2 Corinthians 4:18

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Context

Second Corinthians is a deeply personal letter from the Apostle Paul, written to the Corinthian believers amidst significant challenges, both external persecutions and internal criticisms of his apostleship. In 2 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul defends his ministry, emphasizing its divine origin and power despite his personal weakness and suffering. He speaks of bearing the "treasure in earthen vessels" (2 Corinthians 4:7), acknowledging his human frailty while highlighting the surpassing power of God. The verses immediately preceding 4:18 (like 2 Corinthians 4:17) directly set the stage, contrasting "our light affliction, which is but for a moment" with "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Verse 18 then explains the mindset that enables such a perspective.

Key Themes

  • Perspective Shift: The Seen vs. The Unseen: The core message is a call to shift one's focus from temporary, visible realities to eternal, invisible truths. This spiritual perspective is crucial for enduring hardship and maintaining hope.
  • Temporal vs. Eternal Value: Paul starkly contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly existence and its troubles ("temporal") with the enduring reality of God's kingdom and promises ("eternal"). This theme underscores the ultimate insignificance of present difficulties when weighed against future glory.
  • Faith Over Sight: The verse implicitly champions a life lived by faith, not by sensory perception. It aligns with Paul's broader teaching on "walking by faith, not by sight", emphasizing reliance on God's promises and character, which are not physically observable.
  • Endurance and Hope: This eternal perspective is the foundation for Christian endurance in suffering. When believers fix their gaze on what is eternal, present afflictions become bearable, seen as momentary and purposeful in light of the ultimate reward.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Temporal" (Greek: proskairos - πρόσκαιρος): This word signifies something that is "for a season," "temporary," or "transient." It highlights the limited duration of earthly experiences, whether good or bad.
  • "Eternal" (Greek: aiōnios - αἰώνιος): In contrast, aiōnios denotes that which is "everlasting," "of the ages," or "pertaining to eternity." It describes the timeless, unending nature of God's spiritual realities and the believer's ultimate destiny.
  • "Look not at" (Greek: skopountōn - σκοπούντων): More than just casual observation, this verb implies a deliberate, fixed gaze; to "fix one's eyes upon," "aim for," or "consider carefully." It suggests an intentional choice to direct one's attention and focus away from the visible and towards the invisible.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully encapsulates a foundational principle of Christian living. It resonates with the definition of faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It also connects to the idea that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), urging believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). The "eternal weight of glory" mentioned in the preceding verse (2 Corinthians 4:17) is the unseen reality that makes temporal suffering bearable.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 4:18 serves as a powerful reminder and a practical guide for navigating life's challenges. In a world often consumed by immediate gratification, material possessions, and visible successes, this verse calls for a radical reorientation of values. It encourages us to:

  • Endure Trials with Hope: When facing suffering, illness, loss, or injustice, remembering that these "seen" difficulties are temporary can instill profound hope and resilience.
  • Prioritize Spiritual Realities: It prompts us to invest in eternal pursuits—such as growing in character, serving God, loving others, and seeking righteousness—rather than being solely preoccupied with fleeting worldly gains.
  • Combat Anxiety and Fear: Much anxiety stems from focusing on present problems. Shifting our gaze to God's eternal promises, His unchanging character, and the hope of heaven can bring peace and stability.
  • Cultivate a Heavenly Mindset: This verse encourages a mindset that views life through the lens of eternity, understanding that our true home and ultimate reward lie beyond this visible world.

By consciously choosing to "look not at the things which are seen," but at the things which are not seen, believers can find strength, purpose, and profound peace in their journey of faith.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 (95 votes)

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

  • Romans 8:24 (78 votes)

    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 (78 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 11:1 (66 votes)

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

  • 1 John 2:16 (42 votes)

    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 (42 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 11:13 (34 votes)

    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.