2 Corinthians 4:17 kjv
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:17 nkjv
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
2 Corinthians 4:17 niv
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17 esv
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
2 Corinthians 4:17 nlt
For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
2 Corinthians 4 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 4:18 | ...looking not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. | Complements the focus on eternal perspective |
| Rom 8:18 | For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. | Echoes the same theme of suffering vs. glory |
| Phil 3:13-14 | Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me through Christ Jesus. | Illustrates the perspective of straining toward future glory |
| 1 Pet 1:6-7 | Though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by 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 to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Connects present trials to future glory and tested faith |
| Rom 8:22-25 | For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for the adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. | Expands on the groaning of creation and the patience in waiting for redemption |
| Heb 12:1-2 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. | Highlights enduring trials by focusing on Jesus and future reward |
| Matt 5:11-12 | “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." | Connects persecution with future reward |
| 2 Tim 2:10-12 | Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. | Emphasizes enduring for the sake of others and the promise of reigning with Christ |
| Rev 21:4 | He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. | Depicts the ultimate state where suffering ceases |
| 1 Cor 2:9 | However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human heart has ever conceived—these things God has prepared for those who love him.” | Points to the incomprehensible nature of future glory |
| Ps 30:5 | For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes with the morning. | Uses an analogy of night (sorrow) and morning (joy) |
| Nah 1:7 | The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. | Highlights God's protection during trouble |
| Isa 54:17 | no weapon formed against you will prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness comes from me," declares the LORD. | Assures believers that opposition will not ultimately prevail |
| Col 1:24 | Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. | Paul’s own example of finding joy in suffering for the church |
| Gal 6:17 | From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. | Paul’s marks signifying suffering for Christ |
| Heb 10:36 | You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. | Emphasizes perseverance for the promised reward |
| John 16:22 | So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. | Jesus' promise of future joy after present sorrow |
| Rom 8:35-39 | Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. | Declares ultimate victory and inseparable love despite suffering |
2 Corinthians 4 verses
2 Corinthians 4 17 Meaning
The verse signifies that present suffering, though severe and temporary, is incomparable to the eternal glory that awaits believers. This future glory will far outweigh and overshadow any temporary afflictions experienced in this life.
2 Corinthians 4 17 Context
This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion in 2 Corinthians about the nature of his apostolic ministry, contrasting the glorious reality of the Gospel with the hardships he endures. He acknowledges the affliction and pressure they are under, stating that it is for the believers' benefit, so that they may share in God's glory. This suffering is portrayed as transient and light compared to the eternal weight of glory that will be revealed in believers. The immediate context also deals with the validity of Paul's ministry in the face of opposition and criticisms.
2 Corinthians 4 17 Word Analysis
- For (gar): A conjunction introducing an explanation or reason for what was previously stated. It connects the suffering to the glory.
- Our (hēmōn): Possessive pronoun indicating the believers' future glory.
- Affliction (thlipsis): "Tribulation," "hardship," "pressure." It refers to any kind of distress, suffering, or persecution. The original word often evoked the feeling of being pressed or crushed.
- Momentary (eriphoiaios): "For a short time," "brief," "transient." It emphasizes the temporary nature of earthly troubles. The term comes from "eriphos," a young goat or kid, and metaphorically suggests something that is quickly past, like a transient sound or a passing moment.
- Now (nun): Adverb indicating the present time, highlighting the immediate reality of suffering.
- But (alla): A strong adversative conjunction, contrasting the present with the future.
- Is (esti): Third person singular present indicative of eimi, "to be."
- Producing (katergazomai): "To work out," "accomplish," "produce effectively," "bring to completion." It suggests a purposeful and effective working of something, implying that suffering actively brings about a result. This verb often implies a deep or thorough process.
- In (eis): Preposition indicating the direction or result towards which something is moving or produced.
- Excess (perissoteron): "More abundantly," "exceedingly," "superabundantly." It indicates a quantity far beyond what is normal or expected, emphasizing the immense scale of future glory.
- Weight (baros): "Weight," "burden," "importance," "massiveness." It signifies a glory that is substantial, significant, and enduring, a glorious reality of immense magnitude. The word can imply importance or impressiveness, suggesting a glory that is heavy with value and presence.
- Of (tes): Possessive genitive, showing the glory that belongs to us.
- Glory (doxa): "Glory," "splendor," "radiance," "honor," "dignity." It refers to the manifested presence and perfection of God, and the share believers will have in it. It’s the unveiled splendor and inherent worth.
- And (kai): Connective particle.
- Eternal (aiōnios): "Eternal," "everlasting," "pertaining to an age." It denotes a duration that is timeless or spans across ages, a glory that is permanent and without end.
Words-group analysis
- "Affliction is momentary": This phrase contrasts the present temporal pain with something that is not permanent. It's a framing of hardship that seeks to diminish its perceived duration and impact by comparing it to the vastness of eternity.
- "Producing in excess a weight of glory": This describes the generative power of suffering. It's not just passive endurance but an active process through which a glorious future is brought about, not in a small measure, but in overwhelming abundance and substantial worth.
2 Corinthians 4 17 Bonus Section
The concept of "weight of glory" (baros doxa) is a rich theological idea. It implies that the glory to come is not just light and fleeting, but substantial, weighty, and real—possessing immense value and gravitas. This is the inherent quality of being in God's presence and participating in His eternal kingdom. Scholars discuss how this weight is not necessarily burdensome but rather speaks to the profound reality and abundance of God's future blessings. The phrasing suggests an accumulation or ripening effect of suffering, wherein the trials themselves contribute to the richness and intensity of the future glory received. It speaks to the divine process of refining and perfecting believers through their experiences in this life.
2 Corinthians 4 17 Commentary
Paul’s perspective here is counter-intuitive to human experience. He asserts that our present difficulties, while intensely felt, are merely fleeting when measured against the eternal realities of God's kingdom. This isn't a denial of pain, but a re-framing of its significance. The suffering is not arbitrary; it actively works for us, developing a "weight of glory" that is immensely greater and enduring. This glory is something we can look forward to, knowing it surpasses all comprehension and duration. It’s a steadfast hope that empowers believers to persevere through present trials.
Practical usage examples:
- When facing financial hardship, remember this current struggle is temporary and is producing a future abundance of God's provision and peace.
- During a period of intense persecution for one's faith, recall that this tribulation is brief compared to the eternal reign and joy in Christ's presence.
- When dealing with personal loss or grief, recognize that this sorrow is momentary and is being outweighed by the everlasting joy God has prepared.