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2 Corinthians 5

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

What does 2 Corinthians 5:6 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 5:6 speaks to the Christian concept of faith and the believer's yearning for eternal life with God. The apostle Paul is conveying a sense of confidence and hope that despite being physically present in this world, the ultimate goal is to be with the Lord.

The verse suggests a contrast between the earthly existence (being 'at home in the body') and the spiritual aspiration to be with God ('absent from the Lord').

It conveys the idea that while our physical presence ties us to this world, our spiritual life is directed towards a divine presence from which we are currently separated.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the second letter from Paul to the Corinthians.

Written around 55-57 AD, it is addressed to the Christian community in Corinth.

Paul wrote this letter to address various issues within the church, including challenges to his authority, questions about the resurrection, and the proper conduct of believers. 2 Corinthians reflects the early Christian understanding of life and death, the intermediate state of the soul, and the hope of resurrection.

Theological Insights

Theologically, 2 Corinthians 5:6 presents several viewpoints:

Assurance of Salvation: Paul expresses his confidence in the promised eternal life with God, regardless of earthly troubles.
Dualism: This verse may reflect a dualistic understanding where the physical and spiritual worlds are distinct, and the spiritual is valued over the physical.
Presence of God: Some theologians suggest that Paul is not denigrating physical existence but rather emphasizing the Christian's ultimate goal of being in God's full presence.
Intermediate State: There is an implied reference to an intermediate state between physical death and the final resurrection, suggesting the soul's separation from God during earthly life.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied to daily life in several ways:

Living by Faith: Christians are encouraged to live confidently by faith, focusing on spiritual goals and not just earthly circumstances.
Hope in Adversity: This verse can provide comfort and hope during difficult times, intimating that current struggles are temporary.
Spiritual Perspective: Believers might be inspired to maintain a spiritual perspective, valuing their relationship with God even above physical life.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 5:8: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
Philippians 1:23-24: "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you."
Romans 8:23-25: "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text is "endemountes en to somati", which translates to "at home in the body." The word "endemountes" is derived from "endemeō," meaning to be in one's own country, to be at home.

It contrasts with "ekdemeō," meaning to be out of one's country, to be absent.

This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the physical life and the spiritual aspiration towards God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, the concept of a soul's yearning for divine communion finds echoes in various traditions.

Many ancient religions have a concept of afterlife where the soul seeks union with or closeness to the Divine or a transcendent reality. For instance, in Platonism, there is the idea of the soul's ascent to the realm of the Forms.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, discussions around the existence of the soul and an afterlife are considered metaphysical and thus outside the domain of empirical science.

However, the idea of existential confidence in face of biological mortality can have psychological benefits, such as reducing anxiety about death and increasing overall well-being.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

John Calvin suggested that this verse reflects the Christian's earnest desire to leave the body to be with God.
**Craig L.

Blomberg** emphasizes that the confidence mentioned is rooted in faith and hope, not in any direct tangible experience.

John Gill reflects upon the joyful assurance of being with the Lord and how that overshadows any earthly experience.

These commentaries often explore the meaning of the passage within the broader context of Christian eschatology and personal piety.

2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5

What does 2 Corinthians 5:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 2 Corinthians 5:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?