What does 2 Corinthians 4:16 mean?

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For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Explanation

2 Corinthians 4:16 speaks to the resilience of the Christian spirit in the face of adversity. The apostle Paul is contrasting the external, physical being with the internal, spiritual being. The “outward man” refers to the physical body, which is subject to aging, suffering, and eventual death. This is in line with the understanding that our physical selves are temporal and vulnerable. In contrast, the “inward man” signifies the soul or the spiritual aspect of a person, which Paul implies is being renewed perpetually, deepening and strengthening in its connection with God. In essence, while the body deteriorates, the spiritual self is imbued with life and vitality when one remains rooted in faith.

Historical Context

The second letter to the Corinthians is one of the apostle Paul’s epistles written to the church in Corinth. Likely composed around 55-57 A.D., during Paul’s time in Macedonia, the epistle addresses several issues including challenges to Paul’s authority, the nature of the resurrection, and the importance of reconciliation within the church. It also responds to reports concerning the difficulties faced by the church in Corinth, including internal disputes and persecution. Paul seeks to encourage and instruct the Corinthians, often using his own experiences as an example of steadfastness in suffering.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes the dichotomy between the material and spiritual worlds. In Christian theology, the physical body is seen as temporary and subject to sin and decay, while the spirit is associated with eternity and holiness. This perspective is rooted in the belief in an eternal life beyond the physical one.

Furthermore, the concept of renewal suggests a transformation that believers undergo as they grow in their faith. This may be understood as a process of sanctification, where through the Holy Spirit’s influence, Christians are gradually being made more like Christ.

The verse also touches upon the idea of hope and perseverance, suggesting that suffering may have a purpose in spiritual growth and is not mere misfortune.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of 2 Corinthians 4:16 are about finding strength and hope. It encourages individuals not to lose heart when facing trials and physical decline. As physical strength fades, one can focus on spiritual development which is eternal. This perspective can provide comfort in illness, aging, and during life’s difficulties, reminding believers that spiritual growth is continuous and does not depend on physical vitality. It promotes a focus on inner character rather than exterior appearances.

Cross-References

Romans 7:22: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:”
Ephesians 3:16: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;”
Romans 8:18: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Colossians 3:10: “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”
1 Peter 4:16: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

Language Study

The term “outward man” in the original Greek is “ὁ ἔξω ἄνθρωπος” (ho exo anthropos), where “ἔξω” means “outside” or “external,” and “ἄνθρωπος” means “man” or “human.” The “inward man” is correspondingly “ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος” (ho eso anthropos), with “ἔσω” meaning “inside” or “internal.”

The Greek word for “perish” is “διαφθείρω” (diaphtheiro), indicating destruction or corruption, which speaks to the degeneration of the physical body. The word “renewed” is translated from “ἀνακαινόω” (anakainoo), which means to cause to grow up, to make new again – implying continuous renewal or regeneration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, there was a common philosophical preoccupation with the distinction between the physical and non-physical aspects of humanity. Stoicism and Platonism, for instance, distinguished between the material and the spiritual or ideal. However, in contrast to some philosophies that may highlight the importance of the soul at the expense of the body, Christian theology maintains the eventual resurrection and redemption of the body.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the process of the physical body’s aging and perishing is well-documented. Biological research recognizes cellular senescence, entropy, and the eventual breakdown of living organisms. While the concept of an “inward man” being “renewed day by day” does not have a direct scientific analogue, psychology observes that mental states, attitudes, and cognitive functions can improve with practice, therapy, and positive life changes, akin to a form of mental or emotional renewal.

Commentaries

Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 4:16 offer diverse perspectives, depending on theological orientation. Some focus on the eschatological hope inherent in the verse, pointing out the contrast between earthly suffering and heavenly glory. Others emphasize the process of daily spiritual renewal as integral to Christian life and growth. Reformed theologians might discuss the doctrine of sanctification, which is implied in the daily renewal of the inward man. These commentaries collectively highlight the depth and richness of Paul’s teachings concerning the dual nature of humanity and the transformative power of faith.