King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:8 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:8 in the King James Version says “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measu... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

2 Corinthians 1:8 · KJV


Context

6

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. is effectual: or, is wrought

7

And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

8

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves , but in God which raiseth the dead: sentence: or, answer

10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia (Οὐ θέλομεν ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν)—disclosure formula signals crucial information. Thlipsis (θλίψις) is same word from v. 4.

That we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life—three intensifiers: kath hyperbolēn ("beyond measure"), hyper dynamin ("beyond strength"), exaporēthēnai ("utterly at a loss/total despair"). Paul faced existential crisis—he expected to die.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The specific 'trouble in Asia' is debated: Ephesian riot (Acts 19:23-41), imprisonment, illness, or judicial threat. Whatever the crisis, it occurred in the province of Asia (western Turkey) where Paul ministered ~AD 52-55. His transparency about 'despairing of life' countered super-apostles' claims of invincibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have I experienced 'beyond measure, beyond strength' suffering—what did God teach?
  2. How does Paul's disclosure of total despair challenge my tendency to project false strength?
  3. What current burden feels 'beyond my strength'—am I crying to 'God who raises the dead'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Οὐ1 of 28

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 28

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

θέλομεν3 of 28

we would

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ὑμᾶς4 of 28

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀγνοεῖν5 of 28

have

G50

not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

ἀδελφοί6 of 28

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὑπὲρ7 of 28

above

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τοῦ8 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θλίψεως9 of 28

trouble

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

ἡμῶν10 of 28

our

G2257

of (or from) us

τοῦ11 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γενομένης12 of 28

came

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἡμῖν13 of 28

to us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἐν14 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῦ15 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀσίᾳ16 of 28

Asia

G773

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

ὅτι17 of 28

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καθ'18 of 28

we were pressed

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὑπερβολὴν19 of 28

of measure

G5236

a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently

ἐβαρήθημεν20 of 28

out

G916

to weigh down (figuratively)

ὑπὲρ21 of 28

above

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

δύναμιν22 of 28

strength

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

ὥστε23 of 28

insomuch

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἐξαπορηθῆναι24 of 28

despaired

G1820

to be utterly at a loss, i.e., despond

ἡμᾶς25 of 28

that we

G2248

us

καὶ26 of 28

even

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ27 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζῆν·28 of 28

of life

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study