2 Corinthians 4:18 kjv
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.
2 Corinthians 4:18 nkjv
while we do not look 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.
2 Corinthians 4:18 niv
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 esv
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 nlt
So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 5:7 | We walk by faith, not by sight. | Faith vs. sight |
| Heb 11:1 | Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. | Definition of faith |
| Rom 8:24-25 | For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope. For who hopes in what he already sees? | Hope in the unseen |
| John 3:3, 5 | Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. | Spiritual sight |
| Col 1:15-16 | He is the image of the invisible God... for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. | Creation of seen and unseen |
| 1 Peter 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 resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Testing of faith |
| Phil 3:13-14 | Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. | Forward focus |
| Matt 6:19-21 | Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. | Heavenly treasures |
| Rev 21:1, 4 | Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away... He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more... | Eternal realities |
| Gal 5:16 | But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. | Spirit vs. flesh |
| 2 Cor 5:1-2 | For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling. | Heavenly dwelling |
| 1 Tim 6:17 | As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be proud, nor to hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who riches us all richly for our enjoyment. | True riches in God |
| John 12:25 | Whoever loves his life will lose it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. | Sacrifice for eternal life |
| Heb 12:2 | ...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. | Looking to Jesus |
| Ps 39:5-7 | Behold, you have made my days like handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands in mere breath. Man trots about like a phantom; he makes an uproar for nothing; he heaps up wealth, but does not know who will gather it. "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you." | Vanity of worldly things |
| Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you, and the things to which you have assigned—whose will they be?’ | Unpreparedness for eternity |
| Col 3:1-2 | If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. | Setting minds on heavenly things |
| John 14:27 | Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. | Peace of Christ |
| Rom 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. | Transformation of mind |
2 Corinthians 4 verses
2 Corinthians 4 18 Meaning
We fix our gaze not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. The visible world is temporary and will fade away, but the invisible world, which includes eternal realities and the kingdom of God, is permanent. Therefore, we focus our attention and hope on the unseen, which has lasting significance and value.
2 Corinthians 4 18 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 4 deals with the paradox of suffering for Christ and the divine power at work in believers. Paul is defending his ministry, highlighting that although the outward man is perishing, the inner man is being renewed day by day. He emphasizes that their light affliction, which is momentary, is producing an eternal weight of glory. This verse serves as a concluding statement to this thought, instructing believers on how to endure such affliction by fixing their perspective on the unseen and eternal realities rather than the seen, temporal circumstances. This teaching would have resonated with the Corinthian church, who were facing their own difficulties and temptations.
2 Corinthians 4 18 Word Analysis
- "Look" (skopeō): Means to look at, to gaze upon, to consider, to aim at. It implies a fixed and deliberate attention. It's not a casual glance but a sustained focus. This Greek word is used in various contexts for careful observation and contemplation. It suggests a determined orientation of the mind and spirit.
- "not" (mē): A particle of prohibition or negative intention, indicating a negative command or intention.
- "to the things" (eis ta): "Eis" means "into," "towards," or "unto." It indicates direction and the object of focus. "Ta" is the definite article for neuter plural, referring to the "things" that follow.
- "which are seen" (blepomenōn): The present passive participle of "blepō," meaning to see with the eyes. It refers to things that are perceptible by the physical senses, the visible, material, and temporal aspects of life. This is what the world typically prioritizes.
- "but" (alla): A conjunction used for strong contrast. It highlights the opposition between what is seen and what is not seen.
- "to the things" (eis ta): Repeating the phrase emphasizes the contrasting direction of focus.
- "which are not seen" (mē blepomenōn): The negation here signifies that which is beyond the reach of physical sight. This encompasses spiritual realities, eternal truths, the character of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, heaven, the future resurrection, and the unseen kingdom of God. These are apprehended by faith.
Words Group Analysis
- "Look not to the things which are seen": This phrase constitutes a strong admonition. It challenges the default human tendency to rely on and be consumed by the tangible and immediately perceptible world. It calls for a redirection of mental energy and emotional attachment away from material possessions, worldly success, and physical appearances. This aligns with biblical teachings about detaching from earthly ambitions and desires that distract from spiritual pursuits.
- "but to the things which are not seen": This presents the alternative and essential focus. The contrast "but" signals a vital shift. The emphasis is on the unseen realm, which is understood to be the more real and enduring realm. This involves actively cultivating an awareness of spiritual truths, cultivating faith in God's promises, and orienting one's life toward eternal values rather than fleeting earthly experiences. This is the core of living by faith.
2 Corinthians 4 18 Bonus Section
This verse encapsulates the essence of biblical hope, which is inherently future-oriented and rooted in the unseen promises of God. It stands in direct contrast to worldly philosophies that often emphasize present gratification and observable outcomes. The apostle Paul himself consistently lived by this principle, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the heavenly calling despite immense personal suffering and opposition. His entire ministry was a testament to this focused gaze on the eternal, which empowered him to persevere and preach the gospel with boldness. This principle of "looking not to the things which are seen" is a fundamental discipline for any follower of Christ who desires a life of true spiritual depth and unwavering purpose in a world that constantly pulls our attention towards the superficial.
2 Corinthians 4 18 Commentary
Paul exhorts believers to shift their perspective from the visible and temporal to the invisible and eternal. The material world, with its passing glories and temporary troubles, is prone to captivate our attention. However, this is a dangerous trap that can lead to a misplaced focus and a neglect of what truly matters. The Christian life is characterized by a deliberate decision to prioritize the unseen realities – God, His promises, His kingdom, and His eternal purposes. This doesn't mean denying the reality of the seen world, but rather understanding its subordinate and transient nature. This mindset enables endurance through suffering, as the perspective is fixed on the lasting reward rather than the present difficulty. It requires constant effort to renew our minds and reorient our gaze, seeking the unseen by faith. It's about walking with an eternal perspective, understanding that this present life is preparation for the life to come, and our true home is in the heavenly realm.
Practical Usage Examples
- Facing hardship: When facing financial struggles, a believer focuses not on the lack of money (seen) but on God's provision and the eternal security He offers (unseen).
- Resisting temptation: When tempted by worldly pleasures, a believer directs their thoughts towards the corrupting nature of sin and the spiritual purity offered through Christ (unseen), rather than the immediate gratification of the senses (seen).
- Pursuing spiritual growth: Instead of being overly concerned with earthly accolades or recognition (seen), a believer seeks God's approval and the growth of their inner character through prayer and scripture (unseen).