2Cor 4:7-10 | RWP | e4.org | This treasure ( τον θησαυρον τουτον ). On θησαυρον see . It is the power of giving the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God (verse ). "The power is limitless, but it is stored in very unlikely receptacles" (Plummer). This warning Paul gives in contrast ( δε ) with the exultation of verse (Bernard). In earthen vessels ( εν οστρακινοις σκευεσιν ). This adjective is common in the LXX with σκευοσ, αγγος and αγγειον . It occurs again in with σκευη . It is found also in the papyri with σκευος as here. It is from οστρακον , baked clay (same root as οστεον , bone), so many fragments of which are found in Egypt with writing on them. We are but earthen jars used of God for his purposes ( .) and so fragile. The exceeding greatness ( η υπερβολη ). See on for this word, "the preeminence of the power." This is God's purpose ( ινα--η ). God, not man, is the dynamo ( δυναμις ). It comes from God ( του θεου , ablative) and does not originate with us ( μη εξ ημων ).

‏ 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

This treasure ( τον θησαυρον τουτον ). On θησαυρον see Mt 6:19-21. It is the power of giving the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God (verse 6). "The power is limitless, but it is stored in very unlikely receptacles" (Plummer). This warning Paul gives in contrast ( δε ) with the exultation of verse 6 (Bernard).

In earthen vessels ( εν οστρακινοις σκευεσιν ). This adjective is common in the LXX with σκευοσ, αγγος and αγγειον. It occurs again in 2Ti 2:20 with σκευη. It is found also in the papyri with σκευος as here. It is from οστρακον, baked clay (same root as οστεον, bone), so many fragments of which are found in Egypt with writing on them. We are but earthen jars used of God for his purposes (Ro 9:20ff.) and so fragile.

The exceeding greatness ( η υπερβολη ). See on 1Co 12:31 for this word, "the preeminence of the power." This is God's purpose ( ινα--η ). God, not man, is the

dynamo ( δυναμις ). It comes from God ( του θεου, ablative) and does not originate with us ( μη εξ ημων ).

Pressed ( θλιβομενο ). From θλιβω, to press as grapes, to contract, to squeeze. Series of present passive participles here through verse 9 that vividly picture Paul's ministerial career.

Yet not straitened ( αλλ' ου στενοχωρουμενο ). Each time the exception is stated by αλλ' ου. From στενοχωρεω ( στενοχωρος, from στενος, narrow, χωρος, space), to be in a narrow place, to keep in a tight place. Late verb, in LXX and papyri. In N.T. only here and 2Co 6:12.

Yet not unto despair ( αλλ' ουκ εξαπορουμενο ). Late perfective compound with εξ- of εξαπορεω. A very effective play on words here, lost, but not lost out.

Forsaken ( εγκαταλειπομενο ). Double compound of old verb εγ-κατα-λειπω, to leave behind, to leave in the lurch.

Smitten down ( καταβαλλομενο ). As if overtaken.

Destroyed ( απολλυμενο ). Perishing as in verse 3. Was Paul referring to Lystra when the Jews stoned him and thought him dead?

Bearing about ( περιφεροντες ). Ignatius was called Θεοφορος, God-bearer. See 1Co 15:31 where Paul says "I die daily" and Php 3:10; Col 1:24.

The dying of Jesus ( την νεκρωσιν του Ιησου ). Late word from νεκροω, to put to death. In Galen. In N.T. only here and Ro 4:19.