2 Corinthians 1:8
New International Version
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.

New Living Translation
We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.

English Standard Version
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
For we do not want you to be ignorant brothers, as to our affliction having happened in Asia, that we were weighed against excessively, beyond our power, so as for us to despair even to live.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

New American Standard Bible
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction which occurred in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.

NASB 1995
For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;

NASB 1977
For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;

Legacy Standard Bible
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even to live.

Amplified Bible
For we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about our trouble in [the west coast province of] Asia [Minor], how we were utterly weighed down, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life [itself].

Christian Standard Bible
We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength —so that we even despaired of life itself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For we don’t want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in Asia: we were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life.

American Standard Version
For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

Contemporary English Version
My friends, I want you to know what a hard time we had in Asia. Our sufferings were so horrible and so unbearable that death seemed certain.

English Revised Version
For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Brothers and sisters, we don't want you to be ignorant about the suffering we experienced in the province of Asia. It was so extreme that it was beyond our ability to endure. We even wondered if we could go on living.

Good News Translation
We want to remind you, friends, of the trouble we had in the province of Asia. The burdens laid upon us were so great and so heavy that we gave up all hope of staying alive.

International Standard Version
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about the suffering we experienced in Asia. We were so crushed beyond our ability to endure that we even despaired of living.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, regarding the affliction that happened to us in the province of Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living.

New Heart English Bible
For we do not desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.

Webster's Bible Translation
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, so that we despaired even of life:

Weymouth New Testament
For as for our troubles which came upon us in the province of Asia, we would have you know, brethren, that we were exceedingly weighed down, and felt overwhelmed, so that we renounced all hope even of life.

World English Bible
For we don’t desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia: that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brothers, of our tribulation that happened to us in Asia, that we were exceedingly burdened above [our] power, so that we even despaired of life;

Berean Literal Bible
For we do not want you to be ignorant brothers, as to our affliction having happened in Asia, that we were weighed against excessively, beyond our power, so as for us to despair even to live.

Young's Literal Translation
For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, of our tribulation that happened to us in Asia, that we were exceedingly burdened above our power, so that we despaired even of life;

Smith's Literal Translation
For we wish you not to be ignorant, brethren, of our pressure having been to us in Asia, that we were exceedingly loaded, above strength, so that we were in utter perplexity even to live:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For we would not have you ignorant,brethren, of our tribulation, which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure above our strength, so that we were weary even of life.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about our tribulation, which happened to us in Asia. For we were weighed down beyond measure, beyond our strength, so that we became weary, even of life itself.

New American Bible
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction that came to us in the province of Asia; we were utterly weighed down beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.

New Revised Standard Version
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For we would wish you to know, my brethren, about the trouble we had in Asia Minor, for we were greatly oppressed beyond our strength; insomuch that we despaired of our lives:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we want you to know, brethren, concerning the affliction that we had in Asia, that we were afflicted greatly beyond our power, until we were close to losing our lives.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which came upon us in Asia, that we were exceedingly oppressed, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.

Godbey New Testament
For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction taking place in Asia, because we were burthened exceedingly, above our power, so that we despaired even of living:

Haweis New Testament
For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, of the tribulation which came to us in Asia, that above measure we have been burdened beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life:

Mace New Testament
For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of that insupportable weight of affliction that over-whelm'd me so in Asia that I despaired even of life:

Weymouth New Testament
For as for our troubles which came upon us in the province of Asia, we would have you know, brethren, that we were exceedingly weighed down, and felt overwhelmed, so that we renounced all hope even of life.

Worrell New Testament
For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning our tribulation which befell us in Asia; that we were exceedingly weighed down beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

Worsley New Testament
For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befel us in Asia, that we were exceedingly pressed above our strength, so that we despaired even of life:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The God of All Comfort
7And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. 8 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. 9Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.…

Cross References
Acts 19:23-41
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. / It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. / Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. ...

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.”

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

2 Corinthians 7:5
For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within.

Philippians 1:29-30
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.

2 Timothy 3:11
my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Psalm 116:3-4
The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. / Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!”

Isaiah 38:10-14
I said, “In the prime of my life I must go through the gates of Sheol and be deprived of the remainder of my years.” / I said, “I will never again see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living; I will no longer look on mankind with those who dwell in this world. / My dwelling has been picked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent. I have rolled up my life like a weaver; He cuts me off from the loom; from day until night You make an end of me. ...

Jonah 2:2-7
saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice. / For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me. / At this, I said, ‘I have been banished from Your sight; yet I will look once more toward Your holy temple.’ ...

Job 3:24-26
I sigh when food is put before me, and my groans pour out like water. / For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me. / I am not at ease or quiet; I have no rest, for trouble has come.”

Job 10:15-17
If I am guilty, woe to me! And even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and aware of my affliction. / Should I hold my head high, You would hunt me like a lion, and again display Your power against me. / You produce new witnesses against me and multiply Your anger toward me. Hardships assault me in wave after wave.


Treasury of Scripture

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

of our.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us…

Acts 19:23-35
And the same time there arose no small stir about that way…

1 Corinthians 15:32
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

insomuch.

1 Corinthians 4:8
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

1 Samuel 20:3
And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.

1 Samuel 27:1
And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.

Jump to Previous
Ability Affliction Asia Crushed Desire Despaired Endure Exceedingly Experienced Far Felt Great Hardships Hope Ignorant Insomuch Itself Life Measure Overwhelmed Power Pressed Pressure Province Renounced Strength Trouble Troubles Unaware Uninformed Utterly Want Weighed
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Ability Affliction Asia Crushed Desire Despaired Endure Exceedingly Experienced Far Felt Great Hardships Hope Ignorant Insomuch Itself Life Measure Overwhelmed Power Pressed Pressure Province Renounced Strength Trouble Troubles Unaware Uninformed Utterly Want Weighed
2 Corinthians 1
1. Paul salutes the Corinthians;
3. he encourages them against troubles,
5. by the comforts and deliverances which God had given him,
8. so particularly in his late danger in Asia.
12. And calling both his own conscience and theirs,
15. he excuses his not coming to them, as proceeding not of lightness,
23. but of his care for them.














We do not want you to be unaware
This phrase indicates Paul's desire for transparency and honesty with the Corinthian church. The Greek word for "unaware" is "agnoeo," which means to be ignorant or not to know. Paul is emphasizing the importance of sharing his experiences to foster understanding and empathy within the Christian community. This reflects a broader biblical principle of living in the light and being open with fellow believers, as seen in Ephesians 5:8-14.

brothers
The term "brothers" (Greek: "adelphoi") is a term of endearment and unity, signifying the familial bond among believers. In the early church, this term was inclusive of both men and women, highlighting the spiritual kinship that transcends biological ties. This reflects the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 12:50, where He states that whoever does the will of His Father is His brother, sister, and mother.

of the hardships we encountered
The word "hardships" (Greek: "thlipsis") refers to severe trials or afflictions. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe the tribulations faced by believers. Historically, the early Christians faced persecution, social ostracism, and physical suffering. Paul's mention of these hardships serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of suffering in the Christian life, as echoed in Acts 14:22.

in the province of Asia
The "province of Asia" refers to a Roman province in what is now modern-day Turkey. This area was a significant center for early Christian missionary activity. Archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and ancient city ruins, provide context for the challenges faced by Paul and his companions, including opposition from local authorities and pagan worshipers, as seen in Acts 19:23-41.

We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure
The phrase "under a burden" (Greek: "bareo") conveys the idea of being weighed down or oppressed. This expression highlights the intensity of the trials Paul faced, which were beyond human strength to bear. This aligns with the biblical theme that God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), encouraging believers to rely on divine strength rather than their own.

so that we despaired even of life
The word "despaired" (Greek: "exaporeomai") indicates a state of utter hopelessness. Paul is candid about the depth of his suffering, which led him to a point of despair. This vulnerability serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of human frailty and the need for God's intervention. It echoes the psalmist's cries for deliverance in times of distress, as seen in Psalm 42:5-6.

(8) We would not, brethren, have you ignorant.--From the generalised language of the previous verses he passes to something more specific. The phrase by which he calls attention to the importance of what he is about to write is characteristic of the Epistles of this period (Romans 1:13; 1Corinthians 10:1; 1Corinthians 12:1; 1Thessalonians 4:13).

Our trouble which came to us in Asia.--The allusion may possibly be to the Demetrius tumult of Acts 19:24-41, or to some like time of danger, such as that referred to in 1Corinthians 15:32. On the other hand, however, he would probably, in that case, have spoken of a definitely localised danger, as he does in the last reference as being "in Ephesus." The words "in Asia" suggest a wider range of suffering, such as we find referred to in the speech to the elders at Miletus (Acts 20:19), and the context leads us to think of bodily illness as well as of perils and anxieties. . . .

Verse 8. - For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant. This is a favourite phrase with St. Paul (Romans 1:13; Romans 11:25; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Of our trouble; rather, about our affliction. He assumes that they are aware what the trouble was, and he does not specially mention it. What he wants them to know is that, by the help of their prayers and sympathy, God had delivered him out of this affliction, crushing as it was. Which came to us in Asia. Most commentators refer this to the tumult at Ephesus (Acts 19.); and since St. Paul's dangers, sicknesses, and troubles are clearly understated throughout the Acts, it is possible that the perils and personal maltreatment which were liable to occur during such a season of excitement may have brought on some violent illness; or, again, be may have suffered from some plots (1 Corinthians 16:9, 32; Acts 20:19) or shipwreck (2 Corinthians 11:25). In Romans 16:4 he alludes again to some extreme peril. But St. Paul seems systematically to have made light of external dangers and sufferings. All his strongest expressions (see Romans 9:1-3, etc.) are reserved for mental anguish and affliction. What he felt most keenly was the pang of lacerated affections. It is, therefore, possible that he is here alluding to the overpowering tumult of feelings which had been aroused by his anxiety as to the reception likely to be accorded to his first letter. To this and the accompanying circumstances he alludes again and again (2 Corinthians 2:4, 12; 2 Corinthians 7:5, etc.). The sense of "comfort" resulting from the tidings brought by Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6, 7, 13) is as strong as that expressed in these verses, and the allusion to this anguish of heart is specially appropriate here, because he is dwelling on the sympathetic communion between himself and his converts, both in their sorrows and their consolations. That we were pressed cut of measure, above strength; literally, that toe were weighed down exceedingly beyond our power. The trial seemed too heavy for him to bear. The phrase here rendered "out of measure" occurs in 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 7:13; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Galatians 1:13; but is only found in this particular group of letters. Insomuch that we despaired even of life. This rendering conveys the meaning. Literally it is, so that we were even in utter perplexity (2 Corinthians 4:8) even about life. "I fell into such agony of mind that I hardly hoped to survive." Generally, although he was often in perplexity, he succeeded in resisting despair (2 Corinthians 4:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We do not want
θέλομεν (thelomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to be unaware,
ἀγνοεῖν (agnoein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 50: To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance.

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

of
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hardships
θλίψεως (thlipseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

we
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

encountered
γενομένης (genomenēs)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the province of] Asia.
Ἀσίᾳ (Asia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 773: Asia, i.e. Asia Minor, or only its western shore.

We were under a burden
ἐβαρήθημεν (ebarēthēmen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 916: To weight, load, burden, lit. and met. From barus; to weigh down.

far beyond
ὑπερβολὴν (hyperbolēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5236: From huperballo; a throwing beyond others, i.e. supereminence; adverbially pre- eminently.

our ability to endure,
δύναμιν (dynamin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

so that
ὥστε (hōste)
Conjunction
Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.

we
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

despaired
ἐξαπορηθῆναι (exaporēthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 1820: To be utterly without resource, be in despair. Middle voice from ek and aporeo; to be utterly at a loss, i.e. Despond.

even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

life.
ζῆν (zēn)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 1:8 For we don't desire to have you (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 1:7
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