Bible Dictionary
DESPAIR
Despair is the condition of being overwhelmed by trouble or seeing no apparent way forward. Paul describes believers as afflicted and perplexed, yet not driven into utter despair.
Biblical Usage
In 2 Corinthians 4:8 Paul describes believers as perplexed but not unto despair—at a loss, yet not utterly at a loss. Related expressions describe something incurable or a condition regarded as beyond remedy.