2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not;
Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards.
2 But we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor adulterating the word of God; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience, in the sight of God.
Nay, we have renounced the secrecy which marks a feeling of shame. We practice no cunning tricks, nor do we adulterate God's Message. But by a full clear statement of the truth we strive to commend ourselves in the presence of God to every human conscience.
3 And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost,
If, however, the meaning of our Good News has been veiled, the veil has been on the hearts of those who are on the way to perdition,
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. (aiōn g165)
in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God. (aiōn g165)
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants through Jesus.
(For we do not proclaim ourselves, but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bondservants for the sake of Jesus.)
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.
For God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," is He who has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory, which is radiant on the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us.
But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and not to originate in us.
8 In all things we suffer tribulation, but are not distressed; we are straitened, but are not destitute;
We are hard pressed, yet never in absolute distress; perplexed, yet never utterly baffled;
9 We suffer persecution, but are not forsaken; we are cast down, but we perish not:
pursued, yet never left unsuccoured; struck to the ground, yet never slain;
10 Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies.
always, wherever we go, carrying with us in our bodies the putting to death of Jesus, so that in our bodies it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives.
11 For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake; that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
For we, alive though we are, are continually surrendering ourselves to death for the sake of Jesus, so that in this mortal nature of ours it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
Thus we are constantly dying, while you are in full enjoyment of Life.
13 But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken; we also believe, for which cause we speak also:
But possessing the same Spirit of faith as he who wrote, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken," we also believe, and therefore we speak.
14 Knowing that he who raised up Jesus, will raise us up also with Jesus, and place us with you.
For we know that He who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will raise us also to be with Jesus, and will cause both us and you to stand in His own presence.
15 For all things are for your sakes; that the grace abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.
For everything is for your sakes, in order that grace, being more richly bestowed because of the thanksgivings of the increased number, may more and more promote the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Therefore we are not cowards. Nay, even though our outward man is wasting away, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.
17 For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. (aiōnios g166)
For this our light and transitory burden of suffering is achieving for us a preponderating, yes, a vastly preponderating, and eternal weight of glory; (aiōnios g166)
18 While we 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. (aiōnios g166)
while we look not at things seen, but things unseen; for things seen are temporary, but things unseen are eternal. (aiōnios g166)
