Meaning, commentary and cross references
2 Corinthians 4:16
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
NIV · New International Version
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
WEB · World English Bible
Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day.
What does 2 Corinthians 4:16 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 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…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 2 Corinthians 4:8–18
The thoughts of the advantage their souls would reap by the sufferings of their bodies kept them from fainting: Though our outward man perish, our inward man is renewed day by day, Co2 4:16. Here note, (1.) We have every one of us an outward and an inward man, a body and a soul. (2.)
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 2 Corinthians 4:13–18
16. For which cause we faint not [491] He now, as having carried his point, rises to a higher confidence than before. "There is no cause," says he, "why we should lose heart, or sink down under the burden of the cross, the issue of which is not merely so desirable to myself, but is also salutary to others." Thus he exhorts the Corinthians to fortitude by his own example, should they happen at any time to be similarly afflicted.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 2 Corinthians 4:13–18 (WEB)
13But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.” We also believe, and therefore we also speak, 14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also through Jesus, and will present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, 18while we don’t look 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.
Cross references
- Isaiah 40:31
but those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
- Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,
- Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.
- Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- Psalms 73:26
- 2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.
- Ephesians 3:16
that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,
- Romans 7:22
For I delight in God’s law after the inward person,