Which Bible translation is shown on 2 Corinthians 4?

This page reproduces the public-domain World English Bible Protestant edition.

How should I cite a verse in 2 Corinthians 4?

Use the book, chapter, and verse, and name the World English Bible when the wording matters.

2 Corinthians 4 (WEB) — Full Text

New Testament

2 Corinthians 4

1Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.

2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who are dying,

4in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them.

5For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake,

6seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.

8We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;

9pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;

10always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

11For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.

12So then death works in us, but life in you.

13But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.” We also believe, and therefore we also speak,

14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also through Jesus, and will present us with you.

15For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

16Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day.

17For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,

18while we don’t look 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.

READ IN CONTEXT

Before applying this chapter

Paul defends cruciform ministry and explores weakness, reconciliation, generosity, and comfort. Read 2 Corinthians 4 within the complete 2 Corinthians overview, and use the contextual Bible reading guide before forming a personal application. Chapter divisions aid navigation, but the literary unit may begin earlier or continue into the next chapter.

Observe first

Mark repeated words, changes of speaker, commands, promises, contrasts, questions, and the relationship between paragraphs.

Apply responsibly

Distinguish description from command and immediate audience from later readers before forming a personal application.

TEXT-DERIVED READING NOTES

What to notice in 2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 4 contains 18 verses and about 411 words in this translation. These observations come from the chapter itself; they are prompts for close reading, not claims about its only possible meaning.

The opening movement

Verse 1 begins: “Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.” Ask what situation, voice, image, or argument this opening establishes for everything that follows.

The closing movement

Verse 18 closes: “while we don’t look 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…” Compare the ending with the opening and note what changed, resolved, intensified, or remained open.

Vocabulary worth tracing

Recurring or prominent content words include things, therefore, don’t, ourselves, light, glory. Follow where each word appears and whether its meaning shifts with the speaker or setting.

COMMON QUESTIONS

About 2 Corinthians 4

Which Bible translation is shown here?+

This page reproduces the World English Bible Protestant edition (WEBP), a modern-English translation dedicated to the public domain.

How should I cite a specific verse?+

Use the book, chapter, and verse—for example, 2 Corinthians 4:1—and name the World English Bible if the wording matters. Each verse number above is a direct anchor link.

Does the chapter number define the complete literary unit?+

Not always. Chapter and verse numbers were added for navigation. Check the paragraphs, scenes, poetic stanzas, or argument before and after this chapter.