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2 Corinthians 4:16
ESV So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
NASB Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.
CSB Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.
NLT That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
KJV For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

What does 2 Corinthians 4:16 mean?

A main point of this passage is that God uses fragile vessels to carry his powerful truth. Paul, for his part, never pretended to be Superman. He was merely human. All the suffering he experienced truly hurt him. It left scars. He was discouraged at times. For those looking from the outside, he must really have seemed to be wasting away. Perhaps some wondered—and some in Corinth might even have said—"Why are you doing this to yourself? Haven't you done enough? Why not take some time to focus on yourself?"

Paul, though, insists that he is not going to give up. He refuses to lose heart, meaning that he will not give in to the temptation to live in despair. He wants his readers to know that his outward appearance is deceiving. Yes, he is physically wasting away because of his suffering for preaching about Jesus. Inwardly, though, he is being made as good as new every day. He is strong and determined and more convinced than ever of his purpose to carry the light of the gospel to the world.
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