Meaning, commentary and cross references
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
NIV · New International Version
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
WEB · World English Bible
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,
What does 2 Corinthians 4:17 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction,.... The difference between the present and future state of the saints is here expressed, the disparity between them shown, and the influence the one has upon the other. The present state is a state of "affliction". Affliction is the common lot of the children of men, but more especially of the children of God, and is here designed by "our" affliction; for these, besides their soul trouble, meet with such in the world, and from the men of it, others do not.
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 2 Corinthians 4:13–18
17. Momentary lightness. As our flesh always shrinks back from its own destruction, whatever reward may be presented to our view, and as we are influenced much more by present feeling than by the hope of heavenly blessings, Paul on that account admonishes us, that the afflictions and vexations of the pious have little or nothing of bitterness, if compared with the boundless blessings of everlasting glory. He had said, that the decay of the outward man ought to occasion us no grief, inasmuch as the renovation of the inward man springs out of it.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 2 Corinthians 4:14–18 (WEB)
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
- Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.
- 1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
- Romans 5:3–5
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
- James 1:12
Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.
- Hebrews 12:10–11
For they indeed for a few days disciplined us as seemed good to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.
- James 1:3–4
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
- 1 Peter 1:6–8
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved in various trials,
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face seeing the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.