2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Wherefore we faint not ( διο ουκ εγκακουμεν ). Repeats from verse 1.Our outward man ( ο εξω ημων ανθρωπος ),
our inward man ( ο εσω ημων ). In Ro 7:22; Col 3:9; Eph 4:22f., we have the inward man and the outward for the higher and the lower natures (the spirit and the flesh). "Here the decay ( διαφθειρετα ) of the bodily organism is set over against the growth in grace ( ανακαινουτα, is refreshed) of the man himself" (Bernard). Plato (Republ. ix, p. 589) has ο εντος ανθρωπος. Cf. "the hidden man of the heart" (1Pe 3:4).
Day by day ( ημερα κα ημερα ). This precise idiom is not in LXX nor rest of N.T. It may be colloquial use of locative in repetition.
Our light affliction which is for the moment ( το παραυτικα ελαφρον της θλιπεσεως ημων ). Literally, "the for the moment (old adverb παραυτικα, here only in N.T.) lightness (old word, in N.T. only here and Mt 11:30)."
More and more exceedingly ( καθ' υπερβολην εις υπερβολην ). Like piling Pelion on Ossa, "according to excess unto excess." See on 1Co 12:31.
Eternal weight of glory ( αιωνιον βαρος δοξης ). Careful balancing of words in contrast (affliction vs. glory, lightness vs. weight, for the moment vs. eternal).
While we look not ( μη σκοπουντων ημων ). Genitive absolute with participle of σκοπεω from σκοπος, goal.
Temporal ( προσκαιρα ). Rather temporary, for a season ( προς καιρον ). Late word. See on Mt 13:21. See 1Co 13:12; Heb 11:1.
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