2 Corinthians 4:18 (GNV)

Passage

While we looke not on the thinges which are seene, but on the things which are not seene: for the things which are seene, are temporall: but the things which are not seene, are eternall.

Nearby Context

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed daily.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction which is but for a moment, causeth vnto vs a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glorie:

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we looke not on the thinges which are seene, but on the things which are not seene: for the things which are seene, are temporall: but the things which are not seene, are eternall.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "looke", "thinges", "seene", "things", and "temporall". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "looke" and "thinges", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "For our light affliction which is but...", giving immediate footing for "looke" and "thinges". In 2 Corinthians context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "looke" and "thinges" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.