1
Διὰ τοῦτο, ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν,
Therefore, having this ministry, just as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,
An inferential resumption of ch. 3: because the new-covenant ministry of the Spirit is so surpassingly glorious, and is held only by mercy, Paul will not flag. The thesis of the section — 'we do not lose heart' — is stated here and repeated at v.16, framing the unit.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
Διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά (inferential: 'for this reason')διὰ τοῦτο: 'therefore, for this reason'; here looking back to the glory of the new-covenant ministry in ch. 3.
ἔχοντεςhavingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔχωcausal/circumstantial participle→ present (concurrent)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; the participle gives the ground — possession of the ministry is the reason for endurance.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
διακονίανministryAccusativedirect object of ἔχοντεςδιακονία: 'service, ministry'; the new-covenant διακονία of the Spirit (3:6–9), held as a stewardship.
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative (attributive)
καθὼςjust ascomparative conjunctionκαθώς: 'just as, according as'; here grounding the ministry in the prior mercy that conferred it.
ἠλεήθημενwe received mercyAor Pass Indic 1 Pl · ἐλεέωmain verb (comparative clause)→ constative aoristἐλεέω: 'show mercy'; passive 'be shown mercy' — the apostolate is a gift of mercy (cf. 1 Tim 1:13), not merit.
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐγκακοῦμενwe lose heartPres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐγκακέωmain verb→ customary present (durative)ἐγκακέω: 'lose heart, grow weary, be discouraged'; the section's refrain (v.16) — Paul refuses to flag in the work.
2
ἀλλὰ ἀπειπάμεθα τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης, μὴ περιπατοῦντες ἐν πανουργίᾳ μηδὲ δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ τῇ φανερώσει τῆς ἀληθείας συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτοὺς πρὸς πᾶσαν συνείδησιν ἀνθρώπων ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ.
but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in cunning nor adulterating the word of God, but by the open manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God.
The strong adversative pivots from 'not losing heart' to its positive face: integrity of method. Paul disowns secret shame, manipulation, and the falsifying of God's word, and instead lays the truth open to every conscience in God's sight.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but, rather'; marking the positive counterpart to discouragement and to deceit.
ἀπειπάμεθαwe renouncedAor Mid Indic 1 Pl · ἀπεῖπονmain verb→ constative aorist (decisive)ἀπεῖπον (mid. ἀπειπάμην): 'renounce, disown, forbid'; a once-for-all repudiation of underhanded ways.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (substantizes adj.)
κρυπτὰhidden thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adjective)κρυπτός: 'hidden, secret'; the 'hidden things of shame' — concealed practices one is ashamed to expose.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
αἰσχύνηςshameGenitiveattributive genitive (quality/source)αἰσχύνη: 'shame, disgrace'; that which provokes shame — the secret conduct fit only to be hidden.
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)
περιπατοῦντεςwalkingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · περιπατέωadverbial ptc. of manner (epexegetical)→ present (durative)περιπατέω: 'walk about,' Semitically 'conduct one's life'; the metaphor of habitual behavior.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
πανουργίᾳcunningDativedat. of mannerπανουργία: 'craftiness, trickery' (lit. 'readiness for anything'); the serpent's wile (cf. 11:3).
μηδὲnornegative coordinating conjunction
δολοῦντεςadulteratingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δολόωadverbial ptc. of manner→ present (durative)δολόω: 'falsify, adulterate' (from δόλος, 'bait, deceit'); used of doctoring wine — to tamper with God's word.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονwordAccusativedirect object of δολοῦντεςλόγος: 'word, message'; the word of God as the gospel proclamation, not to be diluted or distorted.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source/possession
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
τῇtheDativearticle
φανερώσειmanifestationDativedat. of means/instrumentφανέρωσις: 'open showing, disclosure'; the antithesis of τὰ κρυπτά — truth laid bare in the open.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἀληθείαςtruthGenitiveobjective genitive (the truth made manifest)ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the gospel truth which Paul displays rather than manipulates.
συνιστάνοντεςcommendingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · συνίστημιadverbial ptc. of means (positive counterpart)→ present (durative)συνίστημι (συνιστάνω): 'commend, present, prove'; Paul's self-commendation is by truth, not boast (cf. 3:1; 5:12).
ἑαυτοὺςourselvesAccusativereflexive direct object
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (reference/relation)
πᾶσανeveryAccusativeattributive adjective
συνείδησινconscienceAccusativeobject of πρός (the judging faculty addressed)συνείδησις: 'conscience' (lit. 'co-knowing'); the inner moral arbiter to which the open truth appeals.
ἀνθρώπωνof menGenitivegenitive of possession (whose conscience)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; every human conscience, not a partisan few, is the witness.
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (place)ἐνώπιον: 'in the sight of, before'; Paul's ministry is conducted coram Deo, under God's eye.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον
3
εἰ δὲ καὶ ἔστιν κεκαλυμμένον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἡμῶν, ἐν τοῖς ἀπολλυμένοις ἐστὶν κεκαλυμμένον,
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing,
Anticipating the objection that some do not see, Paul concedes the veiling — but restricts it sharply: the veil lies over the perishing, not over the gospel itself (picking up the unveiled-face imagery of 3:14–18).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εἰifconditional conjunction (first-class, assumed real)εἰ ... καί: 'even if'; a concessive condition treating the veiling as a granted fact.
δὲbut/nowdevelopmental conjunction
καὶevenadjunctive/ascensive adverb
ἔστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίauxiliary in periphrastic perfect (w/ κεκαλυμμένον)→ stative present
κεκαλυμμένονveiledPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · καλύπτωperiphrastic perfect ptc. (predicate)→ intensive perfect (a settled veiled state)καλύπτω: 'cover, veil, hide'; echoes the Mosaic veil of 3:13–16 — the gospel remains covered to some.
τὸtheNominativearticle
εὐαγγέλιονgospelNominativesubjectεὐαγγέλιον: 'good news'; Paul's proclamation — 'our gospel,' the message he and his coworkers bring.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere)
τοῖςthoseDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀπολλυμένοιςwho are perishingPres Mid Ptc · Dat Pl Masc · ἀπόλλυμιsubstantival participle (dat. of sphere)→ present (ongoing process)ἀπόλλυμι (mid.): 'be perishing, be lost'; the present marks a process now underway (cf. 2:15; 1 Cor 1:18).
ἐστὶνit isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίauxiliary in periphrastic perfect→ stative present
κεκαλυμμένονveiledPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · καλύπτωperiphrastic perfect ptc. (predicate, resumptive)→ intensive perfect (settled state)καλύπτω: repeated for emphasis — the veiling is real but localized to the perishing.
4
ἐν οἷς ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου ἐτύφλωσεν τὰ νοήματα τῶν ἀπίστων εἰς τὸ μὴ αὐγάσαι τὸν φωτισμὸν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς δόξης τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ θεοῦ.
in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that they should not see the illumination of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
A relative clause names the agent behind the veiling: 'the god of this age' has blinded unbelieving minds. The purpose-clause states the aim — to bar the radiance of the gospel of Christ's glory — and the closing relative ('who is the image of God') sets up the new-creation light of v.6.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
οἷςwhomDativerelative pronoun (antecedent: the perishing)
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςgodNominativesubjectθεός: 'god'; 'the god of this age' is Satan, granted usurped dominion over the present evil order (cf. Eph 2:2).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
αἰῶνοςageGenitivegenitive of subordination ('over this age')αἰών: 'age, era'; 'this age' is the present evil world-order, opposed to the age to come.
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative (attributive)
ἐτύφλωσενblindedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τυφλόωmain verb→ constative aoristτυφλόω: 'make blind, darken'; the spiritual blinding that prevents perception of the gospel light.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
νοήματαminds/thoughtsAccusativedirect objectνόημα: 'thought, mind, perception'; the faculties of understanding, here darkened (cf. 3:14; 11:3).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἀπίστωνunbelievingGenitivesubstantival adjective (gen. of possession)ἄπιστος: 'unbelieving, faithless'; those without faith — the class identical to 'the perishing.'
εἰςso aspreposition + articular inf. (purpose/result)εἰς τό + inf.: a standard construction expressing purpose or intended result.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (nominalizes infinitive)
μὴnotnegative particle (with infinitive)
αὐγάσαιto see/beholdAor Act Inf · αὐγάζωarticular infinitive of purpose→ constative aoristαὐγάζω: 'see clearly, behold' (from αὐγή, 'radiance'); apt for perceiving the gospel's light.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
φωτισμὸνilluminationAccusativeobject of αὐγάσαιφωτισμός: 'illumination, light, radiance'; the shining-forth of the gospel (cf. v.6).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
εὐαγγελίουgospelGenitivegenitive of source (light from the gospel)εὐαγγέλιον: 'gospel'; the gospel as the medium through which Christ's glory shines.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
δόξηςgloryGenitiveobjective/content genitive (gospel about the glory)δόξα: 'glory, splendor'; the radiant glory of Christ — the theme carried from 3:18.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivegenitive of possession (Christ's glory)Χριστός: 'Anointed,' Messiah; the one whose glory the gospel reveals.
ὅςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject)
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, rel. clause)→ stative present
εἰκὼνimageNominativepredicate nominativeεἰκών: 'image, likeness'; Christ as the visible representation of the invisible God (cf. Col 1:15) — restoring the Adamic image.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of relationship (image of God)
5
οὐ γὰρ ἑαυτοὺς κηρύσσομεν ἀλλὰ Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν κύριον, ἑαυτοὺς δὲ δούλους ὑμῶν διὰ Ἰησοῦν.
For we do not proclaim ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.
Grounding the open ministry of v.2 and the gospel-of-glory of v.4: the proclamation's content is not Paul but Christ as Lord; Paul takes the slave's place, and only 'for Jesus' sake.' This answers the rivals who commend themselves (3:1).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
οὐnotnegative particle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἑαυτοὺςourselvesAccusativereflexive direct object (fronted, emphatic)
κηρύσσομενwe proclaimPres Act Indic 1 Pl · κηρύσσωmain verb→ customary presentκηρύσσω: 'proclaim, herald'; the public announcement of a herald (κῆρυξ) — preaching as proclamation, not self-display.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
ΧριστὸνChristAccusativedirect objectΧριστός: 'Christ'; the content of the proclamation — the Messiah.
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeapposition to Χριστόν
κύριονLordAccusativeobject complement (double accusative: 'as Lord')κύριος: 'Lord'; the confession 'Jesus is Lord' (cf. Rom 10:9; 1 Cor 12:3) — the kerygma's core.
ἑαυτοὺςourselvesAccusativereflexive direct object (second member)
δὲandconnective conjunction
δούλουςslavesAccusativeobject complement ('as slaves')δοῦλος: 'slave, bondservant'; Paul's posture toward the church — servitude, not lordship (cf. 1:24).
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive (whose slaves)
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause/sake)
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeobject of διά (the ground of the servitude)Ἰησοῦν: the bare name 'Jesus' — Paul's service to them flows from devotion to Jesus himself.
6
ὅτι ὁ θεὸς ὁ εἰπών· Ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψει, ὃς ἔλαμψεν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.
For God, who said, "Out of darkness light shall shine," is the one who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The deepest ground of the proclamation: the Creator who said 'Let there be light' (Gen 1:3) has performed a new-creation act within — flooding the apostolic heart with the knowledge of God's glory seen in Christ's face. This is the source of the treasure of v.7.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
ὅτιfor/becausecausal conjunctionὅτι: 'because, for'; grounds why Paul preaches Christ as Lord — God himself has shone within.
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God the Creator — set deliberately against 'the god of this age' (v.4).
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
εἰπώνwho saidAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λέγωattributive participle (identifies God)→ constative aoristλέγω (aor. εἶπον): 'say'; the creative word of Gen 1:3 — God who spoke light into being at creation.
Ἐκout ofpreposition + genitive (source)
σκότουςdarknessGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source)σκότος: 'darkness'; the primeval darkness of Gen 1:2 over which God commands light.
φῶςlightNominativesubject of λάμψει (in the citation)φῶς: 'light'; the first creative good — here the figure of the new-creation illumination.
λάμψειshall shineFut Act Indic 3 Sg · λάμπωmain verb (cited creative fiat)→ predictive/imperatival futureλάμπω: 'shine, give light'; the future renders the creative command as an effectual word.
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (resumes ὁ θεός)
ἔλαμψενhas shoneAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λάμπωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aorist (the conversion event)λάμπω: here intransitive 'shone forth'; the decisive inward illumination at conversion/commission.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/sphere)
ταῖςtheDativearticle
καρδίαιςheartsDativedat. of place (locus of the shining)καρδία: 'heart'; the inner center of thought, will, and perception — where God's light dawns.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
πρὸςto givepreposition + accusative (purpose/result)πρός: here marking purpose — 'so as to produce/give.'
φωτισμὸνthe lightAccusativeobject of πρός (purpose)φωτισμός: 'illumination, enlightenment'; the same word as v.4 — the radiance now imparted, not barred.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
γνώσεωςknowledgeGenitivegenitive of content (light consisting in knowledge)γνῶσις: 'knowledge'; the saving, relational knowledge of God's glory — not bare information.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
δόξηςgloryGenitiveobjective genitive (knowledge of the glory)δόξα: 'glory'; God's revealed splendor — beheld now in Christ's face, as Moses beheld it dimly.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possession (God's glory)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/locus)
προσώπῳfaceDativedat. of place (where the glory is seen)πρόσωπον: 'face, presence'; the glory of God is now visible in the face of Christ (contrast Moses' veiled face, 3:13).
Ἰησοῦof JesusGenitivegenitive of possession (whose face)
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveapposition
7
Ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν, ἵνα ἡ ὑπερβολὴ τῆς δυνάμεως ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ μὴ ἐξ ἡμῶν·
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power may be God's and not from us;
The hinge of the chapter. The radiant treasure of v.6 is housed in fragile clay — a deliberate divine arrangement (ἵνα) so the power is unmistakably God's. This thesis governs the affliction-catalogue that follows (vv.8–12).
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
Ἔχομενwe havePres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ stative present (possession)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; the apostles possess the treasure — but only as custodians, not source.
δὲbutdevelopmental/contrastive conjunction
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
θησαυρὸνtreasureAccusativedirect objectθησαυρός: 'treasure, treasury'; the light/knowledge of God's glory (v.6) — wealth beyond measure.
τοῦτονthisAccusativedemonstrative (attributive, anaphoric to v.6)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/container)
ὀστρακίνοιςearthenDativeattributive adjectiveὀστράκινος: 'made of baked clay' (from ὄστρακον, 'potsherd'); cheap, fragile, easily shattered — the mortal body.
σκεύεσινvesselsDativedat. of place (the container)σκεῦος: 'vessel, jar, implement'; ordinary household pottery — a figure for the frail human frame.
ἵναso thatconjunction introducing purpose clauseἵνα: 'in order that'; the clay is purposeful — the frailty serves to magnify divine power.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ὑπερβολὴsurpassing greatnessNominativesubject of ᾖὑπερβολή: 'excess, extraordinary degree' (whence 'hyperbole'); the power is of a more-than-human order.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
δυνάμεωςpowerGenitivegenitive (the power that is surpassing)δύναμις: 'power, might'; the effective divine energy at work in a weak vessel (cf. 12:9).
ᾖmay bePres Act Subj 3 Sg · εἰμίsubjunctive verb of the ἵνα clause→ stative present
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepredicate genitive of source/possessionθεός: the power belongs to and originates from God — the point of the whole arrangement.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of ἐξ (denied source)
8
ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι ἀλλ' οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι, ἀπορούμενοι ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐξαπορούμενοι,
in every way afflicted but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair,
Asyndeton launches a hardship list of four antithetical pairs (vv.8–9): in each, pressure is real but never final. The participles depend loosely on 'we have' (v.7), portraying the clay-jar life — pressed yet preserved by the indwelling power.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἐνinpreposition + dative (reference)
παντὶevery (way)Dativesubstantival adjective (dat. of reference: 'in everything')πᾶς: 'all, every'; ἐν παντί = 'in every respect, on all sides.'
θλιβόμενοιbeing afflictedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · θλίβωptc. (loosely dependent on Ἔχομεν, v.7)→ present (ongoing)θλίβω: 'press, squeeze, afflict'; literally 'hemmed in' — pressure from every side.
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunction
οὐnotnegative particle
στενοχωρούμενοιcrushed/hemmed inPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · στενοχωρέωptc. (antithesis)→ present (ongoing)στενοχωρέω: 'confine to a narrow space, crush' (στενός + χῶρος); pressed but not boxed into a hopeless corner — a wordplay with θλίβω.
ἀπορούμενοιbeing perplexedPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀπορέωptc. (second pair)→ present (ongoing)ἀπορέω: 'be at a loss, perplexed' (ἀ- + πόρος, 'no way through'); without a clear path forward.
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐξαπορούμενοιdriven to despairPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐξαπορέομαιptc. (antithesis)→ present (ongoing)ἐξαπορέομαι: 'be utterly at a loss, despair' (ἐκ-intensive); perplexed, yet not to the point of giving up — the intensive prefix sharpens the pun.
9
διωκόμενοι ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐγκαταλειπόμενοι, καταβαλλόμενοι ἀλλ' οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι,
persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed;
The third and fourth pairs complete the catalogue: every blow is real, but each is checked by an unspoken divine 'but.' The list embodies v.7 — hard-pressed clay that the surpassing power keeps whole.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
διωκόμενοιbeing persecutedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · διώκωptc. (third pair)→ present (ongoing)διώκω: 'pursue, persecute'; hunted down by hostile pursuers.
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐγκαταλειπόμενοιforsakenPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐγκαταλείπωptc. (antithesis)→ present (ongoing)ἐγκαταλείπω: 'leave behind, abandon, desert'; pursued by men yet never deserted by God (cf. Ps 22:1; Heb 13:5).
καταβαλλόμενοιbeing struck downPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · καταβάλλωptc. (fourth pair)→ present (ongoing)καταβάλλω: 'throw/strike down, cast to the ground'; perhaps a wrestling or battlefield image — knocked flat.
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἀπολλύμενοιdestroyedPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀπόλλυμιptc. (antithesis)→ present (ongoing)ἀπόλλυμι: 'destroy, perish'; the same verb as v.3 (the perishing) — knocked down but not finished off.
10
πάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ.
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
The catalogue is now read theologically: the apostle's sufferings are the 'dying of Jesus' carried in the body, with the divine purpose (ἵνα) that Jesus' resurrection life be displayed in that same mortal body — death the medium of life.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
πάντοτεalwaysadverb (frequency)πάντοτε: 'always, at all times'; the dying is continuous, not occasional.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
νέκρωσινdying/deathAccusativedirect object of περιφέροντεςνέκρωσις: 'putting to death, the state of dying' (from νεκρόω); the process of mortification borne in the body.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ἸησοῦJesusGenitivepossessive/objective genitive (Jesus' dying)Ἰησοῦ: the human name 'Jesus' (used 5x in vv.10–14) keeps the focus on the historical, suffering-and-risen Lord.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῷtheDativearticle
σώματιbodyDativedat. of place (where the dying is borne)σῶμα: 'body'; the physical frame — the clay jar of v.7 — that bears both death and life.
περιφέροντεςcarrying aboutPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · περιφέρωptc. (continuing the v.8 series)→ present (durative)περιφέρω: 'carry around, bear about' (περί + φέρω); the dying is borne everywhere Paul goes.
ἵναso thatconjunction introducing purpose clause
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ἡtheNominativearticle
ζωὴlifeNominativesubject of φανερωθῇζωή: 'life'; the resurrection life of Jesus, displayed precisely in the apostle's preservation through dying.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ἸησοῦJesusGenitivepossessive genitive (Jesus' life)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῷtheDativearticle
σώματιbodyDativedat. of place
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
φανερωθῇmay be manifestedAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · φανερόωsubjunctive verb of the ἵνα clause→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'make visible, reveal'; the open display (cf. φανέρωσις, v.2) of Jesus' life through Paul's body.
11
ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν.
For we who live are always being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
An explanatory restatement of v.10, sharpening the paradox: the living are perpetually delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may shine out in 'mortal flesh' — the very arena of death becomes the showcase of life.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
ἀεὶalwaysadverb (frequency)ἀεί: 'ever, always'; a near-synonym of πάντοτε (v.10), reinforcing the constancy.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
οἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ζῶντεςwho livePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ζάωsubstantival participle (in apposition to ἡμεῖς)→ present (ongoing)ζάω: 'live, be alive'; pointedly 'the living' are the ones handed to death — the paradox in a phrase.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal/result)
θάνατονdeathAccusativeobject of εἰς (the goal of the handing-over)θάνατος: 'death'; the constant peril to which gospel ministry exposes the apostle (cf. 1:9; 11:23).
παραδιδόμεθαwe are handed overPres Pass Indic 1 Pl · παραδίδωμιmain verb→ present (iterative/customary)παραδίδωμι: 'hand over, deliver up'; the same verb used of Jesus' betrayal/delivery (passion echo) — a divine passive.
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause/sake)
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeobject of διά (the reason for the suffering)
ἵναso thatconjunction introducing purpose clause
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ἡtheNominativearticle
ζωὴlifeNominativesubject of φανερωθῇζωή: 'life'; the risen life of Jesus, again the purpose of the dying.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ἸησοῦJesusGenitivepossessive genitive
φανερωθῇmay be manifestedAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · φανερόωsubjunctive verb of the ἵνα clause→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'reveal, make visible'; repeated from v.10 — the open showing of resurrection life.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῇtheDativearticle
θνητῇmortalDativeattributive adjectiveθνητός: 'mortal, subject to death' (from θνῄσκω); intensifies σῶμα → 'death-bound flesh' as the very site of life's display.
σαρκὶfleshDativedat. of placeσάρξ: here neutral, 'flesh' = the mortal body, not the ethical 'flesh'; the perishable frame quickened with life.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
12
ὥστε ὁ θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν.
So then death is at work in us, but life in you.
An inferential conclusion to the unit: the apostolic death-and-life pattern is vicarious in effect — the death plays out in the apostles, but the life it yields accrues to the church. The clause closes the clay-jar section.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ὥστεso theninferential conjunction (result)ὥστε: 'so that, therefore'; drawing the consequence from vv.10–11.
ὁtheNominativearticle
θάνατοςdeathNominativesubjectθάνατος: 'death'; the dying process of vv.10–11, now personified as actively operating.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ἡμῖνusDativeobject of ἐν (the apostles)
ἐνεργεῖταιis at workPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐνεργέωmain verb→ present (ongoing/iterative)ἐνεργέω: 'be at work, operate, be effective'; death is actively energizing in the apostles' experience.
ἡtheNominativearticle
δὲbutcontrastive conjunction
ζωὴlifeNominativesubject (of an implied ἐνεργεῖται)ζωή: 'life'; the resulting benefit — the life the apostles' dying secures flows to the church.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐν (the Corinthians)
13
Ἔχοντες δὲ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως, κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον· Ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα, καὶ ἡμεῖς πιστεύομεν, διὸ καὶ λαλοῦμεν,
But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed, therefore I spoke," we also believe, therefore we also speak,
A new movement: the dying ministry is sustained by faith. Citing Ps 116:10 (LXX 115:1), Paul aligns his speaking with the psalmist's — faith compels proclamation, even amid death, because of the resurrection hope unfolded in v.14.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ἜχοντεςhavingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔχωcausal/circumstantial participle→ present (concurrent)ἔχω: 'have, possess'; the participle gives the basis of the speaking that follows.
δὲbut/anddevelopmental conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
αὐτὸsameAccusativeidentifying adjective (attributive)αὐτός: 'same'; the same spirit/disposition of faith as the psalmist had — continuity of believing across the covenants.
πνεῦμαspiritAccusativedirect object of Ἔχοντεςπνεῦμα: here the disposition/attitude 'of faith' (the believing spirit), with possible overtones of the Holy Spirit who works it.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
πίστεωςfaithGenitiveattributive/source genitive (spirit characterized by faith)πίστις: 'faith, trust'; the spirit of faith that issues in confession.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/conformity)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
γεγραμμένονwhat is writtenPerf Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Neut · γράφωsubstantival participle (object of κατά)→ intensive perfect (standing written)γράφω: 'write'; τὸ γεγραμμένον, 'that which stands written' — the standing authority of Scripture (Ps 116:10 LXX).
ἘπίστευσαI believedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πιστεύωmain verb (cited from Ps 116:10 LXX)→ constative aoristπιστεύω: 'believe, trust'; the psalmist's faith, taken up as Paul's own.
διὸthereforeinferential conjunction (within the citation)διό: 'therefore'; faith is the cause, speaking the effect.
ἐλάλησαI spokeAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (citation)→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak, utter'; faith inevitably finds voice — the principle Paul applies to himself.
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
πιστεύομενwe believePres Act Indic 1 Pl · πιστεύωmain verb→ customary presentπιστεύω: 'believe'; Paul claims the same believing as the psalmist.
διὸthereforeinferential conjunction
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
λαλοῦμενwe speakPres Act Indic 1 Pl · λαλέωmain verb→ customary presentλαλέω: 'speak'; the proclamation of vv.2, 5 grounded now in faith — Paul speaks because he believes.
14
εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἡμᾶς σὺν Ἰησοῦ ἐγερεῖ καὶ παραστήσει σὺν ὑμῖν.
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us with you.
The knowledge that grounds the believing-and-speaking of v.13: the God who raised Jesus will raise the apostles too and present them, together with the Corinthians, in the resurrection — the hope that makes a death-shaped ministry rational.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
εἰδότεςknowingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · οἶδαcausal participle→ intensive perfect (settled knowledge)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present sense); settled, confident assurance — the basis of bold speech.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of knowing)
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἐγείραςwho raisedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐγείρωsubstantival participle (subject: God)→ constative aoristἐγείρω: 'raise up'; God identified by the resurrection act — the standard early-Christian designation (cf. Rom 4:24; 8:11).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativedirect object of ἐγείραςἸησοῦν: 'Jesus'; the raised Lord, prototype and guarantee of the apostles' resurrection.
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of ἐγερεῖ
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (association)σύν: 'together with'; union with Jesus in resurrection — sharing his risen destiny.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeobject of σύν (association)
ἐγερεῖwill raiseFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐγείρωmain verb (content clause)→ predictive futureἐγείρω: 'raise'; the future resurrection of believers, certain because Jesus is already raised.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παραστήσειwill presentFut Act Indic 3 Sg · παρίστημιmain verb (coordinate)→ predictive futureπαρίστημι: 'present, set beside'; to present before God in the resurrection (cf. 11:2; Col 1:22) — a quasi-judicial/cultic presenting.
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (association)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of σύν (the Corinthians)ὑμῖν: 'you'; apostles and church presented together — the shared resurrection community.
15
τὰ γὰρ πάντα δι' ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ εἰς τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ.
For all things are for your sake, so that grace, multiplied through the many, may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
The ultimate rationale: 'all things' — the apostolic sufferings and ministry — are for the church's sake, so that grace spreading to ever more people may swell the chorus of thanksgiving to God's glory. The clay-jar life terminates in doxology.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
τὰtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
πάνταall thingsNominativesubject (substantival adjective; verbless clause)πᾶς: 'all'; τὰ πάντα = the whole apostolic experience just described — all of it serves the church.
δι'for the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause/sake)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of διά (beneficiary)
ἵναso thatconjunction introducing purpose clause
ἡtheNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject of περισσεύσῃχάρις: 'grace, favor'; God's saving grace, here as the expanding gift that generates gratitude.
πλεονάσασαhaving multipliedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · πλεονάζωattributive/adverbial participle (modifying χάρις)→ constative aoristπλεονάζω: 'increase, abound, become more'; the grace multiplies as it reaches more people.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means/agency)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
πλειόνωνmore/the manyGenitivesubstantival comparative adj. (object of διά)πλείων: 'more, greater number'; the increasing multitude of those reached — grace's widening circle.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
εὐχαριστίανthanksgivingAccusativedirect object of περισσεύσῃ (transitive: 'make overflow')εὐχαριστία: 'thanksgiving, gratitude'; the proper human response to multiplying grace.
περισσεύσῃmay overflow/cause to aboundAor Act Subj 3 Sg · περισσεύωsubjunctive verb of the ἵνα clause→ constative aoristπερισσεύω: 'abound, overflow'; here transitive/causative — grace makes thanksgiving overflow.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal/result)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
δόξανgloryAccusativeobject of εἰς (the final goal)δόξα: 'glory'; God's glory — the terminus of grace and gratitude alike (the chapter's recurring theme).
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possession (God's glory)
16
Διὸ οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν, ἀλλ' εἰ καὶ ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται, ἀλλ' ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ.
Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.
The inferential 'therefore' resumes the refrain of v.1, opening the final movement. Against bodily decay stands daily inward renewal — the clay jar wears out while the treasure-bearing inner self is continually made new.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
Διὸthereforeinferential conjunctionδιό: 'therefore, for which reason'; drawing the conclusion from the resurrection hope of vv.13–15.
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐγκακοῦμενwe lose heartPres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐγκακέωmain verb (refrain from v.1)→ customary present (durative)ἐγκακέω: 'lose heart, grow weary'; the verbatim refrain of v.1, framing the inclusio of the section.
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunction
εἰifconditional conjunction (concessive, with καί)εἰ καί: 'even if'; concessive — granting the reality of outward decay.
καὶevenascensive adverb
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἔξωouteradverb used adjectivally ('outward')ἔξω: 'outside, outer'; the 'outer person' = the mortal, perishing body (the clay jar).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἄνθρωποςpersonNominativesubjectἄνθρωπος: 'human being, person'; here 'the outer ἄνθρωπος' — the self in its physical, perishable aspect.
διαφθείρεταιis decayingPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · διαφθείρωmain verb (concessive clause)→ present (ongoing process)διαφθείρω: 'corrupt, destroy, wear away'; the steady ruin of the body under affliction and age.
ἀλλ'yetadversative conjunction (apodosis)ἀλλά: here the 'yet' answering the concessive 'even if' — emphatic contrast.
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἔσωinneradverb used adjectivally ('inward')ἔσω: 'inside, inner'; 'the inner person' = the renewed self animated by the Spirit (cf. Rom 7:22; Eph 3:16).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀνακαινοῦταιis being renewedPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀνακαινόωmain verb→ present (ongoing/iterative)ἀνακαινόω: 'renew, make new again' (ἀνά + καινός); the continual inward renewal — the new-creation work of v.6 ongoing.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedat. of time (distributive: 'day by day')ἡμέρα: 'day'; ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ἡμέρᾳ is a Semitic idiom (cf. Heb. yôm wāyôm), 'day after day.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (idiomatic)
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedat. of time (distributive idiom)
17
τὸ γὰρ παραυτίκα ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν καθ' ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν αἰώνιον βάρος δόξης κατεργάζεται ἡμῖν,
For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure,
The ground of the daily renewal: a deliberately weighted antithesis — momentary/light against eternal/heavy. The present affliction is not merely outweighed by but is actively 'producing' a surpassing, eternal weight of glory.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
τὸtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
παραυτίκαmomentaryadverb used adjectivally (attributive)παραυτίκα: 'for the present moment, fleeting'; the affliction lasts only an instant against eternity.
ἐλαφρὸνlight(ness)Nominativesubstantival adjective (subject: 'the lightness')ἐλαφρός: 'light, easy to bear'; deliberately set against 'weight' (βάρος) below — the scales of glory.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
θλίψεωςafflictionGenitiveepexegetical/partitive genitive (the lightness consisting in affliction)θλῖψις: 'pressure, tribulation, affliction'; cognate with θλίβω (v.8) — the squeezing trials now weighed.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
καθ'beyondpreposition + accusative (measure/degree)κατά + ὑπερβολήν: 'to an extraordinary degree'; the doubled phrase heaps measure on measure.
ὑπερβολὴνexcess/measureAccusativeobject of κατάὑπερβολή: 'surpassing degree, excess'; καθ' ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολήν = 'beyond all measure, exceedingly.'
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (degree/goal)
ὑπερβολὴνexcess/measureAccusativeobject of εἰς (intensifying repetition)ὑπερβολή: repeated for hyperbolic emphasis — measureless surpassing.
αἰώνιονeternalAccusativeattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, everlasting'; opposite of παραυτίκα — the glory has no end.
βάροςweightAccusativedirect object of κατεργάζεταιβάρος: 'weight, heaviness'; antithesis of ἐλαφρόν — perhaps playing on Heb. kābôd ('glory') which also means 'heaviness.'
δόξηςof gloryGenitivegenitive of content/apposition (the weight that is glory)δόξα: 'glory'; the coming eschatological splendor — the chapter's keynote, here the prize.
κατεργάζεταιis producingPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · κατεργάζομαιmain verb→ present (ongoing/effective)κατεργάζομαι: 'work out, produce, achieve' (κατά-intensive); the affliction actively effects the glory, not merely precedes it.
ἡμῖνfor usDativedat. of advantage (the beneficiaries)
18
μὴ σκοπούντων ἡμῶν τὰ βλεπόμενα ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα· τὰ γὰρ βλεπόμενα πρόσκαιρα, τὰ δὲ μὴ βλεπόμενα αἰώνια.
while we look not at the things seen but at the things unseen; for the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are eternal.
A genitive-absolute condition qualifying v.17: the affliction yields glory while the gaze is fixed on the unseen. The closing γάρ-clause grounds the whole — the seen is transient, the unseen eternal — and seals the chapter's eternal-perspective resolution of suffering.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)
σκοπούντωνlooking atPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · σκοπέωgenitive absolute (attendant condition)→ present (durative)σκοπέω: 'fix attention on, aim at, consider' (whence 'scope'); a deliberate, fixed regard — not a passing glance.
ἡμῶνweGenitivesubject of the genitive absolute
τὰthe (things)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
βλεπόμεναthings seenPres Pass Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · βλέπωsubstantival participle (object of σκοπούντων)→ present (ongoing)βλέπω: 'see, look at'; τὰ βλεπόμενα = the visible, material order — the realm of affliction and decay.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunction
τὰthe (things)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)
βλεπόμεναthings unseenPres Pass Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · βλέπωsubstantival participle (object of σκοπούντων)→ present (ongoing)βλέπω: here negated, 'the unseen' = the eternal, heavenly realities apprehended by faith, not sight (cf. 5:7).
τὰthe (things)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
βλεπόμεναthings seenPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · βλέπωsubstantival participle (subject, verbless clause)→ present (ongoing)βλέπω: τὰ βλεπόμενα as subject — the visible things characterized as fleeting.
πρόσκαιραtemporaryNominativepredicate adjectiveπρόσκαιρος: 'lasting for a time, transient' (πρός + καιρός); the seen endures only for a season.
τὰthe (things)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutcontrastive conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)
βλεπόμεναthings unseenPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · βλέπωsubstantival participle (subject, verbless clause)→ present (ongoing)βλέπω: the unseen realities — set in final antithesis as 'eternal.'
αἰώνιαeternalNominativepredicate adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, everlasting'; the climactic word — the unseen abides forever, sealing the chapter's hope.