2 Corinthians 4:17

KJV

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} our {G2257} light {G1645} affliction {G2347}, which {G3588} is but for a moment {G3910}, worketh {G2716} for us {G2254} a far {G2596}{G5236} more exceeding {G1519}{G5236} and eternal {G166} weight {G922} of glory {G1391};

Complete Jewish Bible

For our light and transient troubles are achieving for us an everlasting glory whose weight is beyond description.

Berean Standard Bible

For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:17, offers a profound theological perspective on suffering, contrasting the fleeting, superficial nature of present afflictions with the immeasurable, enduring reality of eternal glory. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement, reframing hardship not as an end in itself, but as a divinely appointed means through which God orchestrates an unparalleled, weighty, and everlasting experience of His glorious presence and reward for believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic statement in a section of [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Paul's Ministry and Suffering") where Paul passionately defends his apostolic ministry and the integrity of the gospel he proclaims, despite immense personal suffering. Beginning in [2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay"), Paul introduces the metaphor of "jars of clay" holding the "treasure" of the gospel, emphasizing that God's power is displayed through human weakness. He then details a litany of his trials—"perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" ([2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8-9 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Paul's Enduring Trials")). This culminates in the declaration that "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day" ([2 Corinthians 4:16](/2_corinthians/4-16 "2 Corinthians 4:16 - Renewal of the Inner Man")), setting the stage for the ultimate contrast between temporary suffering and eternal glory in [2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - The Lightness of Affliction and Weight of Glory"). The passage concludes with a focus on the unseen and eternal, providing the theological bedrock for enduring trials.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry, particularly in the Greco-Roman world, was fraught with peril. He faced constant opposition from Jewish religious authorities, Roman officials, and even false teachers within the nascent Christian communities. His letters frequently recount shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonments, hunger, and sleepless nights, as seen in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ"). The Corinthian church itself was a complex mix of pagan converts and Jewish believers, grappling with internal divisions, moral issues, and skepticism towards Paul's authority. In this environment, suffering was not an abstract concept but a tangible, daily reality for Paul and many early Christians. The Roman Empire, while providing a degree of stability, also posed a constant threat to those who would not conform to imperial cults or traditional Roman religion. Paul's words would have resonated deeply with a community familiar with hardship, offering a counter-cultural perspective that found meaning and hope in suffering rather than despair.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - The Lightness of Affliction and Weight of Glory") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Paul's epistles. Firstly, the **sovereignty of God in suffering** is evident, as afflictions are not random but "worketh for us" a divine purpose. Secondly, the theme of **eschatological hope** is central, emphasizing that the Christian life is lived with an eternal perspective, where present realities are weighed against future glory. This is a recurring motif, as seen in [Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Present Sufferings and Future Glory"), where Paul states that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Thirdly, the verse highlights the **transformative power of trials**, suggesting that hardship is not merely endured but actively shapes and prepares believers for their ultimate destiny. Finally, the **contrast between the temporal and the eternal** is a foundational Pauline concept, urging believers to fix their gaze not on "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" ([2 Corinthians 4:18](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - The Unseen and Eternal")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **light (Greek, _elaphrós'_):** This word, meaning 'easy' or 'light to bear,' is strategically chosen to minimize the perceived burden of affliction, especially when contrasted with the "weight" of glory. It suggests that from an eternal perspective, even severe earthly trials are comparatively trivial in their impact and duration.
* **affliction (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** Derived from a root meaning 'to press' or 'to crush,' this term denotes intense pressure, tribulation, distress, or persecution. It encompasses a wide range of hardships, from physical suffering to emotional anguish and social oppression. Paul uses this word frequently to describe the very real and often severe trials he and other believers faced.
* **worketh (Greek, _katergázomai'_):** This verb signifies 'to work fully,' 'to accomplish,' or 'to produce.' It implies an active, purposeful process. The affliction is not merely happening *to* us, but it is actively *producing* or *fashioning* something *for* us. This highlights the teleological nature of suffering in God's plan—it has a designed outcome.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** This rich term refers to splendor, honor, praise, or divine radiance. In a theological context, it often points to the manifest presence and majesty of God. Here, it describes the future state of believers, implying a participation in God's own radiant splendor, marked by honor, dignity, and ultimate fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For our light affliction":** Paul begins with a causal conjunction ("For"), linking this statement to the preceding truth about the renewal of the inner man. He characterizes the suffering of believers as "light" (elaphrós), not diminishing its reality or pain, but relativizing its significance when viewed through an eternal lens. This "affliction" (thlîpsis) encompasses all forms of pressure, tribulation, and distress experienced for Christ's sake.
* **"which is but for a moment":** This phrase further qualifies the nature of the affliction, emphasizing its temporal brevity. The Greek word (parautíka) means "at the very instant" or "momentary," starkly contrasting with the endless duration of the "eternal" glory. It underscores the transient nature of earthly suffering compared to the perpetuity of heavenly reward.
* **"worketh for us":** This is a crucial active verb (katergázomai), indicating that the affliction is not passive or meaningless. Instead, it is actively "producing" or "accomplishing" something beneficial *for* believers. This implies a divine purpose and a transformative process, where God uses the trials to shape and prepare His people.
* **"a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;":** This is the culmination of Paul's contrast. The suffering, though real, is producing something immeasurably greater. "Far more exceeding" (kath' hyperbolen eis hyperbolen) is a double superlative, emphasizing an overwhelming, incomparable degree of excellence. This glory is "eternal" (aiṓnios), lasting forever, and possesses "weight" (báros), signifying substance, significance, and abundance, directly opposing the "lightness" of the affliction. It speaks of a substantial, glorious reality that far outweighs any temporal pain.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** throughout this verse, creating a powerful contrast between two opposing concepts: "light affliction" versus "eternal weight of glory," and "but for a moment" versus "eternal." This stark opposition serves to magnify the surpassing value and duration of the future glory, diminishing the perceived impact of present suffering. The phrase "light affliction" juxtaposed with "weight of glory" is a striking **Paradox**, as 'lightness' and 'weight' are direct opposites. This paradox highlights the counter-intuitive nature of God's economy, where seemingly insignificant or burdensome trials lead to something profoundly substantial. Furthermore, the use of "far more exceeding" (a double superlative in Greek, *kath' hyperbolen eis hyperbolen*) is a form of **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration to emphasize the incomparable magnitude and overwhelming nature of the glory that awaits believers, suggesting it goes "beyond all measure, to an excess."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology concerning suffering, revealing God's redemptive purpose in trials. It teaches that God does not merely permit suffering but actively uses it as a crucible to refine and prepare His people for an ultimate, glorious destiny. The "lightness" and "momentary" nature of affliction are not meant to deny the pain but to reframe it within an eternal perspective, where even the most grievous earthly trials pale in comparison to the immeasurable glory awaiting believers. This perspective fosters perseverance, transforming despair into hope, as believers fix their gaze on the unseen, eternal realities rather than the visible, temporal hardships. It underscores the profound truth that our present experiences, even the painful ones, are not wasted but are integral to God's grand design for our eternal good and His ultimate glory.

* [Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - The Sufferings of this Present Time")
* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Trials for the Proving of Faith")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Tribulations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - The Lightness of Affliction and Weight of Glory") offers profound solace and a radical shift in perspective for anyone navigating the inevitable hardships of life. It challenges us to elevate our gaze beyond the immediate pain and fleeting nature of our trials, to fix our hope on the substantial, eternal glory that God is actively working to produce within us and for us. This verse does not minimize suffering but recontextualizes it, transforming it from a meaningless burden into a purposeful instrument in God's hands. It encourages resilience, reminding us that every tear, every struggle, every moment of discomfort in this life is contributing to an immeasurable weight of glory that will far outweigh any present sorrow. Embracing this truth allows us to endure with hope, knowing that our temporary afflictions are not hindrances but rather catalysts for an eternal inheritance of unparalleled splendor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "lightness" and "momentary" nature of affliction change your perspective on current difficulties?**
* **In what ways do you see God "working" through your present trials to produce something of eternal value in your life?**
* **What does the "eternal weight of glory" mean to you personally, and how does meditating on it impact your daily walk?**
* **How can you cultivate a more eternal perspective when facing immediate suffering or discouragement?**

### FAQ
**Does "light affliction" mean that our suffering isn't truly painful or serious?**

Answer: No, "light affliction" does not minimize the very real pain, severity, or seriousness of human suffering. The Greek word *thlîpsis* itself denotes intense pressure and distress. Paul, who wrote these words, experienced immense suffering—beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, hunger, and constant opposition, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings"). Rather, the term "light" (*elaphrós*) is used in a comparative sense, contrasting the temporal and finite nature of earthly suffering with the eternal, immeasurable "weight of glory" that awaits believers. From an eternal perspective, even the most profound earthly pain is momentary and light when weighed against the infinite, substantial glory of God that it ultimately produces. It's a re-calibration of perspective, not a denial of pain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - The Lightness of Affliction and Weight of Glory") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His life perfectly exemplifies the principle that suffering precedes glory. The "light affliction" of the believer is a participation in the sufferings of Christ, who, "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith")). Jesus's temporary, yet agonizing, suffering on the cross—the ultimate act of self-emptying—was the very means by which God wrought "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" not only for Christ Himself in His resurrection and ascension ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), but also for all who are united with Him. Our afflictions, therefore, are not random but are patterned after the cross of Christ, preparing us for a share in His resurrection glory. Just as Christ's suffering led to His exaltation and the redemption of humanity, our momentary trials, when borne in union with Him, are divinely purposed to conform us to His image and usher us into an eternal inheritance of glory that is secured by His finished work ([Romans 8:29-30](/romans/8-29-30 "Romans 8:29-30 - Predestination to Glory")).

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

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Hebrews 12:10

For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

Hebrews 12:11

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.