2 Corinthians 4:9

Persecuted, but not forsaken - Διωκομενοι, αλλ ' ουκ εγκαταλειπομενοι . The διωκομενοι , pursued, is peculiar to the δρομος , or race, when one being foremost others pursue, and get up close after him, endeavoring to outstrip him, but cannot succeed: this is the meaning of ουκ εγκαταλειπομενοι , not outstripped, or outgone, as the word implies. So in Plutarch: τους απολειφθεντας ου στεφανουσι , they do not crown them that are distanced or left behind. So says the apostle, 1 Corinthians 9:24 ; : All run, but only One receiveth the Prize.

Cast down, but not destroyed - Καταβαλλομενοι αλλ ' ουκ απολλυμενοι . This also belongs to wrestlers, where he that throws the other first is conqueror. And so Hesychius: καταβαλει, νικησει, ῥιψει , to cast down is to overcome, to throw. And then, the being not destroyed signifies that, although they were thrown down-cast into troubles and difficulties, yet they rose again, and surmounted them all.