But we have this treasure in [a](A)earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of (B)the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are (C)afflicted in every way, but not (D)crushed; (E)perplexed, but not despairing; (F)persecuted, but not (G)abandoned; (H)struck down, but not destroyed; 10 (I)always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that (J)the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you.

13 But having the same (K)spirit of faith, according to what is written: “(L)I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that He who (M)raised the Lord Jesus (N)will also raise us with Jesus, and will (O)present us with you. 15 For all things are (P)for your sakes, so that grace, having [b](Q)spread to more and more people, will cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we (R)do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our (S)inner person is (T)being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary, (U)light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we (V)look not 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.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 4:7 Or earthenware containers
  2. 2 Corinthians 4:15 Lit multiplied through the many

But we have this treasure in jars of clay(A) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God(B) and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side,(C) but not crushed; perplexed,(D) but not in despair; persecuted,(E) but not abandoned;(F) struck down, but not destroyed.(G) 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,(H) so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.(I) 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake,(J) so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.(K)

13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”[a](L) Since we have that same spirit of[b] faith,(M) we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead(N) will also raise us with Jesus(O) and present us with you to himself.(P) 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving(Q) to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart.(R) Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly(S) we are being renewed(T) day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.(U) 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,(V) since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 4:13 Psalm 116:10 (see Septuagint)
  2. 2 Corinthians 4:13 Or Spirit-given