2 Corinthians 4:18
New International Version
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

New Living Translation
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

English Standard Version
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Berean Standard Bible
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Berean Literal Bible
We are not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen are temporary, but the things not being seen are eternal.

King James Bible
While we look not 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.

New King James Version
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

New American Standard Bible
while we look not 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.

NASB 1995
while we look not 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.

NASB 1977
while we look not 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.

Legacy Standard Bible
while we look not 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.

Amplified Bible
So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

Christian Standard Bible
So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

American Standard Version
while we look not 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.

Contemporary English Version
Things that are seen don't last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. This is why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.

English Revised Version
while we look not 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We don't look for things that can be seen but for things that can't be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can't be seen last forever.

Good News Translation
For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

International Standard Version
because we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal.

Majority Standard Bible
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

NET Bible
because we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

New Heart English Bible
while we do not 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 everlasting.

Webster's Bible Translation
While we look not 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.

Weymouth New Testament
while we look not at things seen, but things unseen; for things seen are temporary, but things unseen are eternal.

World English Bible
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 are eternal.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
we [are] not looking to the things seen, but to the things not seen; for the things seen [are] temporary, but the things not seen [are] continuous.

Berean Literal Bible
We are not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen are temporary, but the things not being seen are eternal.

Young's Literal Translation
we not looking to the things seen, but to the things not seen; for the things seen are temporary, but the things not seen are age-during.

Smith's Literal Translation
We looking not at things seen, but at things not seen: for things seen, temporary; and things not seen, eternal.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
While we look not 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And we are contemplating, not the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporal, whereas the things that are not seen are eternal.

New American Bible
as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.

New Revised Standard Version
because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
We do not rejoice in the things which are seen, but in the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we do not rejoice in those things that are seen, but in these things that are unseen. For things seen are time related, but those things that are unseen are eternal.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
excelling all excellence, ls while we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen: for the things seen are temporal; but the things not seen are eternal.

Godbey New Testament
we not looking at the things which are visible, but the things which are invisible; for the visible things are temporary, but the invisible things are eternal.

Haweis New Testament
whilst we direct our aim not to the things which are seen, but to the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal.

Mace New Testament
for I have no regard to the things which are visible, but to such as are invisible: since visible things are temporary, but the invisible are eternal.

Weymouth New Testament
while we look not at things seen, but things unseen; for things seen are temporary, but things unseen are eternal.

Worrell New Testament
while we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen; for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Worsley New Testament
for those, which are visible, are temporary, but the invisible are eternal.
Audio Bible



Context
Treasures in Jars of Clay
17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Cross References
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.

Romans 8:24-25
For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? / But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

1 Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, / now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. / In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

Isaiah 40:6-8
A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Psalm 39:4-5
“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah

Psalm 90:2-4
Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. / You return man to dust, saying, “Return, O sons of mortals.” / For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes, or a watch of the night.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-4
“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” / What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? / Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.


Treasury of Scripture

While we look not 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.

we.

2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Romans 8:24,25
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? …

Hebrews 11:1,25-27
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…

for.

Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Leviticus 16:25,26
And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar…

2 Thessalonians 2:16
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

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2 Corinthians 4
1. Paul declares how he has used all sincerity and diligence in preaching the gospel,
7. and how his troubles and persecutions did redound to the praise of God's power,
12. to the benefit of the church,
16. and to the apostle's own eternal glory.














So we fix our eyes
The phrase "fix our eyes" comes from the Greek word "skopeo," which means to look at, regard, or consider attentively. In the context of this passage, it implies a deliberate and focused attention. The Apostle Paul is urging believers to direct their spiritual vision with intention and purpose. This is not a passive glance but an active, continuous gaze. In a world filled with distractions, this call to focus is a reminder of the importance of spiritual discipline and the need to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

not on what is seen
The "seen" refers to the physical, tangible world around us. In Greek, the word "blepo" is used, which means to see or perceive with the eyes. Paul contrasts the temporary nature of the physical world with the eternal nature of the spiritual realm. Historically, the early Christians faced persecution and hardship, and this encouragement to look beyond the immediate, visible circumstances would have been a source of great comfort and strength. It reminds believers today that the trials and tribulations of this world are fleeting and should not consume our focus.

but on what is unseen
The "unseen" refers to the spiritual realities that are not visible to the human eye. The Greek word "aoratos" is used here, meaning invisible or not seen. This calls believers to have faith in the promises of God and the reality of His kingdom, which, though not visible, are more real and lasting than the physical world. This perspective is rooted in the biblical understanding that faith is "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). It challenges Christians to trust in God's eternal truths and promises, even when they cannot be physically observed.

For what is seen is temporary
The term "temporary" is translated from the Greek word "proskairos," which means for a season or transient. This highlights the fleeting nature of the physical world and its experiences. Archaeological and historical contexts show that the early church lived in a time of great uncertainty and change, much like today. This reminder of the temporary nature of earthly life encourages believers to hold loosely to material possessions and worldly concerns, understanding that they are not permanent and should not be the foundation of our hope or identity.

but what is unseen is eternal
"Eternal" comes from the Greek word "aionios," meaning everlasting or without end. This word emphasizes the unending nature of the spiritual realities and promises of God. The eternal nature of the unseen is a central theme in Christian theology, underscoring the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This perspective provides comfort and motivation for believers to endure hardships and remain faithful, knowing that their ultimate reward and home are in the eternal presence of God. It is a call to live with an eternal perspective, valuing what truly lasts and matters in the light of eternity.

(18) While we look not at the things which are seen.--The "while we look" is, according to the Greek idiom, the condition of what had been stated in the preceding verse. The "look" is that of one who contemplates this or that as the end or goal for which he strives. The "things that are seen" are, of course, all the incidents and circumstances of the present life; the "things that are not seen" (the very phrase of Hebrews 11:1) are the objects of faith, immortality, eternal life, the crown of righteousness, the beatific vision. These things are subject to no time-limits, and endure through all the ages of God's purposes. The others are but for a brief season, and then are as though they had not been. Striking as the words are, they find an echo in the words of a contemporary seeker after wisdom: "These things (the things which most men seek after)," says Seneca (Ep. lix.), "are but objects of the imagination, and present a show of being but for a time . . . Let us give our minds to the things which are eternal."

Verse 18. - While we look not at the things which are seen. The Greek suggests more of a reason, "Since we are not gazing at things visible" (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). Things which are not seen. The negative is the subjective negative. It expresses not only the fact that now these things are not seen, but that it is their nature to be unseen by the bodily eyes. Temporal. That is, temporary, transitory, phantasmal, a passing world; for which reason we do not fix our gaze or our aim upon it. But the things which are not seen are eternal The clause is important, as showing that eternity is not a mere extension of time, but a condition qualitatively different from time. The "things eternal" exist as much now as they will ever do. We are as much living in eternity now as we ever shall be. The only difference will be that we shall then see him who is now unseen, and realize the things which now are only visible to the eye of faith. This is one of the passages of St. Paul which finds a close parallel in Seneca ('Ep.,' 59). "Invisibilia non decipiunt" was, as Bishop Wordsworth tells us, the inscription put at the end of his garden arcade by Dr. Young, the poet.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[So] we
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

fix our eyes
σκοπούντων (skopountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4648: To look at, regard attentively, take heed, beware, consider. From skopos; to take aim at, i.e. regard.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

on what
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is seen,
βλεπόμενα (blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

on what
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is unseen.
βλεπόμενα (blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

what
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is seen
βλεπόμενα (blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

[is] temporary,
πρόσκαιρα (proskaira)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4340: For a season, temporary. From pros and kairos; for the occasion only, i.e. Temporary.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

what
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is unseen
βλεπόμενα (blepomena)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

[is] eternal.
αἰώνια (aiōnia)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 4:18 While we don't look at the things (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 4:17
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