Verse Meaning2 CorinthiansComplex verse
2 Corinthians 4:7: Meaning Explained
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
2 Corinthians 4:7
“We carry this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power will be shown to belong to God and not to us.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
God puts his amazing power inside ordinary, weak people like clay pots. That way people see God's power, not the person's power.
What’s Happening Here
Paul uses a picture. We're like fragile clay jars carrying something precious. The value is the treasure inside, not the jar.
Key Words
treasuresomething extremely valuable and precious
clay jarssimple, breakable, ordinary containers
Why It Matters
Your weakness isn't a problem, it shows God's power. The weaker you are, the more people see God working.
Did You Know?
Clay pots were cheap and common in ancient times, which makes Paul's image even more powerful.
Word Study
G2192
we haveἜχομεν
G1161
Butδὲ
G2344
treasureθησαυρὸν
G5126
thisτοῦτον
G1722
inἐν
G3749
earthenὀστρακίνοις
G4632
vesselsσκεύεσιν
G2443
thatἵνα
G5236
the excellencyὑπερβολὴ
G1411
of the powerδυνάμεως
G5600
may beᾖ
G2316
of Godθεοῦ
G2532
andκαὶ
G3361
notμὴ
G1537
ofἐξ
G2257
usἡμῶν·
Cross References
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Read 2 Corinthians 4:7 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.