2 Corinthians 4:16

16 This is why we do not lose courage. Though our outer self is heading for decay, our inner self is being renewed daily.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not
Since our afflictions are overruled for the good of others, and the glory of God, we are not discouraged by them; our spirits do not sink under the weight of them; we do not give out from the work of the ministry because of them, but go on cheerfully therein: and the more so, since

though our outward man perish;
our outward circumstances of life are very mean and despicable; we are oftentimes in a very distressed condition through hunger, thirst, nakedness, and want of the common necessaries of life; our bodies are almost worn out with fatigue, labour, and sorrow; our earthly tabernacles are tottering, and just ready to fall in pieces:

yet the inward man is renewed day by day;
that is, continually; it answers to (Mwy Mwyw) , an Hebraism; see ( Esther 2:11 ) ( 3:4 ) the internal hidden man of the heart, the new man is in a prosperous condition; our souls are in good health; the work of God is comfortably carried on in us; we have sweet and repeated experiences of the love of God; we are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ; and, like the palm tree, the more weight is hung upon it, the more it thrives; and, like the children of Israel in Egypt, the more they were afflicted the more they grew.

2 Corinthians 4:16 In-Context

14 because we know that he who raised the Lord Yeshua will also raise us with Yeshua and bring us along with you into his presence.

15 All this is for your sakes, so that as grace flows out to more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to overflow and bring glory to God.

16 This is why we do not lose courage. Though our outer self is heading for decay, our inner self is being renewed daily.

17 For our light and transient troubles are achieving for us an everlasting glory whose weight is beyond description.

18 We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen, since things seen are temporary, but things not seen are eternal.