν
G5236
of measure
a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently
#20
ἐβαρήθημεν
G916
out
to weigh down (figuratively)
#21
ὑπὲρ
G5228
above
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#22
δύναμιν
G1411
strength
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#23
ὥστε
G5620
insomuch
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
#24
ἐξαπορηθῆναι
G1820
despaired
to be utterly at a loss, i.e., despond
#25
ἡμᾶς
G2248
that we
us
#26
καὶ
G2532
even
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ζῆν·
G2198
of life
to live (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 2 Corinthians's theological argument.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection