2 Corinthians 4:16

The verse explicitly contrasts the perishing of the "outward man" with the renewal of the "inward man," indicating a transformation or change rather than a complete cessation of existence as a result of judgment for wickedness. The "perish" here refers to the physical body, not the soul or spirit, and is not linked to divine judgment for wickedness.

The verse uses "perish" in reference to the "outward man," which in context refers to the physical body or earthly existence, not the fate of the wicked. The contrast with the "inward man being renewed" suggests a process of spiritual transformation rather than a judgment of evil.

The verse does not use "clean/unclean language" at all, either literally or symbolically. The distinction drawn is between the "outward man" (physical body, perishing) and the "inward man" (spirit/soul, renewed), which is a direct contrast of physical decay and spiritual renewal, not a symbolic representation of purity or holiness using clean/unclean terminology.

The verse contrasts the "outward man" perishing with the "inward man" being renewed, which could be interpreted as a distinction between the physical body and a non-physical aspect of a living person, rather than an explicit statement about the soul or spirit existing independently at or after death. The renewal of the "inward man" "day by day" suggests an ongoing process during life, not necessarily a separate entity surviving the body's demise.