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;
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθ'
a far
G2596
καθ'
a far
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
8 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὑπερβολὴν
G5236
ὑπερβολὴν
Strong's:
G5236
Word #:
9 of 16
a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently
εἰς
more exceeding
G1519
εἰς
more exceeding
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὑπερβολὴν
G5236
ὑπερβολὴν
Strong's:
G5236
Word #:
11 of 16
a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently
αἰώνιον
and eternal
G166
αἰώνιον
and eternal
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
12 of 16
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
βάρος
weight
G922
βάρος
weight
Strong's:
G922
Word #:
13 of 16
weight; in the new testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority
δόξης
of glory
G1391
δόξης
of glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
14 of 16
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
Cross References
Romans 8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.1 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.Romans 8:34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature spoke of 'the weight of glory' awaiting the righteous after suffering (4 Ezra, 2 Barabbas). Paul intensifies this: glory's weight infinitely exceeds suffering's lightness, glory's eternity dwarfs suffering's momentariness, and suffering itself produces glory. This theodicy makes sense only from resurrection perspective, which Paul thoroughly embraced.
Questions for Reflection
- What helps you genuinely regard your present sufferings as 'light and momentary' without minimizing their real pain?
- How does Paul's 'working for us' language challenge the view that suffering is purposeless or meaningless?
- In what ways have past afflictions 'worked' an eternal weight of glory in your character or faith that you can now recognize?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment (to gar parautika elaphron tēs thlipseōs hēmōn, τὸ γὰρ παραυτίκα ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως ἡμῶν)—after cataloging imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, and stonings (11:23-28), Paul calls it elaphron (ἐλαφρόν, 'light, easy, insignificant')! Parautika (παραυτίκα, 'momentary, transient') describes 70+ years of hardship. Only from eternity's perspective is a lifetime 'momentary'; only compared to glory is catastrophe 'light.'
Worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (kath' hyperbolēn eis hyperbolēn aiōnion baros doxēs katergazetai hēmin, καθ' ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν αἰώνιον βάρος δόξης κατεργάζεται ἡμῖν)—kath' hyperbolēn eis hyperbolēn (καθ' ὑπερβολὴν εἰς ὑπερβολὴν, 'beyond all measure, to an extraordinary degree, surpassing excellence') is superlative heaped on superlative. Baros (βάρος, 'weight, burden') contrasts with 'light'—affliction is featherweight, glory is massive. Katergazomai (κατεργάζομαι, 'to work out, produce, accomplish') shows suffering actively producing glory, not just preceding it. Affliction isn't merely endured; it's the divinely appointed means of glory's production.