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Verse Takeaways
1
Pressed but Not Crushed
Scholars highlight Paul's use of powerful contrasts, likely drawn from wrestling or military combat. He describes being 'pressed on every side' (like an opponent's grip) but 'not straitened' (not completely trapped with no room to move). He is 'perplexed' (at a loss for what to do) but 'not unto despair' (not utterly without a way out). This vivid language shows that external pressure does not have to lead to internal collapse for the believer.
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2 Corinthians
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Commentaries
11
Albert Barnes
On 2 Corinthians 4:8
18th Century
Theologian
We are troubled. We, the apostles. Paul here refers to some of the trials to which he and his co-laborers were subjected in makin…
AT Robertson
On 2 Corinthians 4:8
Pressed (θλιβομενο). From θλιβω, to press as grapes, to contract, to squeeze. Series of present passive participles here through v…
Charles Ellicott
On 2 Corinthians 4:8
19th Century
Bishop
We are troubled on every side.—The Greek presents all the clauses in a participial form, in apposition with the “we” with…
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Charles Spurgeon
On 2 Corinthians 4:7–10
19th Century
Preacher
That the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplex…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 2 Corinthians 4:8
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 pres…
John Calvin
On 2 Corinthians 4:8
16th Century
Theologian
While we are pressed on every side. This is added as an explanation, for he shows that his abject condition is far from diminishing the gl…
John Gill
On 2 Corinthians 4:8
17th Century
Pastor
We are troubled on every side
Or afflicted; (en panti), either "in every place", wherever we a…
Matthew Henry
On 2 Corinthians 4:8–12
17th Century
Minister
The apostles were great sufferers, yet they met with wonderful support. Believers may be forsaken by their friends, as well as persecuted by enemie…