2 Corinthians 4:16

16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is being destroyed, yet our inner [person] is being renewed day after day.

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 the one who raised Jesus will also raise us together with Jesus and present [us] together with you.

15 For all [these things] {are for your sake}, in order that the grace that is increasing through the many may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is being destroyed, yet our inner [person] is being renewed day after day.

17 For our momentary light affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory {beyond all measure and proportion},

18 [because] we are not looking at what is seen, but what is not seen. For what is seen [is] temporary, but what is not seen [is] eternal.