Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:9

"pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed;" — 2 Corinthians 4:9 (ASV)

Then follows a series of four vivid antitheses that illustrate both the weakness of Paul in discharging his commission and the power of God in preserving his life and his spirit. Each metaphor may reflect gladiatorial or military combat. Paul was “hard pressed on every side,” but not completely cornered and never driven to surrender. He was “at a loss, but never totally at a loss” (an attempt to retain the word-play of the Greek between “perplexed” and “despair”). He was hounded by the foe, but not left to his mercy. He was knocked to the ground, but not permanently grounded.