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Book of 2 Corinthians - Chapter 4 - Verse 18

4:18
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.

Meaning

This verse from 2 Corinthians reminds us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. It encourages us to look beyond our physical circumstances and instead fix our eyes on the unseen, which are eternal. The things we see around us such as material possessions, relationships, and even our physical bodies are all temporary and will eventually fade away. However, the things that are unseen such as faith, hope, love, and our relationship with God are eternal and last forever. By shifting our focus from the visible to the invisible, we are reminded of the importance of investing in our spiritual well-being and relationship with God, which have eternal significance. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to keep an eternal perspective in the midst of the challenges and distractions of this world.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary in life. By not fixating on the things that can be seen, such as material possessions or worldly concerns, believers are encouraged to shift their gaze towards spiritual matters and God's eternal promises. This perspective reminds Christians to prioritize faith, hope, and trust in God over fleeting earthly concerns. Furthermore, this verse can also serve as a reminder of the unseen spiritual realm that exists beyond the physical world, highlighting the reality of the eternal and the transient nature of temporal things. By keeping this in mind, believers are encouraged to maintain an eternal perspective on life, focusing on the lasting impact of their actions and decisions. In light of this interpretation, conducting a word study on terms like "seen" and "unseen" can deepen one's understanding of the contrast being made between the temporary and the eternal in this verse.

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