2 Corinthians 4:16

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:16

1. The Text

2 Corinthians 4:16 (King James Version):
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”

This verse sits within a rich chapter where the Apostle Paul reflects on the nature of Christian ministry, the reality of suffering, and the hope that sustains believers. The whole chapter provides the theological soil from which verse 16 grows.

2. Exegetical Commentary

A. “For which cause we faint not”

Paul has already explained the “cause” earlier in the chapter. He writes:

2 Corinthians 4:1 (King James Version):
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.”

The “cause” is the mercy of God that called Paul into gospel ministry, and the hope of the resurrection that sustains him. He refuses to lose heart, even though his circumstances are harsh. This is not stoic grit; it is gospel confidence.

Paul expands on this perseverance:

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (King James Version):
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

Paul’s refusal to faint is grounded in the character and promises of God, not in his own resilience.

B. “Though our outward man perish”

The “outward man” refers to our physical body and earthly life. Paul is painfully aware of his frailty. Ministry has taken a toll on him. Age, persecution, and hardship have worn him down.

He describes this earlier:

2 Corinthians 4:10–11 (King James Version):
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus… For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake.”

The Christian life does not promise physical ease or worldly comfort. The body ages. Strength fades. Suffering is real. Paul does not deny this reality; he names it honestly.

C. “Yet the inward man is renewed day by day”

Here lies the heart of the verse. The “inward man” refers to the spiritual life of the believer—the heart, soul, and new creation identity in Christ.

This renewal is:

• Continuous (“day by day”)
• Supernatural (the work of the Holy Spirit)
• Independent of outward circumstances

Paul explains the reason for this renewal:

2 Corinthians 4:14 (King James Version):
“Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus.”

The resurrection hope fuels daily renewal. The Spirit strengthens the believer even as the body weakens.

Paul also frames this renewal in terms of eternal perspective:

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (King James Version):
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory… while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.”

The inward renewal is tied to looking at eternal realities rather than temporary troubles.

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3. Theological Insights

A. The Already–Not Yet Tension

The believer lives in a body that is decaying, yet possesses a soul being renewed. This reflects the Christian understanding of sanctification: a progressive, Spirit-driven work that continues until glorification.

B. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Renewal is not self-generated. It is the Spirit applying the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection to the believer’s heart.

C. Suffering and Glory

Paul’s theology of suffering is not pessimistic. He sees suffering as the context in which God displays His power and shapes His people for glory.

D. Perseverance of the Saints

Paul’s “we faint not” reflects the doctrine that true believers, upheld by God’s grace, will persevere to the end.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

A. Do Not Lose Heart

Contemporary life today may not mirror Paul’s persecutions, but believers still face discouragement, illness, ageing, and spiritual fatigue. Paul’s words remind us that discouragement is not the final word. God sustains His people.

B. Be Honest About Weakness

Paul does not pretend that the “outward man” is strong. Christians can acknowledge physical decline, emotional strain, and hardship without shame. Weakness is the stage on which God’s strength is displayed.

C. Seek Daily Renewal

Renewal is “day by day.” This encourages:

• Daily prayer
• Daily Scripture reading
• Daily repentance
• Daily dependence on the Spirit

Renewal is not a one-off event but a continual work of grace.

D. Live with Eternal Perspective

Modern life pushes us to focus on the visible—health, finances, success, comfort. Paul calls us to look at the unseen: Christ, the resurrection, and the coming glory. This perspective reshapes how we endure suffering and how we invest our lives.

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5. Meditation Guide

Step 1: Read the Verse Slowly

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16 aloud several times. Notice the contrast between “outward” and “inward,” “perish” and “renewed.”

Step 2: Reflect on Your Own Life

Where do you feel your “outward man” perishing?
Where do you need inward renewal?

Step 3: Pray for Daily Renewal

Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your heart, deepen your faith, and renew your hope.

Step 4: Fix Your Eyes on Eternity

Read 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 again and meditate on the “eternal weight of glory.”

Step 5: Commit to Perseverance

Pray that God would help you “faint not” in the face of trials.