“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us — the oxymoron is rich: infinite treasure (ho thēsauros) in finite vessels (ostrakina, earthen pottery). This jarring contrast is intentional: human weakness displays divine strength; the disparity proves the power's source is transcendent, not inherent.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves.” For seeing he had spoken many and great things of the unspeakable glory, lest any should say, 'And how enjoying so great a glory remain we in a mortal body?' he says, that this very thing is indeed the chiefest marvel and a very great example of the power of God, that an earthen vessel has been enabled to bear so great a brightness and to keep so…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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