2 Corinthians 1:8

Translations

Modern

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

Traditional

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:

Literal

For we do not want you to be ignorant brothers, as to our tribulation having happened in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so as for us to despair even to live.

Latin

Non enim volumus ignorare vos, fratres, de tribulatione nostra, quæ facta est in Asia, quoniam supra modum gravati sumus supra virtutem, ita ut tæderet nos etiam vivere.

Original

Greek

English

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

Notes

2 Corinthians 1:8–11

dear brothers: The Greek word adelphoi is a traditional term of affection for family members, both male and female.
the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia: The trouble faced in the province of Asia is hard to pinpoint. One suggestion is the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23–41). Another is that Paul was tried in a civil court and faced possible execution in Ephesus (2 Corinthians 1:9; see 1 Corinthians 15:32). It is less likely that he suffered a severe life-threatening illness. Paul often faced mortal danger (2 Corinthians 1:10; see also 4:10–12; 6:9; 11:23), but he was wonderfully rescued by divine help (1:11).

2 Corinthians 1:3–11

Paul now expresses joyful thanks. He is happy that, despite many troubles, God has given him special comfort (1:4–7) and saved him from death in Asia (1:8–11).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Resurrection of the Dead

Related verses

2 Corinthians 4:7–12
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
1 Corinthians 4:8
Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!
1 Corinthians 15:32
If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Acts 19:23–35
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.
1 Corinthians 16:9
…because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
1 Samuel 27:1
David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”
1 Samuel 20:3
But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”

Places

Asia: A Roman province in western Asia Minor

Glossary

Asia Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Letter to Philemon Letter to the Colossians Place of the Dead Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Brokenness Dependence Paul: Persecutions Endured By Paul: Sickness of, in Asia Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes with the Makers of Idols

2 Corinthians 1:8

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