2 Corinthians 1:8
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:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 28
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θέλομεν
we would
G2309
θέλομεν
we would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
3 of 28
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἀγνοεῖν
have
G50
ἀγνοεῖν
have
Strong's:
G50
Word #:
5 of 28
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 28
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὑπὲρ
above
G5228
ὑπὲρ
above
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
7 of 28
"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
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενομένης
came
G1096
γενομένης
came
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 28
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἀσίᾳ
Asia
G773
Ἀσίᾳ
Asia
Strong's:
G773
Word #:
16 of 28
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
17 of 28
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καθ'
we were pressed
G2596
καθ'
we were pressed
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
18 of 28
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὑπερβολὴν
of measure
G5236
ὑπερβολὴν
of measure
Strong's:
G5236
Word #:
19 of 28
a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently
ὑπὲρ
above
G5228
ὑπὲρ
above
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
21 of 28
"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
δύναμιν
strength
G1411
δύναμιν
strength
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
22 of 28
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
ὥστε
insomuch
G5620
ὥστε
insomuch
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
23 of 28
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.1 Corinthians 4:8Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.1 Corinthians 16:9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.1 Samuel 27:1And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.1 Samuel 20:3And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.
Historical Context
The specific 'trouble in Asia' is debated: Ephesian riot (Acts 19:23-41), imprisonment, illness, or judicial threat. Whatever the crisis, it occurred in the province of Asia (western Turkey) where Paul ministered ~AD 52-55. His transparency about 'despairing of life' countered super-apostles' claims of invincibility.
Questions for Reflection
- Have I experienced 'beyond measure, beyond strength' suffering—what did God teach?
- How does Paul's disclosure of total despair challenge my tendency to project false strength?
- What current burden feels 'beyond my strength'—am I crying to 'God who raises the dead'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia (Οὐ θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν)—disclosure formula signals crucial information. Thlipsis (θλίψις) is same word from v. 4.
That we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life—three intensifiers: kath hyperbolēn ("beyond measure"), hyper dynamin ("beyond strength"), exaporēthēnai ("utterly at a loss/total despair"). Paul faced existential crisis—he expected to die.