Written by Patty Johnston

Verse: But we have this treasure in jars of clay (earthen vessels) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Original Translation: ‘we have’ in Greek is echomen. It comes from the Greek word echo, which means to have, to hold, to possess or to keep.

By Paul starting this verse with “But we have”, he is saying that Christians have something that is theirs to keep.

Original Translation: ‘treasure’ in Greek is thesauros. It means a treasure or a place of safekeeping where precious & valuable things are kept.

Original Translation: ‘ earthen vessels’ in Greek is ostrakinos which means frail, cheap, easily broken pottery. It didn’t have any value. These pottery dishes would have been in the homes of the poor.

When you take these three words, we see that our frail, broken bodies is where God has placed His most precious treasure – the knowledge of the glory of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have the truth of His salvation and His grace. In our weaknesses and shortcomings, God still chooses to place His most precious treasure in us. One would think that you would put your most valuable treasures in a very safe and secure place, but by God putting His treasure in such a weak vessel, it is evident to everyone that it’s by His power and not ours. Let us live every day aware of this precious treasure God has given us.

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry