2 Corinthians 4:8
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
στενοχωρούμενοι
distressed
G4729
στενοχωρούμενοι
distressed
Strong's:
G4729
Word #:
6 of 10
to hem in closely, i.e., (figuratively) cramp
ἀπορούμενοι
we are perplexed
G639
ἀπορούμενοι
we are perplexed
Strong's:
G639
Word #:
7 of 10
to have no way out, i.e., be at a loss (mentally)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:10Therefore 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.2 Corinthians 7:5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.Psalms 37:33The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.John 14:18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.Proverbs 14:26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.2 Corinthians 6:4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,1 Samuel 30:6And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.1 Samuel 28:15And 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.Proverbs 18:10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Historical Context
Paul's litany of sufferings was no exaggeration. He faced riots, beatings, imprisonment, shipwreck, hunger, and constant threat (11:23-28). In a shame-honor culture where such treatment indicated divine disfavor, Paul's reinterpretation was revolutionary: suffering proves divine power, not divine abandonment. This passage likely addresses specific accusations about his hardships in Asia (1:8-10).
Questions for Reflection
- Which of Paul's contrasts resonates most with your current experience—pressured but not crushed, perplexed but not despairing?
- How do you distinguish between being 'troubled' (which Paul accepts) and being 'distressed' (which he resists through God's power)?
- What evidence in your life shows that you're sustained by divine power rather than human resilience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed (en panti thlibomenoi all' ou stenochōroumenoi, ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι ἀλλ' οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι)—Paul begins four rapid-fire contrasts showing pressure without crushing. Thlibō (θλίβω, 'to press, afflict') describes external pressure; stenochōreō (στενοχωρέω, 'to be confined, restricted, crushed') means internal collapse. Pressure comes from all directions (en panti, ἐν παντὶ, 'in everything'), but no confinement follows.
We are perplexed, but not in despair (aporoumenoi all' ouk exaporoumenoi, ἀπορούμενοι ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐξαπορούμενοι)—aporeō (ἀπορέω, 'to be at a loss, uncertain') intensifies to exaporeō (ἐξαπορέω, 'to be utterly at a loss, in despair'). Paul admits bewilderment without despondency. The clay pot shows cracks but doesn't shatter—evidence that the power preserving it is divine, not human.