New International VersionSo we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
New Living TranslationSo we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
English Standard Versionas we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Berean Standard BibleSo we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Berean Literal BibleWe are not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen are temporary, but the things not being seen are eternal.
King James BibleWhile we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
New King James Versionwhile we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
New American Standard Biblewhile we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
NASB 1995while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
NASB 1977while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Legacy Standard Biblewhile we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Amplified BibleSo we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.
Christian Standard BibleSo we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
American Standard Versionwhile we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Contemporary English VersionThings that are seen don't last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. This is why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.
English Revised Versionwhile we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWe don't look for things that can be seen but for things that can't be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can't be seen last forever.
Good News TranslationFor we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.
International Standard Versionbecause we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal.
NET Biblebecause we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
New Heart English Biblewhile we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are everlasting.
Webster's Bible TranslationWhile we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Weymouth New Testamentwhile we look not at things seen, but things unseen; for things seen are temporary, but things unseen are eternal. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
World English Biblewhile we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwe [are] not looking to the things seen, but to the things not seen; for the things seen [are] temporary, but the things not seen [are] continuous.
Berean Literal BibleWe are not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen are temporary, but the things not being seen are eternal.
Young's Literal Translation we not looking to the things seen, but to the things not seen; for the things seen are temporary, but the things not seen are age-during.
Smith's Literal TranslationWe looking not at things seen, but at things not seen: for things seen, temporary; and things not seen, eternal. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhile we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen, are temporal; but the things which are not seen, are eternal.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd we are contemplating, not the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporal, whereas the things that are not seen are eternal.
New American Bibleas we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.
New Revised Standard Versionbecause we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWe do not rejoice in the things which are seen, but in the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor we do not rejoice in those things that are seen, but in these things that are unseen. For things seen are time related, but those things that are unseen are eternal. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentexcelling all excellence, ls while we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen: for the things seen are temporal; but the things not seen are eternal.
Godbey New Testamentwe not looking at the things which are visible, but the things which are invisible; for the visible things are temporary, but the invisible things are eternal.
Haweis New Testamentwhilst we direct our aim not to the things which are seen, but to the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal.
Mace New Testament
for I have no regard to the things which are visible, but to such as are invisible: since visible things are temporary, but the invisible are eternal.
Weymouth New Testament
while we look not at things seen, but things unseen; for things seen are temporary, but things unseen are eternal.
Worrell New Testament
while we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen; for the things that are seenare temporal, but the things that are unseenare eternal.
Worsley New Testament
for those, which are visible,are temporary, but the invisibleare eternal.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Treasures in Jars of Clay… 17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. 18So wefix our eyesnoton whatis seen,buton whatis unseen.Forwhatis seenis temporary,butwhatis unseenis eternal.
Cross References Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.
Romans 8:24-25For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? / But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.
Colossians 3:1-2Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
1 John 2:15-17Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Hebrews 12:2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:20-21But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / 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 1:8-9Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, / now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Corinthians 13:12Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
John 14:1-3“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. / In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.
Isaiah 40:6-8A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Psalm 39:4-5“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah
Psalm 90:2-4Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. / You return man to dust, saying, “Return, O sons of mortals.” / For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes, or a watch of the night.
Ecclesiastes 1:2-4“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” / What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? / Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.
Isaiah 64:6Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
Treasury of Scripture While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. we. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) Romans 8:24,25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? … Hebrews 11:1,25-27 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen… for. Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Leviticus 16:25,26 And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar… 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath givenus everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Jump to Previous Age-DuringEternalEyesFixMindsTemporalTemporaryTimeTransientUnseenJump to Next Age-DuringEternalEyesFixMindsTemporalTemporaryTimeTransientUnseen2 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.So we fix our eyes not on what is seenThis phrase emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual realities rather than physical appearances. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the challenges and sufferings faced by believers. The "seen" refers to the tangible, material world, which includes trials, persecutions, and the transient nature of life. This aligns with Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. The call to fix our eyes on the unseen is a call to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and eternal truths. but on what is unseen
The "unseen" represents the spiritual realm and eternal truths that are not visible to the human eye. This includes the presence of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life. In2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul reiterates this by stating, "For we live by faith, not by sight." The unseen is also connected to the kingdom of God, which Jesus often described in parables as something not immediately apparent but of immense value and eternal significance. For what is seen is temporary
The temporary nature of the seen world is a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly life and possessions. This echoes the sentiments found inJames 4:14, where life is described as a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. The temporary nature of the world is a call to prioritize spiritual over material wealth, as Jesus taught inMatthew 6:19-20, urging believers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. but what is unseen is eternal
The eternal nature of the unseen underscores the everlasting reality of God's kingdom and the believer's future hope. This eternal perspective is central to Christian doctrine, as seen inJohn 3:16, which promises eternal life to those who believe in Jesus Christ. The unseen includes the eternal glory that far outweighs present sufferings, as Paul describes earlier in2 Corinthians 4:17. This eternal focus encourages believers to endure hardships with the assurance of a future that is secure and everlasting in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage them in their faith and to remind them of the eternal perspective they should maintain. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues, which Paul addresses in his letters. 3. The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of this letter, they were a diverse group of believers struggling with various issues, including understanding the nature of suffering and the hope of eternal life. Teaching Points Eternal PerspectiveFocus on the eternal rather than the temporary. Our lives should be oriented towards what lasts forever, not just what is immediately visible or tangible. Faith Over SightCultivate a faith that trusts in God's promises and the reality of the unseen spiritual world, even when circumstances are challenging. Temporary vs. EternalRecognize the transient nature of earthly life and possessions. This awareness should influence our priorities and decisions. Hope in SufferingIn times of trial, remember that our current sufferings are temporary and that eternal glory awaits those who persevere in faith. Spiritual DiscernmentDevelop the ability to discern spiritual truths and realities, which requires time in prayer and study of the Scriptures. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 4:18?
2.How can we focus on "what is unseen" in our daily lives?
3.What does "eternal" mean in the context of 2 Corinthians 4:18?
4.How does 2 Corinthians 4:18 connect with Hebrews 11:1 on faith?
5.Why are "seen" things considered temporary according to 2 Corinthians 4:18?
6.How can focusing on the eternal transform our perspective on current struggles?
7.How does 2 Corinthians 4:18 challenge our focus on material versus spiritual realities?
8.What does "what is unseen is eternal" mean in 2 Corinthians 4:18?
9.How can believers apply 2 Corinthians 4:18 in daily life?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 4?
11.What defines an eternal perspective?
12.What is the biblical perspective on house fires?
13.What defines an eternal perspective?
14.What defines spiritual metaphysics?What Does 2 Corinthians 4:18 Mean So we fix our eyes“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outward self is wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2Colossians 4:16). Paul’s “so” links right back to that. • Fixing our eyes is an intentional, ongoing choice—like “setting our minds on things above” (Colossians 3:1-2). • It’s not merely a glance; it’s a steady gaze, echoingPsalm 123:2, “As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master … so our eyes look to the LORD our God.”
Not on what is seenThe visible world includes our frail bodies, daily troubles, and everything culture calls impressive. Yet Scripture warns, “The world is passing away along with its desires” (1 John 2:17). • Paul’s own hardships—shipwrecks, imprisonments, beatings (2Colossians 11:23-27)—were painfully “seen,” but he refused to let them dominate his field of vision. •Hebrews 12:2 invites the same redirection: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
But on what is unseen• The unseen is the realm where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1), where believers already possess “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3). • It includes God’s ongoing work in us—“being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2Colossians 3:18)—and the glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18). • Faith itself operates here: “Faith is the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
For what is seen is temporary• Everything tangible is “like grass” that withers (1 Peter 1:24). • Our present sufferings are called “light and momentary affliction” that “is producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2Colossians 4:17). • Even our physical bodies are tents to be folded up, awaiting a building from God (2 Corinthians 5:1).
But what is unseen is eternal• God’s character, promises, and kingdom are unshakeable (Hebrews 12:28). • Our inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). • Eternal life starts now (John 17:3) and reaches fullness in the “new heaven and new earth” (Revelation 21:1).
summary2 Corinthians 4:18 urges a deliberate shift of focus—from the passing and painful to the permanent and glorious. By fixing our eyes on the unseen realities of Christ’s kingdom, we gain courage for today’s trials and confidence in tomorrow’s resurrection glory. (18) While we look not at the things which are seen.--The "while we look" is, according to the Greek idiom, the condition of what had been stated in the preceding verse. The "look" is that of one who contemplates this or that as the end or goal for which he strives. The "things that are seen" are, of course, all the incidents and circumstances of the present life; the "things that are not seen" (the very phrase of Hebrews 11:1) are the objects of faith, immortality, eternal life, the crown of righteousness, the beatific vision. These things are subject to no time-limits, and endure through all the ages of God's purposes. The others are but for a brief season, and then are as though they had not been. Striking as the words are, they find an echo in the words of a contemporary seeker after wisdom: "These things (the things which most men seek after)," says Seneca ( Ep. lix.), "are but objects of the imagination, and present a show of being but for a time . . . Let us give our minds to the things which are eternal." Verse 18. -While we look not at the things which are seen. The Greek suggests more of a reason, "Since we are not gazing at things visible" (see2 Corinthians 5:7).Things which are not seen. The negative is thesubjective negative. It expresses not only the fact that now these things are not seen, but that it is theirnature to be unseen by the bodily eyes.Temporal. That is, temporary, transitory, phantasmal, a passing world; for which reason we do not fix our gaze or our aim upon it. But the things which are not seen are eternal The clause is important, as showing that eternity is not a mere extension of time, but a condition qualitatively different from time. The "things eternal" exist as much now as they will ever do. We are as much living in eternity now as we ever shall be. The only difference will be that we shall then see him who is now unseen, and realize the things which now are only visible to the eye of faith. This is one of the passages of St. Paul which finds a close parallel in Seneca ('Ep.,' 59). "Invisibilia non decipiunt" was, as Bishop Wordsworth tells us, the inscription put at the end of his garden arcade by Dr. Young, the poet.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [So] we
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.
fix our eyes
σκοπούντων(skopountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4648:To look at, regard attentively, take heed, beware, consider. From skopos; to take aim at, i.e. regard.
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.
on what
τὰ(ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
is seen,
βλεπόμενα(blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.
but
ἀλλὰ(alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.
on what
τὰ(ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
is unseen.
βλεπόμενα(blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.
For
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.
what
τὰ(ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
is seen
βλεπόμενα(blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.
[is] temporary,
πρόσκαιρα(proskaira)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4340:For a season, temporary. From pros and kairos; for the occasion only, i.e. Temporary.
but
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.
what
τὰ(ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
is unseen
βλεπόμενα(blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991:(primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.
[is] eternal.
αἰώνια(aiōnia)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 166:From aion; perpetual.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:18 While we don't look at the things (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
