Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Greek, "BEING hard pressed, yet not inextricably straitened; reduced to inextricable straits" (nominative to "we have," II Corinthians 4:7).
on every side—Greek, "in every respect" (compare II Corinthians 4:10, "always"; II Corinthians 7:5). This verse expresses inward distresses; II Corinthians 4:9, outward distresses (II Corinthians 7:5). "Without were fightings; within were fears." The first clause in each member of the series of contrasted participles, implies the earthiness of the vessels; the second clause, the excellency of the power.
perplexed, but not in despair—Greek, "not utterly perplexed." As perplexity refers to the future, so "troubled" or "hard pressed" refers to the present.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 2 Corinthians 4:8:
Psalms 119:87
Jeremiah 17:8
2 Corinthians 1:8-9
2 Corinthians 4:1
2 Corinthians 4:15
2 Corinthians 7:4
2 Corinthians 7:5
2 Corinthians 11:27
Philippians 4:12
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