2 Corinthians 4:18

Context

The verse belongs to 2 Corinthians, the letter that Paul sent to the church at Corinth. From the latter part of chapter 2 through the beginning of chapter 7, Paul defends his apostolic office and ministry. In chapter 4 he says that the treasure of the gospel is held "in earthen vessels" (4:7) and confesses that he is "troubled on every side, yet not distressed" (4:8-9). He goes on to say that "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day" (4:16), and that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (4:17). Verse 18 concludes this line of thought and leads into the contrast in 5:1 between "our earthly house of this tabernacle" and "an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

The verb in the Greek original that opens the verse means "to observe carefully" or "to look toward as a goal." The word rendered "temporal" in the KJV means "temporary." Among Korean Bible translations, the Korean Revised Version renders the first verb with a word meaning "look back upon," while the Revised New Korean Version uses one meaning "pay attention to."

Interpretation

• Eschatological reading: Many commentators understand "the things which are not seen" as the "eternal weight of glory" of the preceding verse and the heavenly dwelling of chapter 5—that is, the coming resurrection and salvation brought to completion. In this reading the contrast is one of time: the present versus what is to come. This approach understands the verse within the framework of Paul's eschatology, his teaching concerning the last things.
• Ontological reading: Some scholars note that the language resembles expressions in Greek philosophy that distinguish the world of the senses from eternal reality. Most Protestant commentators, however, hold that Paul is not disparaging the material world as such but simply contrasting what is temporary with what is eternal.
• Pastoral reading: In preaching and devotional literature, the verse is read as teaching the outlook and attitude of believers who endure suffering. Paired with 5:7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight," it is used to explain the nature of faith.

Questions Concerning Application

There is no significant doctrinal dispute among denominations over this verse, but several questions have been raised about its application. One is whether the verse justifies an attitude that makes light of the body, the present world, or social responsibility. In response, some point out that the context does not call believers to turn away from the world but speaks of hope in the midst of suffering. Another concerns the use of the phrase "look at the things which are not seen" as an exhortation to picture in advance the fulfillment of what one desires. Critics regard this usage, associated with prosperity theology, as departing from the original context, which speaks of eschatological hope amid suffering.

Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.

In Korean Protestant churches, verses 16-18 are often read together in sermons on comfort in suffering. The passage is also used as a text for funeral services.

Related Passages

• 2 Corinthians 4:16
• 2 Corinthians 5:1
• 2 Corinthians 5:7
• Romans 8:18
• Romans 8:24-25