Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:8

What does 2 Corinthians 4:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:8 means

Paul lists real pressures: squeezed from every side and confused by circumstances. Yet he is not cornered or driven to despair. The language acknowledges vulnerability without capitulating to defeat. His resilience is not bravado; it is the fruit of God’s power in a fragile life. Life in Christ does not spare him from hardship; it sustains him through it. The verse models honest testimony: affliction is neither denied nor allowed to define the outcome. Each contrast displays the miracle of preservation—sufficient strength in a situation that should have broken him—so readers see that the treasure, not the vessel, explains his survival and continued ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Troubles are round us on every side, but we are not shut in; things are hard for us, but we see a way out of them;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

on every side being in tribulation, but not straitened; perplexed, but not in despair;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In all things we suffer tribulation: but are not distressed. We are straitened: but are not destitute.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

every way afflicted, but not straitened; seeing no apparent issue, but our way not entirely shut up;

Context

This begins a series of paradoxes (verses 8–9) flowing from the clay jar image (verse 7). They show how God’s power sustains Paul through multiple forms of suffering. The emphasis is descriptive and pastoral, rebutting the idea that hardship discredits an apostle. The next verse will escalate the opposition—being pursued and struck down—yet still upheld. Together, these lines prepare for verses 10–11, which interpret the afflictions as participation in Jesus’ dying so that His life might be revealed.

v.7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;

v.8This passage

v.9pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 1:2

    Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;

  • 1 Samuel 30:6

    And 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 strengthened himself in Jehovah his God.

  • John 14:18

    I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.

  • 1 Peter 1:6

    Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,

  • Psalms 56:2

    Mine enemies would swallow me up all the day long; For they are many that fight proudly against me.

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