2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's extraordinary revaluation of suffering — 'our light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison' — employs an economic metaphor: the Greek kath' hyperbolēn means 'beyond all measure' or 'surpassingly immeasurable.' The Hebrew conception of 'glory' (kabod) as weight or heaviness makes Paul's contrast acute: temporal troubles, however severe, are 'light' against the eschatological 'weight' of divine glory. This verse follows Paul's catalogue of apostolic hardships (4:8–12) and precedes the contrast between what is seen and unseen (4:18), embedding it in a sustained argument for eschatological orientation in suffering. The verse has profoundly shaped Christian theologies of suffering, martyrdom, and the meaning of temporal affliction.
Other Translations
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;
for the momentary light matter of our tribulation, more and more exceedingly an age-during weight of glory doth work out for us--
For our present trouble, which is only for a short time, is working out for us a much greater weight of glory;
Cross References
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am …
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy …
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought …
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have …
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye …
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were …
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the …