2Cor 4:8, 6:9-10 | JFB | STEP | 8. Greek, "BEING hard pressed, yet not inextricably straitened; reduced to inextricable straits" (nominative to "we have," ). on every side — Greek, "in every respect" (compare , "always"; ). This verse expresses inward distresses; , outward distresses ( ). " 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.

2 Corinthians 4:8

8. Greek, "BEING hard pressed, yet not inextricably straitened; reduced to inextricable straits" (nominative to "we have," 2Co 4:7).

on every side—Greek, "in every respect" (compare 2Co 4:10, "always"; 2Co 7:5). This verse expresses inward distresses; 2Co 4:9, outward distresses (2Co 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.

2 Corinthians 6:9-10

9. unknown . . . yet well known—"unknown" in our true character to those who "evil report" of us, "well known" to those who hold us in "good report" (2Co 6:8). CONYBEARE explains, "Unknown by men, yet acknowledged by God" (1Co 13:12). Perhaps both God and men (believers) are intended as knowing him (2Co 5:11; 11:6).

dying . . . live— (2Co 1:9; 4:10, 11; 11:23). Compare GAUSSEN'S remark, see on 2Co 6:5. "Behold" calls attention to the fact as something beyond all expectation.

chastened . . . not killed—realizing Ps 118:18.

10. The "as" no longer is used to express the opinion of his adversaries, but the real state of him and his fellow laborers.

making many rich—Spiritually (1Co 1:5), after the example of our Lord, who "by His poverty made many rich" (2Co 8:9).

having nothing—Whatever of earthly goods we have, and these are few, we have as though we had not; as tenants removable at will, not owners (1Co 7:30).

possessing all things—The Greek implies firm possession, holding fast in possession (compare 1Co 3:21, 22). The things both of the present and of the future are, in the truest sense, the believer's in possession, for he possesses them all in Christ, his lasting possession, though the full fruition of them is reserved for the future eternity.