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  • 2 Corinthians 4:7
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
    • 7 However, we have this treasure+ in earthen vessels,*+ so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us.+

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
    • 7 Ἔχομεν We have δὲ but τὸν the θησαυρὸν treasure τοῦτον this ἐν in ὀστρακίνοις baked clay σκεύεσιν, vessels, ἵνα in order that ἡ the ὑπερβολὴ over-cast τῆς of the δυνάμεως power ᾖ may be τοῦ of the θεοῦ God καὶ and μὴ not ἐξ out of ἡμῶν· us;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
    • 7 However, we have this treasure+ in earthen+ vessels,*+ that the power+ beyond what is normal may be God’s+ and not that out of ourselves.+

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7
    The Bible in Living English
    • 7* But we have this treasure in earthen jars, in order that the surpassing power may be God’s and not out of us:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7
    American Standard Version
    • 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7
    The Emphasized Bible
    • 7 Howbeit we have this treasure in earthen vessels, That the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves:—

  • 2 Corinthians 4:7
    King James Version
    • 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

  • 2 Corinthians
    Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-2025
    • 4:7 w24.04 16; w24.07 19; it-2 1154; w17.06 10-11; rj 6; w12 2/1 28-29; km 2/07 1; w00 7/1 18; w99 2/1 14; w99 3/15 11; km 1/98 1; w92 2/1 32; w90 7/15 15, 19

  • 2 Corinthians
    Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985
    • 4:7 w84 5/15 15; w78 5/1 23; ad 1635; w64 406; w62 215; w58 521; w50 56; w47 198; w44 139; w42 220; w35 254; w34 163; jh 236

  • 2 Corinthians
    Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses—2019 Edition
    • 4:7

      Insight, Volume 2, p. 1154

      The Watchtower (Study),

      6/2017, pp. 10-11

      Return to Jehovah, p. 6

      The Watchtower,

      2/1/2012, pp. 28-29

      7/1/2000, p. 18

      3/15/1999, p. 11

      2/1/1999, p. 14

      2/1/1992, p. 32

      7/15/1990, pp. 15-16, 19

      Kingdom Ministry,

      2/2007, p. 1

      1/1998, p. 1

  • 2 Corinthians Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
    • 4:7

      treasure in earthen vessels: Or “treasure in jars of clay.” The Scriptures often compare humans to earthen jars. (Job 10:9; Ps 31:12) In Paul’s day, there were mounds of broken vessels near ancient harbors or market areas. These vessels had been used to transport food or liquids​—wine, grain, oil​—and even silver and gold coins. Often, the vessels broke or were discarded once the more valuable contents had been delivered. Although the clay vessels were inexpensive, they were useful in getting valuable goods to their destinations. Such vessels were also used to preserve important items. (Jer 32:13-15) One example is the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were preserved in jars in the Qumran area. The “treasure” referred to in Paul’s illustration is the God-given commission, or ministry, to preach the life-giving message of God’s Kingdom. (Mt 13:44; 2Co 4:1, 2, 5) The earthen vessels are the frail humans to whom Jehovah has entrusted this treasure. Although they are ordinary people whose imperfect bodies have limitations, God uses them to get the “treasure” to its destination.

      the power beyond what is normal: Paul here uses the Greek word hy·per·bo·leʹ to describe power that is “beyond what is normal,” the extraordinary power that only God can give.​—See study note on 2Co 12:7.

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