2 Corinthians 4:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For which cause {G1352} we faint {G1573} not {G3756}; but {G235} though {G1499} our {G2257} outward {G1854} man {G444} perish {G1311}, yet {G235} the inward {G2081} man is renewed {G341} day {G2250} by {G2532} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why we do not lose courage. Though our outer self is heading for decay, our inner self is being renewed daily.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 4:16 offers profound encouragement to believers, asserting that despite the inevitable physical decline and decay of the "outward man," the "inward man" is continuously invigorated and renewed by God's grace on a daily basis. This verse serves as a powerful theological anchor, explaining why believers, even amidst intense suffering and hardship, do not lose heart but instead find their spiritual vitality deepening as their physical bodies weaken. It highlights the enduring power of God at work within the believer, transcending temporal limitations and pointing toward an eternal hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger section of 2 Corinthians (chapters 3-5) where Paul expounds on the nature of his apostolic ministry and the suffering that accompanies it, contrasting the fading glory of the Old Covenant with the surpassing glory of the New Covenant in Christ. Specifically, [2 Corinthians 4:7-15](/2_corinthians/4-7-15 "2 Corinthians 4:7-15 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels") immediately precedes verse 16, describing believers as "earthen vessels" carrying the "treasure" of the gospel. Paul details the relentless pressures and persecutions he and his co-workers endure—being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down—yet remarkably, they are "not crushed, not driven to despair, not forsaken, not destroyed." The suffering they experience is not an end in itself but serves to manifest the life of Jesus in their mortal bodies. Verse 16, therefore, acts as a theological explanation for this extraordinary endurance, revealing the spiritual dynamic that enables them to persist without fainting.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was characterized by immense physical hardship, persecution, and constant travel, as evidenced throughout his epistles (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). The early Christian community, particularly in places like Corinth, faced significant social pressure, opposition, and even physical danger for their faith. The concept of the body's decay was a universal human experience, but for many in the Greco-Roman world, the physical body (soma) was often viewed with disdain or as a prison for the soul. Paul, however, presents a nuanced view: while acknowledging the body's temporal limitations and eventual decay, he emphasizes its role as a vessel for God's glory and the promise of future resurrection. The "day by day" renewal would have resonated with a people constantly facing new challenges and needing daily strength.
* **Key Themes:** [Second Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - The Light of the Gospel") is rich with several interconnected themes. The primary theme is the **paradox of divine power in human weakness**, where God's glory is most brilliantly displayed through the fragility and suffering of His servants, as articulated in [2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels"). This leads to the theme of **endurance and perseverance in suffering**, as believers are called to press on despite afflictions, knowing that their trials serve a greater purpose. Central to verse 16 is the **contrast between the temporal and the eternal**, and the **continuous spiritual renewal** of the inner person. Paul consistently directs the Corinthians' focus from the seen and perishable to the unseen and eternal, culminating in [2 Corinthians 4:18](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - Looking to the Unseen"), where he states, "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." This verse provides the theological grounding for such an eternal perspective.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term, meaning a human being, is used here to distinguish between two aspects of the self: the "outward man" and the "inward man." The "outward man" refers to the physical, mortal body, subject to the natural processes of aging, decay, and death. The "inward man," in contrast, denotes the spiritual, inner being—the soul, spirit, or true self that is in relationship with God. Paul uses this single term to highlight the profound dichotomy and simultaneous reality of human existence, where the physical self is temporal while the spiritual self possesses an eternal dimension.
* **perish (Greek, _diaphtheírō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rot thoroughly," this word signifies decay, corruption, or ruin. In the context of the "outward man," it vividly describes the natural process of physical deterioration, aging, and eventual death. It implies a gradual wearing away or breaking down, not necessarily a sudden destruction, but a progressive decline. This term starkly contrasts with the state of the "inward man," emphasizing the temporary nature of the physical body.
* **renewed (Greek, _anakainóō'_):** This verb means "to renovate" or "to make new again." It implies a transformation or restoration to a fresh, vigorous state. Crucially, the Greek verb is in the present passive indicative, signifying an ongoing, continuous action performed upon the "inward man" by an external agent (God/Holy Spirit). This is not a one-time event but a daily, progressive process of spiritual revitalization, strengthening, and transformation, counteracting the decay of the physical body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For which cause we faint not":** This opening clause directly links back to the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 4:7-15), where Paul describes the severe hardships and persecutions he and other believers endure. The "cause" refers to the divine power at work within them, the life of Jesus being manifested through their suffering, and the eternal glory that awaits. Despite the immense pressure and physical toll, Paul asserts that they do not "faint" or lose heart (from G1573 _ekkakéō_, to be weak or fail in heart), because of the profound spiritual reality sustaining them.
* **"but though our outward man perish":** This phrase introduces a stark concession and acknowledges a universal truth: the physical body ("outward man," referring to the mortal, visible self) is subject to decay, aging, and eventual death ("perish," G1311 _diaphtheírō_). Paul does not deny the reality of physical decline and suffering; indeed, he has just detailed it. This clause sets up the profound contrast that follows, highlighting the vulnerability and impermanence of the physical self.
* **"yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day":** This is the triumphant counterpoint. Despite the physical decay, the spiritual self ("inward man," the soul or spirit, the core of one's being in Christ) is continually invigorated, refreshed, and made new ("renewed," G341 _anakainóō_). The phrase "day by day" (G2250 _hēméra_ repeated) emphasizes the ongoing, continuous, and progressive nature of this spiritual renewal. It is not a past event or a future hope only, but a present reality, a daily work of God's grace and the Holy Spirit within the believer, providing strength and vitality even as the physical body weakens.

#### Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in 2 Corinthians 4:16 is **Antithesis** (or **Contrast**), which is central to Paul's theological argument. He masterfully juxtaposes the "outward man" with the "inward man," and the concept of "perishing" with "being renewed." This creates a powerful tension that resolves in the triumph of the spiritual over the physical, the eternal over the temporal. Closely related is **Paradox**, as the verse presents the seemingly contradictory idea that strength and renewal can occur simultaneously with physical decay. This paradox highlights the supernatural nature of God's work in believers, where weakness becomes a conduit for divine power. Furthermore, the phrases "outward man" and "inward man" function as **Metaphors**, representing the physical body and the spiritual essence of a person, respectively. The repetition of "day by day" serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the continuous and persistent nature of God's work of renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse articulates a profound truth about the Christian life: while our physical bodies are subject to the processes of decay and death (a consequence of the fall), our spiritual selves are actively and continually being transformed and strengthened by God. This daily renewal is not merely a psychological coping mechanism but a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to maintain hope and perseverance amidst suffering. It underscores the Christian understanding of sanctification as an ongoing process, where the believer is progressively conformed to the image of Christ, even as their earthly tent is being dismantled. This renewal also speaks to the eschatological tension of the "already and not yet"—the new creation has already begun in the believer, yet its full realization awaits the resurrection.

* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")
* [Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Ephesians 3:16 - Inner Strength through the Spirit")
* [Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - Putting on the New Self")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 4:16 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for every believer, especially those grappling with the realities of aging, illness, physical limitations, or the general wear and tear of life's trials. It liberates us from the tyranny of physical perfection and reminds us that true vitality and strength are found not in our outward appearance or physical capabilities, but in the continuous, supernatural work of God within our inner being. This verse calls us to shift our focus from the perishable to the eternal, to invest in the cultivation of our "inward man" through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, and fellowship. It encourages us to embrace our weaknesses as opportunities for God's power to be made manifest, knowing that even as our bodies decline, our spirits can flourish and grow more deeply rooted in Christ, preparing us for the eternal glory that awaits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you experience the "perishing" of your "outward man" (e.g., aging, fatigue, illness)? How does this verse reframe your perspective on these experiences?**
* **What practices or disciplines do you engage in that contribute to the "day by day" renewal of your "inward man"?**
* **How does focusing on the spiritual renewal described in this verse help you to "faint not" in the face of life's challenges and sufferings?**
* **How might you intentionally cultivate an environment in your daily life that fosters this spiritual renewal?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "outward man" and "inward man"?**

Answer: Paul uses these terms to distinguish between two aspects of the human person. The "outward man" refers to the physical body, our mortal, visible self that is subject to the natural processes of decay, aging, and death. It is the part of us that interacts with the temporal world. The "inward man," in contrast, refers to the spiritual self, the soul or spirit, the inner core of a person's being that is renewed and transformed by God. This "inward man" is the true self that is in relationship with Christ and is being conformed to His image. This distinction is crucial for understanding Paul's theology of suffering and hope, as seen throughout [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - The Light of the Gospel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 4:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "renewal day by day" of the "inward man" is not a self-generated process but is entirely dependent on the life-giving power of Christ, who conquered death and decay through His resurrection. It is because believers are "in Christ" that they participate in His resurrection life, which actively counteracts the perishing of the physical body. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, so too is the believer's spirit continually vivified and transformed by the Holy Spirit, who indwells them as a down payment of their future glory ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). This daily renewal is a foretaste of the complete redemption of both body and spirit that will occur at Christ's return, when our perishable bodies will be transformed into imperishable, glorious bodies, mirroring His own resurrection body ([1 Corinthians 15:53-54](/1_corinthians/15-53-54 "1 Corinthians 15:53-54 - The Imperishable Body")). Thus, the spiritual vitality experienced by the "inward man" is a direct outflow of Christ's victory over sin and death, sustaining believers in hope and empowering them to live for His glory even amidst the realities of a fallen world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Psalms 73:26

My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

2 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Romans 7:22

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: