2 Corinthians 4:16
New International Version
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

New Living Translation
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

English Standard Version
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore we do not lose heart; but indeed if our outward man is being brought to decay, yet our inner self is being renewed day and day.

King James Bible
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

New King James Version
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.

NASB 1995
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

NASB 1977
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Amplified Bible
Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

American Standard Version
Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

Contemporary English Version
We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day.

English Revised Version
Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day.

Good News Translation
For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.

International Standard Version
That's why we are not discouraged. No, even if outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed each and every day.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet the inner self is being renewed day by day.

NET Bible
Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore we do not become discouraged, but even though our outer nature is wearing away, yet our inner nature is being renewed day by day.

Webster's Bible Translation
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man is wasted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore we are not cowards. Nay, even though our outward man is wasting away, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.

World English Bible
Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for this reason, we do not faint, but if our outward man also decays, yet the inward is renewed day by day;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore we do not lose heart; but indeed if our outward man is being brought to decay, yet our inner self is being renewed day and day.

Young's Literal Translation
wherefore, we faint not, but if also our outward man doth decay, yet the inward is renewed day by day;

Smith's Literal Translation
Wherefore we lose not courage; but if also our man without is destroyed, but he within is renewed day and day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this reason, we are not insufficient. But it is as though our outer man is corrupted, while our inner man is renewed from day to day.

New American Bible
Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

New Revised Standard Version
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For this reason, we do not grow weary; for though our outward man perish, yet the inner man is renewed day by day.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Because of this, it is not tiresome to us, for even if our external person is being destroyed, on the other hand, that which is from within is renewed day by day.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this reason we faint not: but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore we faint not; but if indeed our external man perishes, yet our internal man is renewed day by day.

Haweis New Testament
Therefore we never faint; for though our outward man decay, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Mace New Testament
for which cause I am not discouraged, but tho' my body decays, yet my mind is daily renewed.

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore we are not cowards. Nay, even though our outward man is wasting away, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.

Worrell New Testament
Wherefore, we faint not; but even if our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.

Worsley New Testament
For which cause we are not disheartened: but though our outward man decayeth, yet the inward man is renewed daily.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Treasures in Jars of Clay
15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.…

Cross References
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Ephesians 3:16
I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,

Philippians 3:21
who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

1 Peter 1:23
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Hebrews 12:3
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

Psalm 103:5
who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Ephesians 4:22-24
to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.


Treasury of Scripture

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

we.

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Psalm 27:13
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 119:81
CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

though.

2 Corinthians 12:15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

Job 19:26,27
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: …

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

the.

Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

1 Peter 3:4
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

is.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

day by.

Luke 11:3
Give us day by day our daily bread.

Jump to Previous
Cause Consumed Cowards Decay Decaying Faint Feebler Getting Heart Indeed Inner Inward Inwardly Lose Nature New Outer Outward Outwardly Perish Renewed Wasted Wasting Way Weariness
Jump to Next
Cause Consumed Cowards Decay Decaying Faint Feebler Getting Heart Indeed Inner Inward Inwardly Lose Nature New Outer Outward Outwardly Perish Renewed Wasted Wasting Way Weariness
2 Corinthians 4
1. Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,
7. and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,
12. to the benefit of the church,
16. and to the apostle's own eternal glory.














Therefore we do not lose heart.
This phrase serves as a conclusion to the preceding discussion about the trials and tribulations faced by Paul and his companions. Despite the hardships, Paul emphasizes perseverance and hope. The use of "therefore" connects this statement to the previous verses where Paul discusses the light of the gospel and the power of God sustaining them. This reflects a common biblical theme of enduring faith, as seen in Hebrews 12:3, where believers are encouraged not to grow weary or lose heart.

Though our outer self is wasting away,
Paul acknowledges the physical decline and suffering that come with life and ministry. This reflects the human condition post-Fall, as described in Genesis 3, where mortality and decay entered the world. The "outer self" refers to the physical body, which is subject to aging, illness, and persecution. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of the temporary nature of earthly life, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, which poetically describes the aging process.

yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
In contrast to the physical decline, Paul speaks of a spiritual renewal that occurs continually. This renewal is a work of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Titus 3:5, where the Spirit regenerates and renews believers. The "inner self" refers to the spiritual aspect of a person, which grows stronger through faith and communion with God. This daily renewal is a process of sanctification, aligning with Romans 12:2, which calls believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This phrase underscores the hope and strength found in a relationship with Christ, who is the source of spiritual life and renewal.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage them amidst trials and suffering.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where Paul established a church during his missionary journeys.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of this letter, they were a diverse group of believers facing internal and external challenges.

4. The Holy Spirit
Implicit in the renewal of the inner self, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's transformation.

5. Suffering and Persecution
The context of Paul's message, as he and the early Christians faced significant hardships for their faith.
Teaching Points
Do Not Lose Heart
Despite the challenges and decay of our physical bodies, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and hopeful.

The Outer Self vs. The Inner Self
Recognize the distinction between the temporary nature of our physical bodies and the eternal renewal of our spiritual selves.

Daily Renewal
Emphasize the importance of daily spiritual renewal through prayer, scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Perspective
Encourage believers to focus on eternal realities rather than temporary hardships, fostering resilience and hope.

Role of the Holy Spirit
Acknowledge the Holy Spirit's work in renewing and transforming our inner selves, empowering us to live out our faith.(16) For which cause we faint not.--Ho returns, after a long digression, to the assertion with which 2 Corinthians 4 had opened, but in repeating the words he enters once again on the same line of thought, but under a different succession of imagery. The "outward man," the material framework of the body, is undergoing a gradual process of decay, but the "inward man," the higher spiritual life, is "day by day" passing through successive stages of renewal, gaining fresh energies. This verb also, and its derivative "renewal," are specially characteristic of St. Paul. (Comp. Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:10; Titus 3:5.) The verb in Ephesians 4:23, though not the same, is equivalent in meaning.

Verses 16-18. - The Christian minister is upheld by hope. Verse 16. - Therefore. Knowing that our daily death is the pathway to eternal life (ver. 14). We faint not (see ver. 1). Though; rather, even if. Our outward man. Our life in its human and corporeal conditions. The inward man. Namely, our moral and spiritual being, that "new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:10). Is renewed; literally, is being renewed; i.e. by faith and hope. Day by day. The Greek phrase is not classical, but is a reminiscence of the Hebrew.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore
Διὸ (Dio)
Conjunction
Strong's 1352: Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.

we do not lose heart.
ἐγκακοῦμεν (enkakoumen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1573: To be faint, be weary. From ek and kakos; to be weak, i.e. to fail.

[Though]
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

outer
ἔξω (exō)
Adverb
Strong's 1854: Without, outside. Adverb from ek; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively.

self
ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

is wasting away,
διαφθείρεται (diaphtheiretai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1311: To destroy, waste; hence met: I corrupt. From diaballo and phtheiro; to rot thoroughly, i.e. to ruin.

yet
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

inner
ἔσω (esō)
Adverb
Strong's 2080: Within, inside, with verbs either of rest or of motion; prep: within, to within, inside. From eis; inside.

[self]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is being renewed
ἀνακαινοῦται (anakainoutai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 341: To renew, make new again. From ana and a derivative of kainos; to renovate.

day
ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

by
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

day.
ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we don't faint but though our (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 4:15
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