look . Greek. skopeo . See Luke 11:35 . seen. Greek. blepo. App-133 .:6. temporal = temporary, for a season. Greek. proskairos, Only here, Matthew 13:21 .Mark 4:17 . Hebrews 11:25 . read more
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
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
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
The contrast between outward deterioration and inward renewal 4:16-18 read more
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
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
1-6. The messengers of this gospel are not afraid to proclaim it, for they preach Christ, who has revealed the glory of God.1, 2. Paraphrase. ’Having this glorious gospel to preach, we proclaim it boldly. (2) We have nothing to do with methods and practices which cannot bear the light (like those of your false teachers), for we neither seek to undo another’s work by unscrupulous hints and disgraceful insinuations, nor try to gain the favour of the Jewish Christians by false teaching about the... read more
(18) While we look not at the things which are seen.—The “while we look” is, according to the Greek idiom, the condition of what had been stated in the preceding verse. The “look” is that of one who contemplates this or that as the end or goal for which he strives. The “things that are seen” are, of course, all the incidents and circumstances of the present life; the “things that are not seen” (the very phrase of Hebrews 11:1) are the objects of faith, immortality, eternal life, the crown of... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
The life and work of a servant (4:1-18)God’s true servants do not avoid their responsibilities or use dishonest methods. They do not change the plain meaning of God’s Word to suit themselves, but teach that Word faithfully and directly (4:1-2). Not all will believe, because Satan blinds their minds, but true preachers remember always that the message they preach is Christ’s, not theirs. Then, when the hearers allow the light of that message to shine into their hearts, they see Christ as their... read more