2 Corinthians 4:7

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 in Other Translations

KJV
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
ESV
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
NLT
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
MSG
7 If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us.
CSB
7 Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 In-Context

5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

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Cross References 2

  • 1. Job 4:19; Isaiah 64:8; 2 Timothy 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:1
  • 2. Judges 7:2; 1 Corinthians 2:5; 2 Corinthians 6:7
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