2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:18

While 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.The entire genius of the Christian life, indeed the entirety of faith in both the old and new covenants, is here distilled and isolated as to its pure essence. Trusting God, believing and obeying him, are finally nothing more than what is revealed here.SEEING THE INVISIBLEIf one can see it, it cannot last. All visible... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:17

2 Corinthians 4:17. For our light affliction,— This is one of the most emphatical passages in St. Paul's writings; in which he speaks as much like an orator as an Apostle. The lightness of the trial is expressed by Το ελαφρον της θλιψεως, the lightness of our affliction; as if he had said, "It is even levity itself, in such a comparison." On the other hand, the Καθ' υπερβολην εις υπερβολην, which we render, far more exceeding, is infinitely emphatical, and cannot be fully expressed by any... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:18

2 Corinthians 4:18. While we look not at, &c.— Or, while we aim not at. This is the exact signification of the Greek word σκοπουντων ; and our English word "scope," or "mark aimed at," is derived from the same Greek word. Inferences.—How great is their mercy, who are put into the gospel ministry, qualified for it, and faithful in it; and who, notwithstanding all opposition and reproach, hold on their way without fainting, and seek to be approved of God, and recommended to the consciences of... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:17

17. which is but for a moment—"Our PRESENT light (burden of) affliction" (so the Greek; compare :-), [ALFORD]. Compare "now for a season . . . in heaviness" ( :-). The contrast, however, between this and the "ETERNAL weight of glory" requires, I think, the translation, "Which is but for the present passing moment." So WAHL. "The lightness of affliction" (he does not express "burden" after "light"; the Greek is "the light of affliction") contrasts beautifully with the "weight of the glory."... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:18

18. look not at—as our aim. things . . . seen—"earthly things" (Philippians 3:19). We mind not the things seen, whether affliction or refreshment come, so as to be seduced by the latter, or deterred by the former [CHRYSOSTOM]. things . . . not seen—not "the invisible things" of Philippians 3:19- :, but the things which, though not seen now, shall be so hereafter. temporal—rather, "for a time"; in contrast to eternal. English Version uses "temporal" for temporary. The Greek is rightly translated... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The contrast between outward deterioration and inward renewal 4:16-18 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 4:17

Paul introduced another paradox. Suffering now will result in glory later. He could consider the afflictions he had undergone as a servant of Christ as "light" only in comparison with the heavy weight of glory he would receive at Christ’s judgment seat (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27)."His choice of the expression ’the weight of glory’ may be influenced by the fact that in Hebrew ’weight’ and ’glory’ come from the same root kbd. It is because the coming ’glory’ is so ’weighty’ that the present... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 4:18

Another irony is that the physical things that we see now appear to be permanent, but really the spiritual things that we cannot see are permanent (cf. Hebrews 11:1). What we can see now is only temporary. The present momentary visible things of life paled for the apostle as he considered the future eternal invisible things on ahead. These things included his fullness of joy, his completed salvation, and his heavenly inheritance. By keeping these unseen realities in view he could avoid... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - 2 Corinthians 4:17

4:17 light (c-5) Lit. 'the momentary lightness of our.' read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - 2 Corinthians 4:18

4:18 (d-1) 'While' has not the sense of time here. The literal translation, 'we not looking,' would convey a somewhat causative sense, which is not the force of the passage. read more

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