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2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV
2 Corinthians · chapter 4 · verses 16–18
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.2 Corinthians 4:16-18 · King James Version
What 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 means
Light affliction is a strange thing for Paul to write; he had been stoned and shipwrecked. He isn't minimizing it, he's weighing it against an eternal weight of glory. Two things happen at once here: the outward man perishing and the inward man renewed day by day. The looking is what decides which one you live by.
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2 Corinthians 4:16-18 in context
14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Commentary
Cross references
- Isaiah 40:31
- Colossians 3:10
- Isaiah 40:29
- Romans 12:2
- Psalms 73:26
- 2 Corinthians 4:1
- Ephesians 3:16
- Romans 7:22
- Romans 8:18
- 1 Peter 5:10
- Romans 5:3-5
- James 1:12
Key words (Strong's)
- afflictionthlipsisa pressing, pressing together, pressure, metaph. oppression, affliction, tribulation…G2347 →
- exceedingeisinto, unto, to, towards, for, amongG1519 →
- temporalproskairosfor a season, enduring only for a while, temporaryG4340 →
- outwardexōwithout, out of doorsG1854 →
- renewedanakainoōto cause to grow up, new, to make new, new strength and vigour is given to one, to be…G341 →
- workethkatergazomaito perform, accomplish, achieve, to work outG2716 →
- eternalaiōnioswithout beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be, without…G166 →
- thoughei kaieven, if, althoughG1499 →
Topics
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In these verses the apostle gives an account of their courage and patience under all their sufferings, where observe, I. How their sufferings, and patience under them, are declared, Co2 4:8-12. The apostles were great sufferers;
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 8-18