Unseen treasure made visible through broken hearts!

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, (2 Cor 4:7)

The BADG lexicon records three definitions for the word a σκεῦος; “vessels”, or  “pots,”  which give specific reference to 2 Cor 4:7. In this context, σκεῦος refers to a “human being exercising a function, instrument, or vessel”.  

 English relies heavily on word order to indicate the relationship among words in a sentence and follows a common pattern: Subject- Verb-Object… Greek, however, depends on both word order and inflection – a change in spelling of a word which indicates a change of relationship…. Case endings and other inflections, when deciphered in context, are important signs for getting at the meaning the writer is seeking to communicate” (Harvey 8). In our text σκεῦος/vessel is inflected in the dative case. The dative case noun normally functions as the indirect object, and in this context is related to the “position” of the object, in its relationship to the verb “to have.”

To help qualify the vessel, the text provides the adjective ὀστρακίνοις (made of earth/clay) This is used in the form of  “imagery, denoting breakableness” (BDAG).

 Harris expounds “…such vessels were regarded as fragile and expendable because they were cheap and often unattractive. So the paradox Paul is expressing is that although the container is relatively worthless, the contents are priceless. Although the gospel treasure is indescribably valuable, the gospel’s ministers are of little value in comparison. In describing those to whom the gospel is entrusted as earthenware vessels, Paul is not disparaging the human body or implying that the body is merely the receptacle of the soul. For him the σκεῦος (“object, vessel, jar) was no more the container in which was placed the treasure of the ψυχή (soul) than the ‘outer person’ was a detachable outer garment clothing ‘the inner person’ (cf 4:16). ψυχή (soul) refers to the whole persons, who, although insignificant and weak in themselves, becomes God’s powerful instruments in communicating the treasure of the gospel.” (Harris 340)

The treasure, while unseen (4:18), becomes visible through the weakness of the vessel. (2Cor 4:8-9). The treasure not only relates to the gospel but projects an image of the gospel through struggles the believer encounters (2Cor 4:10-11). When one stands firm in the midst of the struggle he can become a powerful witness to this gospel treasure! Simply put, it is through our suffering and our response in faith to it, that the power of God can be seen by others! Through broken hearts the gospel is preached as our words are authenticated by a supernatural conviction! Once we grasp the treasure we have, we can agree with Pauls words; "for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10).