2 Corinthians 4:16

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

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2 Corinthians 4:16 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
New Living Translation (NLT)
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
The Message Bible (MSG)
16 So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.
American Standard Version (ASV)
16 Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
16 That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
16 Therefore we do not give up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
16 We don't give up. Our bodies are becoming weaker and weaker. But our spirits are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not
Since our afflictions are overruled for the good of others, and the glory of God, we are not discouraged by them; our spirits do not sink under the weight of them; we do not give out from the work of the ministry because of them, but go on cheerfully therein: and the more so, since

though our outward man perish;
our outward circumstances of life are very mean and despicable; we are oftentimes in a very distressed condition through hunger, thirst, nakedness, and want of the common necessaries of life; our bodies are almost worn out with fatigue, labour, and sorrow; our earthly tabernacles are tottering, and just ready to fall in pieces:

yet the inward man is renewed day by day;
that is, continually; it answers to (Mwy Mwyw) , an Hebraism; see ( Esther 2:11 ) ( 3:4 ) the internal hidden man of the heart, the new man is in a prosperous condition; our souls are in good health; the work of God is comfortably carried on in us; we have sweet and repeated experiences of the love of God; we are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ; and, like the palm tree, the more weight is hung upon it, the more it thrives; and, like the children of Israel in Egypt, the more they were afflicted the more they grew.

2 Corinthians 4:16 In-Context

14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.
15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18 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.

Cross References 3

  • 1. ver 1; Psalms 18:45
  • 2. Romans 7:22
  • 3. Psalms 103:5; Isaiah 40:31; Colossians 3:10
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