2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Original Language Analysis
Ἔχομεν
we have
G2192
Ἔχομεν
we have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θησαυρὸν
treasure
G2344
θησαυρὸν
treasure
Strong's:
G2344
Word #:
4 of 20
a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)
ὀστρακίνοις
earthen
G3749
ὀστρακίνοις
earthen
Strong's:
G3749
Word #:
7 of 20
earthen-ware, i.e., clayey; by implication, frail
σκεύεσιν
vessels
G4632
σκεύεσιν
vessels
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
8 of 20
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπερβολὴ
the excellency
G5236
ὑπερβολὴ
the excellency
Strong's:
G5236
Word #:
11 of 20
a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δυνάμεως
of the power
G1411
δυνάμεως
of the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
13 of 20
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
ᾖ
may be
G5600
ᾖ
may be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
14 of 20
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
18 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:1For 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.1 Corinthians 1:28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Lamentations 4:2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;Matthew 13:44Again, 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.2 Corinthians 10:10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.2 Corinthians 4:1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;2 Timothy 2:20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
Historical Context
Clay lamps were ubiquitous in the ancient world—cheap, easily broken, quickly replaced. Everyone understood their fragility. Yet these humble vessels carried light. Archaeological finds show Corinthian pottery was mass-produced and utilitarian. Paul's metaphor would be immediately clear: apostles are common clay pots carrying divine light, disposable containers for eternal treasure.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond to your own weaknesses and limitations—as problems to overcome or as designed displays of God's power?
- In what areas are you tempted to present yourself as 'golden vessel' rather than embrace being 'earthen vessel'?
- How does this verse challenge the modern church's emphasis on polished, professional ministry presentations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels (echomen de ton thēsauron touton en ostrakinou skeuesi, ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν)—the thēsauros (θησαυρός, 'treasure') is the gospel of God's glory in Christ (v. 6). Ostrakinou (ὀστρακίνοις, 'clay, earthenware') describes cheap, fragile pottery used for common purposes. The contrast is stunning: infinite treasure in disposable containers.
That the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (hina hē hyperbolē tēs dynameōs ē tou theou kai mē ex hēmōn, ἵνα ἡ ὑπερβολὴ τῆς δυνάμεως ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ μὴ ἐξ ἡμῶν)—hina (ἵνα, 'in order that') reveals divine purpose: human weakness is the stage for divine power. Hyperbolē (ὑπερβολή, 'surpassing greatness, extraordinary quality') describes power so obviously beyond human capacity that God alone gets glory. Our fragility isn't failure—it's the divinely chosen means of displaying grace.