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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 4:7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/47_2Co_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasures in Jars of Clay" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/4-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/4-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:6">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 4:7 <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm" title="2 Corinthians 4:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/4.htm">New International Version</a> But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassingness of the power may be from God, and not from us, <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that the extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not from us. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and not to originate in us. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us, <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassingness of the power may be from God, and not from us, <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us; <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the eminence of power be of God, and not of us.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, so that what is sublime may be of the power of God, and not of us. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of power may be from God, and not of us. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But we have this treasure in Earthen vessels, that the greatness of the power would be from God and not from us.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be God's and not our own. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, in order that the excellency of the power, may be of God, and not of us; <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the transcendent excellence of the power might be of God, and not of us.<CM> <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but this treasure is lodg'd in such earthen vessels as we are, that the exceeding efficacy of it may appear to be from God, and not from us. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and not to originate in us. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness may be of God, and not from ourselves; <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power might be evidently of God, and not of us: <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=635" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/4.htm">Treasures in Jars of Clay</a> 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: Echomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">we have</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touton (DPro-AMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2344.htm" title="2344: thēsauron (N-AMS) -- A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth.">treasure</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4632.htm" title="4632: skeuesin (N-DNP) -- A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).">jars</a> <a href="/greek/3749.htm" title="3749: ostrakinois (Adj-DNP) -- Made of clay, earthen. From ostrakon; earthen-ware, i.e. Clayey; by implication, frail.">of clay</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to show that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">this</a> <a href="/greek/5236.htm" title="5236: hyperbolē (N-NFS) -- From huperballo; a throwing beyond others, i.e. supereminence; adverbially pre- eminently.">surpassingly great</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1411.htm" title="1411: dynameōs (N-GFS) -- From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.">power</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ē (V-PSA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">from God</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us.</a> 8We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a> But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Philippians 3:21</a> who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. <a href="/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21-23</a> Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? / What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? / What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory— <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-7</a> In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:13</a> And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe. <a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Ephesians 3:16</a> I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, <a href="/colossians/1-27.htm">Colossians 1:27</a> To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">2 Timothy 2:20-21</a> A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. / So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. <a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a> I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">1 Corinthians 2:5</a> so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a> But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. <a href="/jeremiah/18-1.htm">Jeremiah 18:1-6</a> This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: / “Go down at once to the potter’s house, and there I will give you My message.” / So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel. ... <a href="/judges/7-2.htm">Judges 7:2</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6-7</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. / What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.this.<a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">2 Corinthians 4:1</a> Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;<a href="/2_corinthians/6-10.htm">2 Corinthians 6:10</a> As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.<a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Matthew 13:44,52</a> Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field… in.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1</a> For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10</a> For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.<a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Judges 7:13,14,16-20</a> And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along… that.<a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5,6</a> Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; … <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7-9</a> And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure… <a href="/2_corinthians/13-4.htm">2 Corinthians 13:4</a> For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/15-23.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/romans/9-21.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-49.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/luke/22-10.htm">Earthen</a> <a href="/romans/7-13.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/daniel/2-42.htm">Fragile</a> <a href="/luke/9-43.htm">Greatness</a> <a href="/john/2-7.htm">Jars</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-36.htm">Originate</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-3.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-10.htm">Surpassing</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-7.htm">Transcendent</a> <a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-28.htm">Vase</a> <a href="/romans/9-23.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-24.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/10-7.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-7.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Earthen</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/job/8-14.htm">Fragile</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Greatness</a> <a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Jars</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-7.htm">Originate</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">Surpassing</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Transcendent</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Vase</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-10.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 4</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,</a> 7. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,</a> 12. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-12.htm">to the benefit of the church,</a> 16. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">and to the apostle's own eternal glory.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now we have this treasure in jars of clay The "treasure" refers to the gospel and the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. The metaphor of "jars of clay" suggests human frailty and mortality. In ancient times, clay jars were common household items, inexpensive and easily broken, symbolizing the fragile nature of human beings. This imagery emphasizes that the power and glory of the gospel are not dependent on human strength or wisdom. The use of clay jars can also be seen as a type of Christ, who took on human form, embodying humility and vulnerability.to show that this surpassingly great power The "surpassingly great power" is the divine power of God that enables believers to endure hardships and spread the gospel. This power is evident in the transformation of lives and the endurance of the apostles despite persecution. The phrase underscores the contrast between human weakness and divine strength, highlighting that the effectiveness of the gospel is due to God's power, not human ability. This aligns with other scriptures, such as <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Ephesians 3:20</a>, which speaks of God's power at work within us.is from God and not from us This statement reinforces the idea that the source of the power and effectiveness of the gospel is God alone. It serves as a reminder of the humility required in Christian service, acknowledging that any success in ministry is due to God's work, not human effort. This concept is echoed in <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a>, where Jesus states that apart from Him, we can do nothing. The emphasis on divine power over human ability is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, encouraging believers to rely on God's strength rather than their own.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage and instruct them in their faith. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, but also for its moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced many issues, including divisions and misunderstandings about the gospel. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of this letter, they were a group of believers struggling with various issues, including understanding the nature of true spiritual power and authority. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jars_of_clay.htm">Jars of Clay</a> A metaphor used by Paul to describe human frailty and the humble vessels through which God's power is displayed. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_treasure.htm">The Treasure</a> Refers to the gospel and the knowledge of God's glory, which believers carry within them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/human_frailty_and_divine_power.htm">Human Frailty and Divine Power</a> Recognize that our human weaknesses are not a hindrance but an opportunity for God's power to be displayed. Embrace your limitations as a platform for God's strength. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_the_gospel.htm">The Value of the Gospel</a> Understand that the true treasure is the gospel itself, not the vessel that carries it. Prioritize the message of Christ over personal accolades or achievements. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_service.htm">Humility in Service</a> Serve with humility, acknowledging that any success or impact is due to God's power, not personal ability. This perspective fosters a spirit of gratitude and dependence on God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_purpose.htm">God's Sovereignty and Purpose</a> Trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He chooses to use imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will. This encourages perseverance and faithfulness in ministry. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_a_witness.htm">Living as a Witness</a> Live in a way that reflects the surpassing power of God, allowing others to see His work in and through you. Your life should point others to the source of true power and hope.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 4</a> <a href="/q/do_2_corinthians_4_claims_clash_with_ot_signs.htm">Throughout 2 Corinthians 4, aren’t these grand spiritual claims inconsistent with more concrete Old Testament narratives that focus on tangible signs and wonders?</a> <a href="/q/is_'jars_of_clay'_just_a_metaphor.htm">In 2 Corinthians 4:7, isn’t comparing human frailty to “jars of clay” just a metaphorical stretch with no scientific or historical basis? </a> <a href="/q/what's_in_jars_of_clay.htm">What are the treasures in jars of clay?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'pressed_but_not_crushed'_mean.htm">What does "Pressed but Not Crushed" mean biblically?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.--The imagery here begins to change. The treasure is "the knowledge of the glory of God" as possessed by the Apostle. It was the practice of Eastern kings, who stored up their treasures of gold and silver, to fill jars of earthenware with coin or bullion (Herod. iii. 103. Comp. also <a href="/jeremiah/32-14.htm" title="Thus said the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days.">Jeremiah 32:14</a>). "So," St. Paul says, in a tone of profound humility, "it is with us. In these frail bodies of ours--'earthen vessels'--we have that priceless treasure." The passage is instructive, as showing that the "vessels of wood and of earth" in <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm" title="But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.">2Timothy 2:20</a> are not necessarily identical with those made for dishonour. The words have probably a side glance at the taunts that had been thrown out as to his bodily infirmities. "Be it so," he says; "we admit all that can be said on that score, and it is that men may see that the excellence of the power which we exercise comes from God, and not from ourselves." The words that follow, contrasting sufferings and infirmities in their manifold variety with the way in which they were borne through God's strengthening grace, show this to be the true underlying sequence of thought.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 7-15. - Glory of the ministry in the midst of its weakness and suffering. Verse 7. - In earthen vessels. The glorious light which we have to show to the world is, like Gideon's torches, carried in earthen pitchers. The word skenos, vessel, is used in <a href="/mark/11-16.htm">Mark 11:16</a>, and "vessels of earthenware" in <a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Revelation 2:27</a>. St. Paul, in <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a>, is called "a vessel of election," whence Dante calls him lo vas d elezione. Man can never be more than an earthen vessel, being frail and humble, and the metaphor specially suits an apostle of Christ (see <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3-5</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">2 Timothy 2:20</a>). But when he takes the Word of life from the earthen pitcher and waves it in the air, it illuminates all on whom the light shines. No commentator seems to have seen the probable allusion to Gideon's pitchers. It is the "light," of which he has been speaking exclusively in the last verses, which constitutes the "treasure." Those who suppose that the "treasure" is gold or silver or something else of value, refer to <a href="/jeremiah/32-14.htm">Jeremiah 32:14</a>, and Herod., 3:103; Pers., 'Sat.,' 2:10. The excellency; literally, the excess or abundance. Of God, and not of us; rather, of God, and not from us. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. we have Ἔχομεν (Echomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. this τοῦτον (touton) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. treasure θησαυρὸν (thēsauron) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2344.htm">Strong's 2344: </a> A store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. From tithemi; a deposit, i.e. Wealth. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. jars σκεύεσιν (skeuesin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4632.htm">Strong's 4632: </a> A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband). of clay ὀστρακίνοις (ostrakinois) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3749.htm">Strong's 3749: </a> Made of clay, earthen. From ostrakon; earthen-ware, i.e. Clayey; by implication, frail. to show that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. [this] ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. surpassingly great ὑπερβολὴ (hyperbolē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5236.htm">Strong's 5236: </a> From huperballo; a throwing beyond others, i.e. supereminence; adverbially pre- eminently. power δυνάμεως (dynameōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1411.htm">Strong's 1411: </a> From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. is ᾖ (ē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. from God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. us. ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in clay (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 4:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>