Greek Word Study | 2347: affliction (thlipsis)

Thlipsis (affliction) can also be translated trouble, or tribulation, or trials, or oppression.  (See CSB text note on 2 Cor 1:4.)

Commenting on 2 Cor 1:1-7, William Barclay said, “In ordinary Greek this word always describes actual physical pressure on a man.” (William Barclay, The Daily Bible Study Series, 2 Cor 1:1-7)

According to R.C. French, according to the law in ancient England, when someone refused to plead guilty to their crime, they had heavy weights placed on their chest until they were crushed to death.  This is a literal example of thlipsis. (William Barclay, The Daily Bible Study Series, 2 Cor 1:1-7.)

Lenski, “The Greek word means ‘distress’ that is caused by painful pressure.” (Interpretation of 1 and 2 Corinthians, 2 Cor 1:4.)

The ESV Study Bible (2 Cor 1:4) says, “Affliction can refer to both outward circumstances (4:17; 6:4; 8:2) and inward states of mind (2:4; 7:4–5).”

The MacArthur Study Bible (2 Cor 1:4) says, “This term refers to crushing pressure.”

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible says, “The word tribulation (thlipsei) means to be weighed down exceedingly; to be pressed and crushed. It is the picture of a beast of burden being crushed beneath a load that is just too heavy. It is the picture of a person having a heavy weight placed on his breast and being pressed and crushed to the point that he feels he is going to die. Note the word is used four times in 2 Co. 1:3–7.”