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I. CRUSHED, but not penned in a corner. The idea is that of being jostled in a crowd (Mark 3:9). They are hard pressed for space, but not driven into hopeless straits.

II. IN DIFFICULTIES as to the ways and means of carrying on their ministry effectually, but not reduced to utter helplessness.

III. PERSECUTED, but not left in the enemies' hands — not given over to the persecutors.

IV. THROWN TO THE GROUND, but not destroyed. The notion is the pursuit of a fugitive in war, who, when overtaken and thrown down, is usually slain. Here was the overthrow, but, by God's grace, not the slaughter.

(Archdeacon Evans.)

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KJV: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

WEB: We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;