2 Corinthians 4:16 kjv
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 nkjv
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 niv
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 esv
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 nlt
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
2 Corinthians 4 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Corinthians 4:16 | "...though our outer selves are wasting away, our inner selves are being renewed day by day." | Paul's reflection on decay |
| Romans 7:22 | "For I delight in the law of God, in my innermost being," | Inner self delighting |
| Ephesians 3:16 | "...that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened in your inner being with power..." | Strength in inner being |
| Colossians 3:10 | "...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." | Renewal of new self |
| 1 Peter 3:4 | "...but let it be the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious." | Inner beauty |
| Philippians 1:6 | "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." | God's work completion |
| Romans 12:2 | "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." | Renewal of mind |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17 | "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." | New creation |
| Galatians 6:14 | "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." | Boasting in the cross |
| Romans 8:17 | "...and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified with him." | Heirs and glory |
| John 15:2 | "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." | Pruning for fruitfulness |
| 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction..." | God of all comfort |
| 1 Corinthians 15:57 | "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." | Victory through Christ |
| Matthew 6:20 | "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." | Heavenly treasures |
| 1 Peter 1:6-7 | "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you must be tested in various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found leading to praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." | Tested faith |
| Psalm 84:10 | "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." | Threshold of God's house |
| Isaiah 40:31 | "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." | Renewed strength |
| 1 Corinthians 9:27 | "I pommel my body—keep it under control—lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." | Disciplining the body |
| Romans 6:6 | "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we should no longer be enslaved to sin." | Old self crucified |
| 2 Corinthians 7:1 | "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." | Cleansing from defilement |
2 Corinthians 4 verses
2 Corinthians 4 16 Meaning
The inner self is continuously renewed day by day, even though the outward person is decaying. This renewal is a spiritual process, reflecting God's work within believers. It’s a paradox of Christian experience: outer deterioration and inner regeneration.
2 Corinthians 4 16 Context
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul is discussing the hardships faced by apostles, including himself. Despite these external trials and the resulting physical weakening (represented by the "outer self"), the ministry is not in vain. The suffering leads to a greater manifestation of God’s power. The Corinthian believers are encouraged to persevere, understanding that their spiritual lives are being continually strengthened by God's grace, which counteracts the decay of their physical existence. Paul is asserting the power and efficacy of the gospel, which operates not by outward show but by inward spiritual renewal.
2 Corinthians 4 16 Word Analysis
- For (γὰρ - gar): A conjunction introducing an explanation or reason for a previous statement. It connects this verse logically to the preceding ones about affliction.
- which things (οὐκ ἐκλυόμεθα - ouk ekluometha): Literally, "we do not grow weak" or "we do not faint." This passive voice indicates that their not giving up is not due to their own strength, but God's enabling power.
- though (καίπερ - kaiper): A conjunction meaning "although" or "even though," introducing a concessive clause. It highlights the contrast between the outward decay and inward renewal.
- our outward (ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν - ho exō hēmōn): "The outward us." Refers to the physical body, the external human being subject to aging, decay, and suffering.
- perishes (φθείρεται - phtheiretai): "Is corrupted," "is destroyed," "is wasted away." It signifies deterioration and the process of death affecting the physical body.
- renewed (ἀνακαινοῦται - anakainoutai): "Is made new again," "is restored to a primitive state." This is a continuous, present passive verb, emphasizing that the renewal is an ongoing process.
- day by day (καθ’ ἡμέραν - kath’ hēmeran): A temporal phrase indicating the daily, constant nature of this spiritual renewal. It’s not a one-time event but a progressive experience.
- but (ἀλλὰ - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, emphasizing the powerful contrast with the outward perishing.
- our inward (ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν - ho esō hēmōn): "The inward us." Refers to the spirit, soul, the true self, the core of a person's being where spiritual life resides.
Words Group Analysis:
- "though our outward man perishes": This phrase vividly depicts the reality of physical decline. In ancient times, severe persecution, hunger, and travel meant outward appearance and physical health deteriorated rapidly. Yet, this decay is contrasted with a powerful spiritual truth.
- "our inward man is renewed day by day": This juxtaposition is central. The paradox of Christianity is that in the midst of worldly suffering and physical decay, believers experience constant spiritual invigoration, strength, and growth through the Holy Spirit. This renewal is supernatural, a work of God that enables endurance.
2 Corinthians 4 16 Bonus Section
The contrast between the outward and inward man is a recurring theme in Pauline theology. It underscores the distinct reality of the spiritual life, which supersedes material or temporal circumstances. This inner renewal is a direct result of the Holy Spirit indwelling believers (cf. Romans 8:11), empowering them to live in accordance with God's will and to stand firm in their faith despite suffering. The verse highlights the effectiveness of the divine power that is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9), a key theme in this section of 2 Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 4 16 Commentary
Paul explains that despite the immense hardships and suffering they endure, which are visibly wearing them down ("outer self perishes"), their inner spiritual selves are constantly being strengthened and regenerated by God. This is the essence of the gospel's power, which operates internally rather than relying on visible success or physical well-being. The ongoing spiritual renewal equips believers to face any trial, transforming weakness into a channel for divine power and assuring them that their afflictions are temporary, leading to eternal glory.
- Practical Application: Even when physically tired or discouraged by circumstances, focus on nurturing your inner spiritual life through prayer, Scripture, and communion with God. Trust that God’s power within you is stronger than any outward decay or trial.