2 Corinthians 4:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

While {G4648} we {G2257} look {G4648} not {G3361} at {G4648} the things which are seen {G991}, but {G235} at the things which are {G991} not {G3361} seen {G991}: for {G1063} the things which are seen {G991} are temporal {G4340}; but {G1161} the things which are {G991} not {G3361} seen {G991} are eternal {G166}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen, since things seen are temporary, but things not seen are eternal.

Berean Standard Bible

So 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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 4:18 provides a profound spiritual principle for navigating the challenges of life, urging believers to cultivate an eternal perspective. It contrasts the fleeting nature of visible, earthly realities with the enduring permanence of invisible, spiritual truths, asserting that what is seen is temporary, while what is unseen is eternal. This verse serves as a foundational call to shift one's focus from present suffering and transient circumstances to the immutable promises and glorious future found in God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a powerful section in 2 Corinthians where Paul defends the integrity and divine origin of his apostolic ministry despite intense suffering and opposition. In [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels"), Paul describes himself and his fellow apostles as "earthen vessels" ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels")) bearing the "treasure" of the gospel, emphasizing that God's "surpassing power" is evident precisely in their weakness. He lists various afflictions—persecution, being struck down, carrying the death of Jesus—but consistently affirms that they are "not crushed," "not forsaken," "not destroyed" ([2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8-9 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Afflictions of Paul")). The immediate preceding verse, [2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light Affliction and Eternal Glory"), sets up the contrast perfectly, declaring that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Verse 18 then explains the mindset—the way of "looking"—that enables believers to embrace this paradoxical truth, making the eternal glory the focal point over temporal suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to a church in Corinth grappling with internal divisions, moral issues, and external pressures, including criticisms of Paul's authority and suffering. Paul's ministry was characterized by constant hardship, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings"). The early Christian community lived in a world often hostile to their faith, facing social ostracism, economic disadvantage, and outright persecution. In such a context, the temptation to compromise or despair was immense. Paul's emphasis on the "unseen" and "eternal" was not abstract philosophy but a vital survival strategy for believers enduring tangible, "seen" suffering. It provided a framework for understanding their present difficulties not as ultimate realities, but as transient experiences that ultimately served a greater, eternal purpose, thus offering profound hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
* **Key Themes:** [Second Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Comfort") is rich with themes that converge in 4:18. A central theme is the **paradox of strength in weakness**, where God's power is most evident through human frailty, as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace in Weakness"). This verse specifically highlights the theme of **eternal perspective**, contrasting the transient nature of earthly existence with the enduring reality of God's kingdom and promises. It underscores the **supremacy of faith over sight**, aligning with the idea of [walking by faith, not by sight](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith"). Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **endurance and hope amidst suffering**, providing the theological bedrock for believers to persevere, knowing that their present afflictions are working toward an "eternal weight of glory" ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light Affliction and Eternal Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Look (Greek, _skopéō'_):** From G4648, this word means "to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard." It implies a deliberate, fixed gaze, a careful consideration, or an intentional focus, rather than a casual glance. Paul is not suggesting ignorance of present realities, but a conscious choice to direct one's primary attention and aim towards a different set of realities.
* **Temporal (Greek, _próskairos'_):** From G4340, this term means "for the occasion only, i.e. temporary." It describes something that lasts "for a season" or "for a while," highlighting the limited duration and transient nature of earthly experiences, whether they be trials, successes, or material possessions.
* **Eternal (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** From G166, this word denotes that which is "perpetual," "everlasting," or "of the ages." It describes the timeless, unending nature of God's spiritual realities, His promises, and the believer's ultimate destiny. This is not merely a long duration but a quality of being outside the constraints of time as we know it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"While we look not at the things which are seen":** This clause introduces the active, intentional choice believers are called to make. The verb "look" (skopéō) signifies a deliberate focus, a setting of one's gaze. The "things which are seen" refer to the tangible, observable realities of this world—our circumstances, sufferings, material possessions, and all that is subject to decay and change. The negation "not at" is a command to redirect our primary attention away from these transient elements.
* **"but at the things which are not seen":** In stark contrast, this clause directs the believer's focus towards the invisible realm. The "things which are not seen" encompass spiritual realities: God's character, His promises, His kingdom, the hope of resurrection, and the "eternal weight of glory" mentioned in the preceding verse. This is a call to live by faith, orienting one's perspective around truths that transcend sensory perception.
* **"for the things which are seen [are] temporal":** This provides the foundational reason for the shift in perspective. The conjunction "for" (gár, G1063) introduces the explanation. The "things which are seen" are characterized as "temporal" (próskairos), meaning they are temporary, transient, and fleeting. They have a limited lifespan and are subject to change and decay. This includes all earthly suffering and all earthly success.
* **"but the things which are not seen [are] eternal":** This final clause offers the ultimate motivation and comfort. The conjunction "but" (dé, G1161) emphasizes the strong contrast. The "things which are not seen" are "eternal" (aiṓnios), signifying their unending, everlasting nature. This refers to the enduring realities of God's kingdom, His love, His justice, and the believer's ultimate inheritance in Christ, which stands in stark opposition to the temporary nature of the visible world.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [2 Corinthians 4:18](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - The Seen and Unseen") is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**. Paul deliberately juxtaposes two opposing sets of realities: "the things which are seen" versus "the things which are not seen," and "temporal" versus "eternal." This stark contrast serves to highlight the profound difference in value and significance between these two realms. By placing them side-by-side, Paul emphasizes the logical imperative for believers to prioritize the lasting over the fleeting. There is also an implied **Metaphor** in the word "look" (skopéō), which suggests a deliberate aiming or fixing of one's gaze, likening spiritual focus to a physical act of directed vision. This reinforces the idea that maintaining an eternal perspective is not passive but requires intentional effort and discipline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 4:18](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - The Seen and Unseen") encapsulates a fundamental principle of biblical theology: the call to live by faith in the unseen realities of God's kingdom rather than by the fleeting appearances of the visible world. This verse provides the theological rationale for enduring suffering, understanding that present trials are momentary and purposeful when viewed through the lens of eternity. It underscores the immense value of spiritual realities over material ones, challenging believers to reorient their priorities and find their ultimate hope and security not in what they can perceive with their senses, but in the unchanging character and promises of an invisible God. This perspective is crucial for understanding the nature of true wealth, lasting joy, and the ultimate victory of God's purposes, which transcend earthly limitations and temporal boundaries.

* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Faith as the Substance of Things Hoped For")
* [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")
* [Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Present Sufferings and Future Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, [2 Corinthians 4:18](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - The Seen and Unseen") serves as a timeless anchor and a practical guide for navigating a world often consumed by the immediate, the tangible, and the temporary. In an age of instant gratification, social media validation, and material pursuits, this verse calls for a radical reorientation of our values and focus. It challenges us to look beyond the surface-level anxieties, fleeting pleasures, and transient sorrows of daily life, and instead fix our gaze on the enduring truths of God's kingdom. This eternal perspective enables us to endure trials with profound hope, knowing that our present sufferings are "light" and "momentary" when weighed against the "eternal weight of glory" that awaits us. It empowers us to invest our lives in pursuits that have eternal significance—cultivating character, serving others, seeking righteousness, and deepening our relationship with God—rather than accumulating what will inevitably perish. By consciously choosing to prioritize the unseen, we cultivate resilience, peace, and a joy that is not dependent on fluctuating circumstances, but on the unchanging reality of God's eternal presence and promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "seen" things in your life currently consume most of your attention or cause you the most anxiety?**
* **How might intentionally shifting your "gaze" to the "unseen" realities of God's character and promises change your perspective on your current challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you "look" at the eternal more deliberately in your daily life, and how might this impact your priorities and decisions?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "look not at the things which are seen"?**

Answer: To "look not at the things which are seen" does not imply ignoring or denying the realities of our physical world or our present circumstances. Instead, it means to not make them our primary focus, our ultimate source of hope, or the sole basis for our decisions and emotions. The Greek word for "look" (skopéō) suggests a deliberate, fixed gaze, an aiming or considering carefully. Therefore, Paul is urging believers to actively choose where they direct their deepest attention and trust. While we must navigate the visible world, our ultimate perspective and hope should be anchored in the unseen, eternal realities of God's kingdom, His promises, and His ultimate purposes, which transcend the temporary nature of what we can physically perceive. This spiritual discipline allows us to see present difficulties as transient and to find enduring peace and purpose.

**How can "things which are not seen" be "eternal"?**

Answer: The "things which are not seen" refer to spiritual realities that exist beyond our physical senses but are nonetheless profoundly real and enduring. This includes God Himself, who is Spirit ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit")), His Word and promises ([Psalm 119:89](/psalm/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - God's Word is Forever")), the spiritual kingdom of God ([Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God Within You")), the hope of resurrection and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and the "eternal weight of glory" that awaits believers ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light Affliction and Eternal Glory")). These realities are "eternal" (aiṓnios) because they are not subject to the limitations of time and decay that characterize the physical world. They are part of God's timeless nature and His unchanging plan, providing a stable and everlasting foundation for faith and hope in contrast to the temporal nature of all earthly things.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 4:18](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - The Seen and Unseen") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "unseen" reality, the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). While He walked among us in visible flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), His true nature as eternal God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")) was often unseen by human eyes. Through His death and resurrection, Christ conquered the temporal power of sin and death, offering believers an eternal hope that transcends all earthly suffering. He is the guarantee of the "eternal life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")) and the "eternal inheritance" ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")) that are among the "things which are not seen." Our ability to "look" at these unseen realities is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who illuminates our hearts to the truth of Christ ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightened Eyes of the Heart")). Ultimately, fixing our gaze on the unseen means fixing our gaze on the resurrected and ascended Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Seek Things Above")), the source of all eternal glory and the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises.

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

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Romans 8:24

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?

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

Hebrews 11:1

¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.