Treasure in Jars of Clay: Perseverance in Ministry
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
2Cor.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- εχοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- διακονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ταυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- καθως: CONJ
- ηλεηθημεν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,pl
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εγκακουμεν: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (thematic): Paul develops the same idea of apostolic responsibility—God has given believers the 'ministry of reconciliation,' framing the content and purpose of the ministry mentioned in 2 Cor 4:1.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (structural): Immediate continuation of 4:1: the refusal to 'lose heart' (οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν) is explained and defended in the following verses, which contrast outward affliction with inward renewal.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10 (verbal): Paul attributes his service to mercy/grace ('but by the grace of God I am what I am'), paralleling 4:1's claim that the ministry is held in virtue of received mercy.
- Ephesians 3:7 (thematic): Paul describes his own apostolic service as arising from a divine gift of grace ('I became a servant ... by the gift of God's grace'), echoing the link between calling/commission and received mercy in 2 Cor 4:1.
- Hebrews 12:3 (verbal): The exhortation to not grow weary or lose heart (μὴ ἐγκακῶμεν / μὴ ἐγκακῆτε) parallels 2 Cor 4:1's refusal to faint, supplying a similar moral/encouraging motif in early Christian instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, since we have this ministry by God's mercy, we do not lose heart.
- Therefore, since we have this ministry by the mercy given us, we do not lose heart.
2Cor.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- απειπαμεθα: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,pl
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- κρυπτα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αισχυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μη: PART
- περιπατουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- πανουργια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- μηδε: CONJ
- δολουντες: VERB,part,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- φανερωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αληθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- συνιστανοντες: VERB,part,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- προς: PREP
- πασαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- συνειδησιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ενωπιον: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 2:17 (verbal): Uses similar language about mishandling or 'peddling' the word of God (οὐ γάρ ἐσμεν... ἐμπορευόμενοι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ), paralleling 'μη ... δολουντες τον λογον του θεου.'
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (thematic): Paul insists his ministry was not deceitful or for self‑gain but truthful and God‑accountable—echoing 2 Corinthians 4:2's denial of craftiness and commendation of truth before God and conscience.
- Titus 2:7 (verbal): Commands ministers to show 'uncorruptness' and 'sincerity' in doctrine (δεῖ ἔσεσθαι ἀφανὴς ἐν διδασκαλίᾳ), resonating with renouncing shameful secrets and avoiding deceit in handling God's word.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 (thematic): Links genuine teaching with a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith—paralleling 2 Cor 4:2's emphasis on appearing before every conscience by the revelation of truth.
Alternative generated candidates
- But we have renounced secret and shameful things; we do not practice deception or tamper with God's word. Rather, by the clear proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to every human conscience before God.
- But we have renounced the hidden things of shame; we do not practice deceit, nor do we tamper with God's word, but by the manifestation of the truth we commend ourselves to every human conscience before God.
2Cor.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κεκαλυμμενον: PART,perf,pas,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- απολλυμενοις: PART,pres,pass,dat,pl,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κεκαλυμμενον: PART,perf,pas,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (allusion): Prophetic background for the idea of a message being 'veiled' so that people hear but do not understand; Paul echoes this motif of spiritual dulling.
- Mark 4:11-12 (quotation): Jesus explains that parables keep outsiders from understanding, explicitly citing Isaiah's words about hearing without perception—paralleling Paul's 'veiled' gospel.
- John 12:40 (quotation): Quotes Isaiah to describe divine hardening/blinding of eyes—directly connects to the theme of a veiled or blinded reception of the gospel.
- Acts 28:26-27 (quotation): Paul himself cites Isaiah's prophecy about people who hear but do not understand, applying the same explanation for unbelief as in 2 Corinthians 4:3.
- 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 (verbal): Close intra-letter parallel: uses the 'veil' motif (veil on minds/hearts when reading Moses) to explain why spiritual truth remains hidden to some.
Alternative generated candidates
- And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
- And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing;
2Cor.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- αιωνος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τουτου: DEM,gen,sg,m
- ετυφλωσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- νοηματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- απιστων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μη: PART
- αυγασαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- φωτισμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ευαγγελιου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοξης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εικων: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (quotation): Paul's language about spiritual blindness echoes Isaiah's commission—making people 'hear but not understand, see but not perceive'—a scriptural basis for judicial hardening cited in the NT.
- John 12:40 (quotation): John explicitly cites Isaiah 6:9–10 to explain unbelief; parallels Paul’s depiction of minds blinded so they do not perceive the light of the gospel.
- Romans 11:8 (verbal): Paul uses closely related wording—'God gave them a spirit of stupor... eyes that cannot see'—to describe divine hardening that results in spiritual blindness.
- Ephesians 4:18 (verbal): Speaks of people 'having the understanding darkened' and being 'alienated from the life of God,' paralleling 2 Cor 4:4’s picture of minds blinded to the gospel’s light.
- Colossians 1:15 (structural): Declares Christ to be 'the image of the invisible God,' directly paralleling 2 Cor 4:4’s description of Christ as 'the image of God,' linking the gospel's light to Christ’s divine revelation.
Alternative generated candidates
- In their case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ—the image of God—may not dawn upon them.
- in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2Cor.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- κηρυσσομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- δουλους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- δια: PREP
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 2:2 (verbal): Paul states his determined focus: he resolved to know nothing among the Corinthians except Jesus Christ and him crucified — parallel emphasis on preaching Christ rather than promoting oneself.
- 2 Corinthians 2:17 (verbal): In the same letter Paul contrasts sincere ministry with 'peddling the word of God,' echoing 4:5's rejection of self‑promotion in preaching.
- Acts 20:24 (thematic): Paul declares his life is worth nothing if he may finish his ministry and testify to the gospel of the grace of God — highlights serving Christ and proclaiming the gospel rather than seeking personal gain.
- Romans 1:1 (thematic): Paul opens by identifying himself as 'a servant of Jesus Christ,' reflecting the servant‑language and Christ‑centered identity found in 2 Cor 4:5.
- Galatians 1:10 (thematic): Paul insists he does not seek to please men but Christ and would not be a servant of Christ if he sought human approval — reinforces the principle of serving Christ rather than self or people.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we do not proclaim ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
- For we do not proclaim ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Cor.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ειπων·Εκ: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- σκοτους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- λαμψει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ελαμψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- καρδιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- προς: PREP
- φωτισμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- γνωσεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοξης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- προσωπω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Genesis 1:3 (quotation): Paul explicitly echoes the creation command 'Let there be light' ('Ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψει'), using the Genesis motif to describe God bringing spiritual light into hearts.
- John 1:4-9 (thematic): John presents Christ as the true Light who illuminates humanity; parallels Paul’s idea of God shining in our hearts to give knowledge of God's glory in Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (structural): Within the same argument Paul speaks of beholding the Lord’s glory and being transformed—this develops the present verse’s theme of inward illumination by the glory of Christ.
- Hebrews 1:3 (verbal): Describes the Son as the 'radiance of God's glory' and the exact imprint of his nature, resonating with Paul’s focus on 'the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.'
Alternative generated candidates
- For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
- For it is God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2Cor.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εχομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- δε: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θησαυρον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τουτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- οστρακινοις: ADJ,dat,pl,n
- σκευεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- ινα: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- υπερβολη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δυναμεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- εξ: PREP
- ημων·: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (thematic): Paul's explicit teaching that God's power is perfected in human weakness complements 'treasure in earthen vessels'—the glory belongs to God, especially when believers are weak.
- 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (verbal): Uses household-vessel imagery (gold/silver/wood/clay) to describe differing purposes and sanctification, echoing the 'earthen vessels' metaphor for human frailty and divine use.
- Jeremiah 18:1-6 (allusion): The potter-and-clay scene portrays human pliability and dependence on the potter's shaping—an Old Testament background for understanding fragile human vessels shaped and empowered by God.
- Isaiah 64:8 (allusion): Israel as clay and God as potter emphasizes human contingency and God's sovereign workmanship, resonating with the idea that power belongs to God, not to fragile human vessels.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (thematic): Paul's theme that God chooses the weak and lowly to frustrate the strong parallels the purpose of the 'earthen vessels'—so that the surpassing power may be from God.
Alternative generated candidates
- But we carry this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be from God and not from us.
- But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from ourselves.
2Cor.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- θλιβομενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- αλλ᾽ου: CONJ
- στενοχωρουμενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- απορουμενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- αλλ᾽ουκ: CONJ
- εξαπορουμενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Cor 4:9 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same thought—further contrasts of suffering and survival: 'persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed,' forming a parallel cluster with v.8.
- 2 Cor 1:8-9 (thematic): Paul's earlier account of being 'crushed beyond strength' and 'despairing even of life' parallels the theme of intense pressure and yet not being ultimately undone, pointing to reliance on God.
- Rom 8:35-39 (thematic): A catalogue of hardships (tribulation, distress, persecution, etc.) paired with the assurance that nothing can separate believers from Christ—similar contrast between suffering and final security.
- John 16:33 (thematic): Jesus' promise that believers will have tribulation in the world but can take courage because he has overcome it echoes the tension of present trouble and sustained hope.
- Psalm 34:19 (thematic): 'Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all' provides an OT precedent for faithful persons experiencing multiple troubles yet receiving God's deliverance, resonant with v.8's juxtaposition.
Alternative generated candidates
- We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
- We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
2Cor.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- διωκομενοι: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,nom,pl,m
- αλλ᾽ουκ: CONJ
- εγκαταλειπομενοι: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,nom,pl,m
- καταβαλλομενοι: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,nom,pl,m
- αλλ᾽ουκ: CONJ
- απολλυμενοι: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (structural): Paul recounts being overwhelmed and despaired of life but not destroyed—same autobiographical experience of severe hardship leading to dependence on God, paralleling 'persecuted... not forsaken; struck down... not destroyed.'
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (structural): Paul's catalogue of beatings, imprisonments, dangers, and hardships echoes the concrete reality of persecution and suffering summarized in 4:9.
- Hebrews 13:5 (quotation): ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ closely echoes the assurance behind 'not forsaken,' a theological affirmation that sustains believers amid trials.
- Romans 8:35-39 (thematic): Paul's declaration that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ parallels the conviction that suffering and persecution do not ultimately destroy or abandon the believer.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 (verbal): God’s promise 'He will not leave you nor forsake you' is the Old Testament antecedent of the New Testament claim of not being forsaken amid persecution and danger.
Alternative generated candidates
- persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
- persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
2Cor.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παντοτε: ADV
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- νεκρωσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- σωματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- περιφεροντες: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ζωη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- σωματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- φανερωθη·: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
Parallels
- Galatians 2:20 (verbal): Both speak of union with Christ's death and the paradoxical result that Christ now lives in the believer ("crucified with Christ... Christ lives in me").
- Romans 6:8-11 (thematic): Paul teaches that believers are united with Christ in death and therefore should reckon themselves alive to God in Christ—echoing the motif of bearing Christ's death so his life is manifest.
- Philippians 3:10 (thematic): Desire to know Christ, share his sufferings and become like him in his death connects the experience of participating in Jesus' death with participation in his life/resurrection power.
- Romans 8:10-11 (allusion): If Christ is in you, the Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to your mortal bodies—paralleling the idea that the life of Jesus is manifested in our bodies.
- Colossians 3:3-4 (verbal): "You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ... when Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him" parallels the language of death in believers and Christ's life being theirs and ultimately revealed.
Alternative generated candidates
- Always carrying about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
- Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
2Cor.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αει: ADV
- γαρ: PART
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- ζωντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- θανατον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- παραδιδομεθα: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,1,pl
- δια: PREP
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ζωη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- φανερωθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- θνητη: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- σαρκι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- 2Cor.4.10 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same section: 'always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be manifested in our body' — nearly identical phrasing and intent.
- Philippians 1:20-21 (verbal): Paul's desire that Christ be magnified in his body 'whether by life or by death' and 'to live is Christ' echoes the idea of living unto death so that Christ's life is revealed in the believer's body.
- Galatians 2:20 (thematic): 'I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me' shares the theme of personal death/life union with Christ and Christ's life manifesting in the believer.
- Romans 8:11 (thematic): The Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to your mortal bodies — links the concept of divine life being given/manifested in mortal flesh, resonating with 'the life of Jesus' appearing in our mortal body.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we who live are constantly delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be revealed in our mortal flesh.
- For we who live are constantly being delivered up to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.
2Cor.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωστε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θανατος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- ενεργειται: VERB,pres,mid/pas,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- ζωη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- 2Cor.4.10 (verbal): Immediate context: Paul speaks of “carrying in the body the death of Jesus” so that “the life of Jesus may be manifested” — language closely parallels “death is at work in us, but life in you.”
- 2Cor.4.11 (structural): Continuation of the same argument: Paul explains that the apostles undergo dying (or are being given over to death) so that Christ’s life might be revealed, mirroring the contrast of death in Paul and life among the recipients.
- Gal.2.20 (thematic): Paul’s formula “I have been crucified with Christ... yet I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me” resonates with the paradox of death and life belonging to believers as the locus of Christ’s life.
- Rom.6.8-11 (thematic): Paul’s teaching that having died with Christ believers will live with him and are to consider themselves dead to sin but alive to God parallels the motif of participation in death producing new life.
- 1Cor.15.31 (thematic): “I die daily” expresses the same experiential reality of ongoing self‑mortification and suffering that Paul frames in 2 Corinthians as death at work in the apostles producing life for others.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
- So death works in us, but life in you.
2Cor.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εχοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- γεγραμμενον·Επιστευσα: PART,perf,pass,acc,sg,n;VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- διο: CONJ
- ελαλησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- πιστευομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- διο: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- λαλουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 116:10 (quotation): Paul explicitly cites this line as his scriptural source — 'I believed, therefore I spoke' — which he applies to himself and his companions.
- Romans 10:9-10 (thematic): Establishes the close link between inward belief and outward confession ('with the heart…believe' and 'with the mouth…confess'), echoing the belief→speech dynamic in 2 Cor 4:13.
- Acts 4:20 (verbal): The apostles declare 'we cannot but speak' about what they have seen and heard; like Paul, they present speaking as the necessary outflow of conviction and witness.
- 1 Peter 3:15 (thematic): Instructs believers to 'always be ready to give a defense for the hope' within them—another admonition that faith obliges verbal witness and explanation.
- 1 Corinthians 15:11 (thematic): Paul links preaching and belief ('whether then it was I or they, so we preach, and so you believed'), reflecting the reciprocal relation of proclamation and faith found in 2 Cor 4:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- Since we have the same spirit of faith as he wrote, 'I believed, therefore I spoke,' we also believe, and therefore we also speak.
- Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we also speak;
2Cor.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειδοτες: PTCP,perf,act,nom,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εγειρας: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- συν: PREP
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εγερει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- παραστησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- συν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (thematic): Speaks of Christ as the firstfruits of those raised and the future resurrection of those 'in Christ' at his coming — parallels the assurance that God who raised Jesus will also raise believers.
- Romans 8:11 (verbal): Explicitly states that the same Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to believers' mortal bodies, echoing the same agent and outcome of resurrection.
- Colossians 3:4 (thematic): Declares that when Christ appears, believers will appear with him in glory — closely parallels the idea of being raised and presented with Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 (thematic): Affirms that since Jesus died and rose, God will bring with Jesus those who have died; emphasizes resurrection and being 'with' Christ at his coming, resonant with 2 Cor 4:14.
- Romans 6:4-5 (structural): Connects Christian participation in Christ's death and resurrection and the future hope of living a new life — the union with Christ in his resurrection underlies the promise that believers will be raised.
Alternative generated candidates
- Knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.
- knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.
2Cor.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- γαρ: PART
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- δι᾽υμας: PREP+PRON,acc,pl,2
- ινα: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- πλεονασασα: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- πλειονων: ADJ,gen,pl,n
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ευχαριστιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- περισσευση: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 (verbal): Uses nearly the same idea and language: the ministry/service yields abundance of thanksgivings to God—direct verbal parallel to 4:15’s purpose of grace producing thanksgiving to God’s glory.
- Colossians 1:10-12 (thematic): Prayer for fruitfulness in every good work and increasing knowledge that results in giving thanks to the Father—theme of ministry/fruit leading to thanksgiving and God’s glory.
- Philippians 1:11 (thematic): Speaks of being filled with the fruit of righteousness 'to the glory and praise of God,' echoing 4:15’s link between resulting spiritual increase and praise/glory to God.
- Romans 15:16 (structural): Paul’s account of ministerial purpose—presenting Gentiles as an offering acceptable to God—parallels 4:15’s structuring of ministry activity as directed toward God’s glory via thankful response.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (thematic): When the Thessalonians accepted the word as God’s word they became an occasion for thanksgiving and glorifying God—similar causal sequence: reception/fruit of ministry leads to thanksgiving to God.
Alternative generated candidates
- For all things are for your sake, so that grace, spreading through many, may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God.
- For all things are for your sake, so that grace, having spread to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God.
2Cor.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εγκακουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- αλλ᾽ει: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εξω: ADV
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- διαφθειρεται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- αλλ᾽ο: CONJ
- εσω: ADV
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- ανακαινουται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (structural): Develops the same contrast between the perishable outer body/tent and an eternal inner dwelling—anticipates the theme of outward wasting and inward renewal/resurrection hope.
- Galatians 6:9 (thematic): Shares the exhortation not to grow weary or lose heart (μη ἐγκακῶμεν); encourages perseverance despite present toil because of future fruit.
- Ephesians 4:23 (verbal): Uses the language of renewal (ἀνακαινουσθῆναι τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ νοὸς) — a close verbal/thematic parallel to ἀνακαινουται (being renewed) in 2 Cor 4:16.
- Isaiah 40:31 (thematic): Speaks of renewed strength for those who wait on the Lord (they 'renew their strength'), echoing the biblical motif of divine, ongoing renewal despite human weakness.
- Romans 8:18 (thematic): Contrasts present sufferings and suffering bodies with future glory—parallels Paul’s contrast between outward decay and inward, eschatological renewal.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
- Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2Cor.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- παραυτικα: ADV
- ελαφρον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- θλιψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- καθ᾽υπερβολην: ADV
- εις: PREP
- υπερβολην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αιωνιον: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- βαρος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- δοξης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- κατεργαζεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
Parallels
- Rom.8.18 (thematic): Paul’s statement that present sufferings are not worth comparing with future glory parallels the contrast between current light affliction and the surpassing eternal weight of glory.
- 2Cor.4.18 (structural): Immediate literary companion verse: contrasts the seen/temporary (our affliction) with the unseen/eternal (the weight of glory) and explains the perspective underlying 4:17.
- Rom.8.35-39 (thematic): Affirmation that nothing (including suffering) can separate believers from the glory to be revealed echoes the certainty that present tribulation yields future glory.
- 1Pet.4.13 (thematic): Encourages rejoicing in sharing Christ’s sufferings so that one may also rejoice at the revelation of his glory, linking present suffering with future glorification.
- 2Cor.1.5-7 (thematic): Paul’s reflection that the sufferings of Christ and the comfort they produce for believers lead to endurance and hope connects the purpose and result of present affliction seen in 4:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond measure.
- For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
2Cor.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- σκοπουντων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,gen,pl,masc
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- βλεπομενα: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,acc,pl,neut
- αλλα: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- μη: PART
- βλεπομενα: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,acc,pl,neut
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- γαρ: PART
- βλεπομενα: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,acc,pl,neut
- προσκαιρα: ADJ,acc,pl,neut
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- μη: PART
- βλεπομενα: VERB,pres,pass,ptc,acc,pl,neut
- αιωνια: ADJ,acc,pl,neut
Parallels
- Hebrews 11:1 (verbal): Defines faith as confidence in things hoped for and conviction of things not seen, echoing the contrast between the seen and the unseen in 2 Cor 4:18.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (verbal): Directly expresses the same principle—'we walk by faith, not by sight'—reiterating focus on the unseen realities rather than visible circumstances.
- Colossians 3:2 (verbal): Calls believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things, paralleling the exhortation to fix attention on the unseen, eternal realm.
- Romans 8:24-25 (thematic): Speaks of hope for what is not yet seen—waiting in patient hope—resonating with the idea that the seen is temporary while the unseen is the object of enduring hope.
- Matthew 6:19-21 (thematic): Contrasts transient earthly treasures with eternal heavenly realities, illustrating the same temporal/eternal distinction that motivates focusing on the unseen.
Alternative generated candidates
- So we do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen; for what is seen is transient, but what is unseen is eternal.
- while we do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen; for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Therefore, since by God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden and shameful ways; we do not practice deceit, nor do we tamper with God's word. On the contrary, by plainly setting forth the truth we commend ourselves to every human conscience before God. And even if the gospel we proclaim is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
In their case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
For we do not proclaim ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Always we carry about in our bodies the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
For we who live are constantly delivered up to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be revealed in our mortal flesh. Thus death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. But we have the same spirit of faith, as it is written, 'I believed, therefore I spoke.' We also believe, and therefore we speak.
Knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
For all this is for your sake, so that grace, multiplying through the many, may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outward self is wasting away, yet our inward self is being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. So we do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.