2 Corinthians 4:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βλεπόμενα
at the things which are
G991
βλεπόμενα
at the things which are
Strong's:
G991
Word #:
5 of 18
to look at (literally or figuratively)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
βλεπόμενα
at the things which are
G991
βλεπόμενα
at the things which are
Strong's:
G991
Word #:
9 of 18
to look at (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
βλεπόμενα
at the things which are
G991
βλεπόμενα
at the things which are
Strong's:
G991
Word #:
12 of 18
to look at (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Hebrews 11:13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.Matthew 25:46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.2 Thessalonians 2:16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'seen things' are you most tempted to fix your gaze upon—and how do they distract from unseen, eternal realities?
- How do you practically 'look at things not seen'—what disciplines or practices help you focus on eternal realities?
- In what ways does American Christianity prioritize temporary, visible things (buildings, numbers, success) over eternal, invisible realities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.