2 Corinthians 4:16
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκκακοῦμεν,
we faint
G1573
ἐκκακοῦμεν,
we faint
Strong's:
G1573
Word #:
3 of 18
to be (bad or) weak, i.e., (by implication) to fail (in heart)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
by
G2532
καὶ
by
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαφθείρεται
perish
G1311
διαφθείρεται
perish
Strong's:
G1311
Word #:
11 of 18
to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔσωθεν
the inward
G2081
ἔσωθεν
the inward
Strong's:
G2081
Word #:
14 of 18
from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
16 of 18
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Cross References
Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:Isaiah 40:29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Ephesians 3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:Psalms 73:26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.2 Corinthians 4:1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Psalms 27:13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Historical Context
The 'outward man'/'inward man' dichotomy isn't Greek dualism (soul good, body bad) but Hebrew holism recognizing physical decline concurrent with spiritual growth. Paul isn't denigrating the body (he affirms bodily resurrection!). He's acknowledging that mortal flesh wastes while the regenerate spirit strengthens—a reality every aging believer experiences.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you experience the tension between outward physical decline and inward spiritual renewal?
- What practices facilitate 'day by day' renewal of the inner person in your life?
- How does this verse comfort those facing chronic illness, aging, or physical limitations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For which cause we faint not (dio ouk enkakōmen, διὸ οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν)—Paul repeats v. 1's declaration, now grounded in resurrection hope (vv. 14-15). Dio (διό, 'therefore, for this reason') points back to all he's established: ministry flows from mercy, death produces life, resurrection is certain, all things serve God's glory. With such foundations, losing heart is impossible.
But though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day (all' ei kai ho exō hēmōn anthrōpos diaphtheiretai, alla ho esō hēmōn anakainoutai hēmera kai hēmera, ἀλλ' εἰ καὶ ὁ ἔξω ἡμῶν ἄνθρωπος διαφθείρεται, ἀλλὰ ὁ ἔσω ἡμῶν ἀνακαινοῦται ἡμέρα καὶ ἡμέρᾳ)—diaphtheirō (διαφθείρω, 'to destroy, corrupt, waste away') is present passive: ongoing external decay. But anakainoō (ἀνακαινόω, 'to renew, make new again') is also present passive: ongoing internal renewal. Hēmera kai hēmera (ἡμέρα καὶ ἡμέρᾳ, 'day by day') emphasizes daily, continuous renewal. Aging bodies house regenerating souls.