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
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye …
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have …
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye …
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy …
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we …
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were …
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, …
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of …