King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 4:18 Mean?

2 Corinthians 4:18 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 4:18 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17

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

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen (mē skopountōn hēmōn ta blepomena alla ta mē blepomena, μὴ σκοπούντων ἡμῶν τὰ βλεπόμενα ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα)—skopeō (σκοπέω, 'to look at, fix one's gaze upon, consider') differs from blepō (βλέπω, 'to see'). We don't focus on what's visible but on what's invisible. This is the life of faith (Heb 11:1, 27)—present realities are judged by future, unseen realities.

For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (ta gar blepomena proskaira, ta de mē blepomena aiōnia, τὰ γὰρ βλεπόμενα πρόσκαιρα, τὰ δὲ μὴ βλεπόμενα αἰώνια)—proskairos (πρόσκαιρος, 'temporary, transient, lasting only a while') describes all visible reality: pain, persecution, success, comfort—all temporary. Aiōnios (αἰώνιος, 'eternal, everlasting') describes the invisible: God's glory, resurrection bodies, eternal weight of glory (v. 17). Paul's entire value system is inverted: what seems real (visible) is fleeting; what seems unreal (invisible) is eternal. This is the epistemology of faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse epitomizes Paul's 'already/not yet' eschatology: we live in the overlap of two ages. The visible, present age is passing away; the invisible, coming age has broken into the present through Christ. Christians live by the reality of the unseen age while still inhabiting the seen age. This requires radical reorientation of values, perception, and hope—precisely what Paul models.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'seen things' are you most tempted to fix your gaze upon—and how do they distract from unseen, eternal realities?
  2. How do you practically 'look at things not seen'—what disciplines or practices help you focus on eternal realities?
  3. In what ways does American Christianity prioritize temporary, visible things (buildings, numbers, success) over eternal, invisible realities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
μὴ1 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σκοπούντων2 of 18

“While”

G4648

to take aim at (spy), i.e., (figuratively) regard

ἡμῶν3 of 18

“we”

G2257

of (or from) us

τὰ4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βλεπόμενα5 of 18

“at the things which are”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

ἀλλὰ6 of 18

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὰ7 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ8 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βλεπόμενα9 of 18

“at the things which are”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τὰ10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ11 of 18

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

βλεπόμενα12 of 18

“at the things which are”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

πρόσκαιρα13 of 18

“are temporal”

G4340

for the occasion only, i.e., temporary

τὰ14 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ15 of 18

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ16 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βλεπόμενα17 of 18

“at the things which are”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνια18 of 18

“are eternal”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 4:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 4:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 5:7Romans 8:24-25Hebrews 11:11 John 2:16-171 John 2:25Hebrews 11:13

Test Your Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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