Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:16

What does 2 Corinthians 4:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 4:16 means

Paul circles back: “we faint not.” Although his body and outward circumstances are wasting away, his inner person is being renewed daily. The decay of the outer man is real—aging, injury, pressure—but it does not define his true condition. God continually strengthens the inward life where faith, hope, and love grow. This daily renewal keeps him from surrendering to discouragement. The verse offers a realistic yet hope-filled view of the Christian life: the outer story may look like decline, but God is writing an inner story of vitality that prepares believers for what is to come.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For which cause we do not give way to weariness; but though our outer man is getting feebler, our inner man is made new day by day.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

wherefore, we faint not, but if also our outward man doth decay, yet the inward is renewed day by day;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore we faint not; but if indeed our outward man is consumed, yet the inward is renewed day by day.

Context

This restates the chapter’s opening resolve (verse 1) after tracing the path through suffering, purpose, and hope. It serves as a bridge to verses 17–18, which explain why Paul can call present troubles “light” and “momentary.” The argument moves from present renewal to future reward, from what is felt now to what will be revealed. By framing decay and renewal together, Paul invites readers to adopt a long view that values God’s ongoing work over visible setbacks.

v.15For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

v.16This passage

v.17For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ephesians 4:23

    and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

  • 1 Peter 3:4

    but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

  • Psalms 119:81

    My soul fainteth for thy salvation; ButI hope in thy word.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:15

    And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

  • Luke 11:3

    Give us day by day our daily bread.

  • Matthew 5:29

    And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell.

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