Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers regarding his apostolic ministry, immediately after describing God illuminating human hearts with the knowledge of Christ's glory. He frames his own fragile physical existence as the context for delivering this message.
The words — ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν (ostrakinois skeuesin) literally translates to "earthen vessels" or "jars of clay." Ἔχομεν (Echomen) means "we have," marking present possession of the stated treasure.
The thread — The contrast between human limitation and divine power appears in 2 Corinthians 3:5, where Paul notes competence originates from God, and 2 Corinthians 5:1, which contrasts the dismantling earthly tent with a permanent heavenly structure.
Why it lands — The text states that divine power operates through fragile human carriers to demonstrate its source. It requires the reader to attribute ministry strength to God rather than personal capability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
- Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
- 1 Corinthians 1:28 He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,
- Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
- Lamentations 4:2 How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in pure gold, are now esteemed as jars of clay, the work of a potter’s hands!
- Ephesians 1:19 and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength,
- Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- 2 Timothy 2:20 A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.