Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. Berean Standard Bible Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. Berean Literal Bible Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassingness of the power may be from God, and not from us, King James Bible But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. New King James Version But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. New American Standard Bible But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; NASB 1995 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; NASB 1977 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; Legacy Standard Bible But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; Amplified Bible But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. Christian Standard Bible Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. American Standard Version But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; Contemporary English Version We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. English Revised Version But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; GOD'S WORD® Translation Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us. Good News Translation Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. International Standard Version But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us. Majority Standard Bible Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. NET Bible But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that the extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. New Heart English Bible But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. Webster's Bible Translation But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not from us. Weymouth New Testament 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. World English Bible But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us, Berean Literal Bible Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassingness of the power may be from God, and not from us, Young's Literal Translation And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us; Smith's Literal Translation And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the eminence of power be of God, and not of us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us. Catholic Public Domain Version But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, so that what is sublime may be of the power of God, and not of us. New American Bible But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. New Revised Standard Version But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of power may be from God, and not of us. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But we have this treasure in Earthen vessels, that the greatness of the power would be from God and not from us. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be God's and not our own. Godbey New Testament But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, in order that the excellency of the power, may be of God, and not of us; Haweis New Testament But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the transcendent excellence of the power might be of God, and not of us. Mace New Testament but this treasure is lodg'd in such earthen vessels as we are, that the exceeding efficacy of it may appear to be from God, and not from us. Weymouth New Testament 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. Worrell New Testament But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness may be of God, and not from ourselves; Worsley New Testament But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power might be evidently of God, and not of us: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Treasures in Jars of Clay6For 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 the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;… Cross References 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. 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. Romans 9:21-23 Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? / What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? / What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory— 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe. 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, Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. / So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. 1 Corinthians 2:5 so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Jeremiah 18:1-6 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: / “Go down at once to the potter’s house, and there I will give you My message.” / So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel. ... Judges 7:2 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Zechariah 4:6-7 So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. / What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” Treasury of Scripture But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. this. 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. Matthew 13:44,52 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field… in. 2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Judges 7:13,14,16-20 And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along… that. 2 Corinthians 3:5,6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; … 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure… 2 Corinthians 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Jump to Previous Belong Belongs Clay Earth Earthen Exceeding Excellence Excellency Fragile Greatness Jars Order Originate Ourselves Power Show Surpassing Transcendent Treasure Vase Vessels WealthJump to Next Belong Belongs Clay Earth Earthen Exceeding Excellence Excellency Fragile Greatness Jars Order Originate Ourselves Power Show Surpassing Transcendent Treasure Vase Vessels Wealth2 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. Now we have this treasure in jars of clay The "treasure" refers to the gospel and the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. The metaphor of "jars of clay" suggests human frailty and mortality. In ancient times, clay jars were common household items, inexpensive and easily broken, symbolizing the fragile nature of human beings. This imagery emphasizes that the power and glory of the gospel are not dependent on human strength or wisdom. The use of clay jars can also be seen as a type of Christ, who took on human form, embodying humility and vulnerability. to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage and instruct them in their faith. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, but also for its moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced many issues, including divisions and misunderstandings about the gospel. 3. The Corinthian Church The recipients of this letter, they were a group of believers struggling with various issues, including understanding the nature of true spiritual power and authority. 4. Jars of Clay A metaphor used by Paul to describe human frailty and the humble vessels through which God's power is displayed. 5. The Treasure Refers to the gospel and the knowledge of God's glory, which believers carry within them. Teaching Points Human Frailty and Divine PowerRecognize that our human weaknesses are not a hindrance but an opportunity for God's power to be displayed. Embrace your limitations as a platform for God's strength. The Value of the Gospel Understand that the true treasure is the gospel itself, not the vessel that carries it. Prioritize the message of Christ over personal accolades or achievements. Humility in Service Serve with humility, acknowledging that any success or impact is due to God's power, not personal ability. This perspective fosters a spirit of gratitude and dependence on God. God's Sovereignty and Purpose Trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He chooses to use imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will. This encourages perseverance and faithfulness in ministry. Living as a Witness Live in a way that reflects the surpassing power of God, allowing others to see His work in and through you. Your life should point others to the source of true power and hope.(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.--The imagery here begins to change. The treasure is "the knowledge of the glory of God" as possessed by the Apostle. It was the practice of Eastern kings, who stored up their treasures of gold and silver, to fill jars of earthenware with coin or bullion (Herod. iii. 103. Comp. also Jeremiah 32:14). "So," St. Paul says, in a tone of profound humility, "it is with us. In these frail bodies of ours--'earthen vessels'--we have that priceless treasure." The passage is instructive, as showing that the "vessels of wood and of earth" in 2Timothy 2:20 are not necessarily identical with those made for dishonour. The words have probably a side glance at the taunts that had been thrown out as to his bodily infirmities. "Be it so," he says; "we admit all that can be said on that score, and it is that men may see that the excellence of the power which we exercise comes from God, and not from ourselves." The words that follow, contrasting sufferings and infirmities in their manifold variety with the way in which they were borne through God's strengthening grace, show this to be the true underlying sequence of thought.Verses 7-15. - Glory of the ministry in the midst of its weakness and suffering. Verse 7. - In earthen vessels. The glorious light which we have to show to the world is, like Gideon's torches, carried in earthen pitchers. The word skenos, vessel, is used in Mark 11:16, and "vessels of earthenware" in Revelation 2:27. St. Paul, in Acts 9:15, is called "a vessel of election," whence Dante calls him lo vas d elezione. Man can never be more than an earthen vessel, being frail and humble, and the metaphor specially suits an apostle of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:20). But when he takes the Word of life from the earthen pitcher and waves it in the air, it illuminates all on whom the light shines. No commentator seems to have seen the probable allusion to Gideon's pitchers. It is the "light," of which he has been speaking exclusively in the last verses, which constitutes the "treasure." Those who suppose that the "treasure" is gold or silver or something else of value, refer to Jeremiah 32:14, and Herod., 3:103; Pers., 'Sat.,' 2:10. The excellency; literally, the excess or abundance. Of God, and not of us; rather, of God, and not from us. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Nowδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. we have Ἔχομεν (Echomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. this τοῦτον (touton) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. treasure θησαυρὸν (thēsauron) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2344: A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. jars σκεύεσιν (skeuesin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 4632: A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband). of clay ὀστρακίνοις (ostrakinois) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 3749: Made of clay, earthen. From ostrakon; earthen-ware, i.e. Clayey; by implication, frail. to show that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. [this] ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. surpassingly great ὑπερβολὴ (hyperbolē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 5236: From huperballo; a throwing beyond others, i.e. supereminence; adverbially pre- eminently. power δυνάμεως (dynameōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. is ᾖ (ē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. from God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. not μὴ (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. us. 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. Links 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT 2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV 2 Corinthians 4:7 NASB 2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV 2 Corinthians 4:7 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 4:7 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 4:7 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 4:7 French Bible 2 Corinthians 4:7 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in clay (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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