For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

2 CORINTHIANS 4:17KJV
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2 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 4:17 mean?

2 Corinthians 4:17 says that the troubles and hardships believers face now are small and temporary compared to the great and lasting glory that God will give them in the future. The verse emphasizes that present suffering is minor and short-lived when set against the eternal reward that awaits.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them as they endure difficulties for their faith. He calls their current struggles “light affliction” and contrasts this with a “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” highlighting the vast difference between temporary pain and everlasting honor from God. Paul’s words are meant to give hope and perspective, reminding the readers that what they endure now has a purpose and leads to something far greater.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 4:17

  • “Light” (ἐλαφρός, elaphros) means something easy to bear or not burdensome. Paul deliberately uses this word to downplay the seriousness of current troubles, showing how small they are compared to what is coming.
  • “Affliction” (θλῖψις, thlipsis) refers to pressure, trouble, or distress. In Paul’s time, this often meant real hardship, but he frames it as brief and minor.
  • “Moment” (παραυτίκα, parautika) means “for a moment” or “temporary.” Paul stresses that suffering is not permanent.
  • “Weight” (βάρος, baros) is a word for heaviness or something substantial. Paul uses it to describe the glory as something real, solid, and lasting—much more significant than the “light” troubles.
  • “Glory” (δόξα, doxa) in Greek often means honor, splendor, or the presence of God. Here, it points to the lasting reward and honor God gives.

Why 2 Corinthians 4:17 matters

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 helps readers understand that Paul is not ignoring suffering but putting it in perspective—he calls it “light” not to minimize pain, but to highlight the greatness of what God promises.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul encourages perseverance and faith by focusing on eternal things rather than temporary struggles.
  • This verse clears up the idea that Christian hope is only about present comfort; instead, it points to a future reward that far outweighs current difficulties.

Where else these words appear

“light” Greek G1645 · used in 2 verses

“weight” Greek G922 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
  • Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

“far” Greek G5236 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

“worketh” Greek G2716 · used in 23 verses

  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
  • Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.