2 Corinthians Chapter 5

Commentary

Our Eternal Dwelling

(Romans 8:18-27)

1For 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. 2For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4For 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. 5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10For 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.

We are Christ's Ambassadors

11Knowing 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. 12For 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. 13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And 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.

16Wherefore 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. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To 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.

20Now 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. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Our Eternal Dwelling
(Romans 8:18–27)

1 For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens. 2 For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven; 3 if so be that being clothed we will not be found naked. 4 For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now he who made us for this very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit.

6 Therefore, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him. 10 For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Ambassadors for Christ

11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God; and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences. 12 For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God. Or if we are of sober mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. 15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.

16 Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. 18 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Our Eternal Dwelling
(Romans 8:18–27)

1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 So while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.

6 Therefore we are always confident, although we know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Ambassadors for Christ

11 Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.

13 If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. 15 And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. a The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin b on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

Footnotes:

17 a Or a new creature
21 b Or a sin offering

Our Eternal Dwelling

(Romans 8:18-27)

1For we have known that if our earthly house of the tabernacle may be thrown down, a building from God we have, an house not made with hands -- age-during -- in the heavens, 2for also in this we groan, with our dwelling that is from heaven earnestly desiring to clothe ourselves, 3if so be that, having clothed ourselves, we shall not be found naked, 4for we also who are in the tabernacle do groan, being burdened, seeing we wish not to unclothe ourselves, but to clothe ourselves, that the mortal may be swallowed up of the life. 5And He who did work us to this self-same thing is God, who also did give to us the earnest of the Spirit;

6having courage, then, at all times, and knowing that being at home in the body, we are away from home from the Lord, -- 7for through faith we walk, not through sight -- 8we have courage, and are well pleased rather to be away from the home of the body, and to be at home with the Lord. 9Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him, 10for all of us it behoveth to be manifested before the tribunal of the Christ, that each one may receive the things done through the body, in reference to the things that he did, whether good or evil;

We are Christ's Ambassadors

11having known, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, and to God we are manifested, and I hope also in your consciences to have been manifested; 12for not again ourselves do we recommend to you, but we are giving occasion to you of glorifying in our behalf, that ye may have something in reference to those glorifying in face and not in heart; 13for whether we were beside ourselves, it was to God; whether we be of sound mind -- it is to you, 14for the love of the Christ doth constrain us, having judged thus: that if one for all died, then the whole died, 15and for all he died, that those living, no more to themselves may live, but to him who died for them, and was raised again.

16So that we henceforth have known no one according to the flesh, and even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him no more; 17so that if any one is in Christ -- he is a new creature; the old things did pass away, lo, become new have the all things. 18And the all things are of God, who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and did give to us the ministration of the reconciliation, 19how that God was in Christ -- a world reconciling to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses; and having put in us the word of the reconciliation,

20in behalf of Christ, then, we are ambassadors, as if God were calling through us, we beseech, in behalf of Christ, 'Be ye reconciled to God;' 21for him who did not know sin, in our behalf He did make sin, that we may become the righteousness of God in him.

The Hope of Our Heavenly Dwelling

¹ For we know that if our earthly house of the tent-dwelling might-be-dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not-made-with-hands, eternal in the heavens.* ² For indeed in this we are-groaning, earnestly-desiring to clothe-ourselves-with our dwelling from heaven,* ³ if indeed also having-been-clothed we will not be-found naked. ⁴ For indeed we being in the tent are-groaning, being-burdened, because we do not wish to be-unclothed but to be-clothed-upon, so-that the mortal might-be-swallowed-up by life.* ⁵ Now the one having-worked-out us for this very thing is God, the one having-given to us the pledge of the Ruach.*

Living by Faith
⁶ Therefore always being-confident and knowing that being-at-home in the body we are-being-away from Adonai-- ⁷ for through faith we are-walking, not through sight-- ⁸ but we are-being-confident and are-preferring rather to be-away from the body and to be-at-home with Adonai. ⁹ Therefore also we are-making-it-our-aim, whether being-at-home or being-away, to be well-pleasing to Him. ¹⁰ For all of us must be-manifested before the judgment seat of Mashiach, so-that each-one might-receive the things through the body, according-to what he practiced, whether good or worthless.*

The Ministry of Reconciliation
¹¹ Therefore, knowing the fear of Adonai, we are-persuading men, but to God we have-been-manifested, and I hope also to have-been-manifested in your consciences.* ¹² We are not again commending ourselves to you, but giving you opportunity of boasting on our behalf, so-that you might-have toward the ones boasting in appearance and not in heart. ¹³ For if we were-beside-ourselves, it was for God; if we are-being-sound-minded, it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Mashiach is-constraining us, having-judged this, that one died for all, therefore all died;* ¹⁵ and he died for all so-that the ones living might no longer be-living for themselves but for the One having-died and having-been-raised for them.

¹⁶ Therefore from now we know no one according-to flesh; even if we have-known Mashiach according-to flesh, but now no longer we are-knowing.* ¹⁷ Therefore if anyone is in Mashiach--new creation! The old things passed-away, behold, new things have-come-into-being.* ¹⁸ And all things are from God, the One having-reconciled us to himself through Mashiach and having-given to us the ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ as that God was being in Mashiach reconciling world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having-placed in us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰ Therefore on behalf of Mashiach we are-being-ambassadors, as God is-beseeching through us. We are-begging on behalf of Mashiach: Be-reconciled to God!* ²¹ The one not having-known sin, He made sin for us, so-that we might-become righteousness of God in Him.*

 

Footnotes:
5:1: 'Tent-dwelling' refers to temporary earthly body versus permanent heavenly body
5:2: 'Groaning' (stenazomen) conveys deep spiritual longing for transformation
5:4: Metaphor of clothing represents bodily existence in both mortal and immortal states
5:5: 'Pledge' (arrabon) was a down payment guaranteeing full future payment
5:7: 'Faith' (pistis) implies active trust rather than passive belief
5:9: 'Well-pleasing' (euarestoi) suggests sacrificial service acceptable to God
5:10: 'Judgment seat' (bema) refers to platform where rewards were distributed
5:11: 'Fear' implies reverent awe rather than terror
5:14: 'Constraining' (synechei) means to hold together or compel
5:16: 'According-to flesh' refers to worldly standards of judgment
5:17: 'New creation' echoes Genesis creation language
5:21: Profound exchange: Mashiach becomes sin, we become righteousness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Our Eternal Hope

¹ We know this with absolute certainty: when our earthly body—this temporary dwelling we inhabit—finally wears out, God has already prepared our eternal home*. It’s not built by human hands, but crafted by God himself, a permanent residence in heaven. ² In our current bodies, we often sigh with deep longing*, eagerly anticipating the day we’ll move into our heavenly dwelling. ³ When that day comes, we won’t be found spiritually naked and exposed. ⁴ While we live in these temporary bodies, we carry heavy burdens and groan with weariness. It’s not that we want to die and be rid of these bodies, but rather we long to be fully clothed with our heavenly bodies so that our mortal existence can be swallowed up by eternal life*.

Living by Faith

⁵ God himself has prepared us for this transformation, giving us his Spirit as a deposit*—a guarantee of all that’s to come. ⁶ So we live with constant courage and confidence, though we know that while we’re at home in our physical bodies, we’re not yet in our eternal home with the Lord. ⁷ For we journey through life guided by faith, not by what our physical eyes can see*. ⁸ Yes, we live with joyful confidence, preferring to be away from these earthly bodies and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So whether we’re here in our physical bodies or there in our heavenly home, our passionate goal is to delight Him*.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

¹⁰ For we must all stand before the Messiah's judgment seat, where everyone will receive what they deserve for the things done while in their physical body—whether good or worthless*. ¹¹ Since we understand what it means to fear the Lord’s awesome holiness, we work hard to persuade others. God knows our hearts completely, and I hope you do too.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹² We’re not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but rather giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who take pride in outward appearances rather than in what’s in the heart. ¹³ If we seem overly enthusiastic, crazy even, it’s for God; if we’re completely rational, it’s for your benefit. ¹⁴ For the Messiah's love compels us forward*, because we’re convinced that since One died for all, all have died. ¹⁵ And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died and rose again for their sake.

New Creation in the Messiah

¹⁶ So from now on, we refuse to evaluate anyone from a merely human point of view. Though we once regarded the Messiah this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, when anyone is united with the Messiah, they become an entirely new creation*—the old life disappears, and fresh new life emerges! ¹⁸ All of this comes from God, who through the Messiah has restored our relationship with Himself and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships*. ¹⁹ In other words, God was in the Messiah, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he has entrusted us with this message of reconciliation.

Ambassadors for the Messiah

²⁰ So we serve as the Messiah's ambassadors*, as though God were making his appeal through us. We plead on the Messiah's behalf: “Be reconciled to God!” ²¹ For our sake, God made Him who had no sin to become sin for us, so that in Him we might become the very righteousness of God*.

 

Footnotes:

*5:1 - The metaphor of tent vs. building reflects the temporary nature of our earthly bodies contrasted with our eternal resurrection bodies.
*5:2 - The Greek word for "groan" suggests intense longing and anticipation, not complaint.
*5:4 - Paul uses the image of being clothed to describe the transformation from mortal to immortal life.
*5:5 - The Spirit as "deposit" uses ancient commercial language of a down payment guaranteeing full payment.
*5:7 - "Faith" here means trusting God's promises rather than requiring visible proof.
*5:9 - The Greek word for "goal" suggests an athlete's passionate pursuit of victory.
*5:10 - The judgment seat (bema) was where Roman officials made public declarations, suggesting transparency and justice.
*5:14 - "Compels" suggests being controlled by love, like a powerful current carrying one along.
*5:17 - "New creation" echoes Genesis language, suggesting a complete transformation as radical as the original creation.
*5:18 - "Ministry of reconciliation" uses diplomatic language of bringing warring parties to peace.
*5:20 - "Ambassadors" carried full authority to represent their king in foreign territories.
*5:21 - This verse expresses the doctrine of substitutionary atonement and imputed righteousness.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 5?
1.1Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5
1.2Context of 2 Corinthians 5
1.3Ancient Key Word Study
1.4Compare & Contrast
1.52 Corinthians 5 Unique Insights
1.62 Corinthians 5 Connections to Yeshua
1.72 Corinthians 5 Scriptural Echoes
1.82 Corinthians 5 Devotional
1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 5?

Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5

In 2 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul presents one of the most profound theological expositions on the nature of our earthly existence, eternal hope, and the ministry of reconciliation. This chapter serves as a cornerstone for understanding the Christian perspective on death, resurrection, and our role as ambassadors for the Messiah. Through masterful argumentation, Paul weaves together themes of eternal dwelling places, judgment, and the transformative power of being “in the Messiah,” culminating in the revolutionary doctrine of reconciliation that lies at the heart of the gospel message.

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Context of 2 Corinthians 5

This pivotal chapter continues Paul’s discussion from chapter 4 about the tension between present suffering and future glory. Writing to a congregation he deeply loves yet one that questions his apostolic authority, Paul articulates why maintaining an eternal perspective transforms how we view present circumstances. The Corinthian believers, influenced by Greek philosophical thought that diminished the importance of the physical body, needed to understand the biblical hope of bodily resurrection.

Within the larger context of Scripture, this chapter serves as a crucial bridge between Old Testament concepts of God’s dwelling place (the Tabernacle and Temple) and the New Testament revelation of believers as God’s temple. It also expands on themes found in Isaiah 59:2 regarding separation from God and Ezekiel 36:26 concerning spiritual transformation, while pointing forward to the ultimate reconciliation described in Revelation 21:3.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • Οἴδαμεν (Oidamen) – “We know” (v.1): This perfect tense verb suggests absolute certainty based on divine revelation rather than mere human knowledge. It’s the same word used in rabbinic literature when expressing unchangeable spiritual truths.
  • σκήνους (skēnous) – “tent” (v.1): Deliberately echoes the Tabernacle imagery, connecting to the Hebrew משכן (mishkan). This temporary dwelling place recalls Israel’s wilderness experience and points to our current earthly existence.
  • ἐπενδύσασθαι (ependusasthai) – “to be clothed upon” (v.2): A rare compound verb suggesting putting on one garment over another, reflecting ancient Jewish burial customs where the deceased were wrapped in multiple layers of cloth.
  • καταλλάσσω (katallassō) – “reconcile” (v.18): A term from the diplomatic sphere meaning to fundamentally change a relationship. In Hellenistic Greek, it was used for the exchange of currencies, suggesting a transformation of value.
  • πρεσβεύομεν (presbeuomen) – “we are ambassadors” (v.20): A technical term for imperial representatives in the Roman world, carrying full authority of the emperor. Paul adapts this political concept to describe believers’ spiritual authority.
  • λογιζόμενος (logizomenos) – “counting/reckoning” (v.19): A financial and legal term suggesting careful calculation, used in the Septuagint for God’s covenant dealings with His people.
  • καινὴ κτίσις (kainē ktisis) – “new creation” (v.17): Reflects the Hebrew concept of חדשה בריאה (briah chadashah), pointing to both individual transformation and the cosmic renewal promised in Isaiah.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1’s “building from God” (οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ θεοῦ) deliberately contrasts with the temporal “tent” (σκῆνος). Paul could have used οἶκος (house) but chose οἰκοδομὴν to emphasize divine craftsmanship, echoing Psalm 127:1.
  • The phrase “away from the Lord” (v.6) uses ἐκδημοῦμεν rather than the more common ἄπειμι, emphasizing the concept of being in foreign territory rather than simple absence, reinforcing our status as spiritual pilgrims.
  • In verse 14, “the love of Christ controls us” uses συνέχει (controls) rather than ἄγει (leads) or κρατεῖ (rules), suggesting pressure from all sides rather than mere guidance or domination.
  • The ministry of reconciliation (v.18) employs διακονία rather than λειτουργία, emphasizing practical service over ritual function, contrasting with Old Testament priestly service.

2 Corinthians 5 Unique Insights

The chapter contains profound mystical insights connecting to Jewish apocalyptic literature. The concept of “groaning” (στενάζομεν) in verse 2 parallels the Rabbinic concept of זעקה (ze’akah), a deep spiritual yearning found in texts like 4 Ezra. This groaning isn’t merely about personal discomfort but represents creation’s longing for redemption.

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Early church father Origen noted that Paul’s discussion of being “naked” (γυμνοί) in verse 3 relates to ancient Jewish beliefs about the intermediate state between death and resurrection. The Talmud discusses the concept of לבוש הנשמה (levush haneshama – “garment of the soul”), suggesting various states of spiritual clothing.

The transformation Paul describes in verse 17 about becoming a “new creation” connects to the Jewish concept of חדשה בריאה (briah chadashah), which rabbinical literature associates with both personal transformation and cosmic renewal. This dual application helps explain why Paul moves seamlessly between individual and universal implications of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5 Connections to Yeshua

The Messiah’s role as the agent of reconciliation stands central to this chapter. Paul’s emphasis on Jesus “dying for all” (v.14-15) echoes Isaiah’s Suffering Servant prophecies, particularly Isaiah 53:6. The cosmic scope of reconciliation through Yeshua fulfills the prophetic hope of universal shalom, where God’s peace extends to all creation.

The concept of being “in the Messiah” (ἐν Χριστῷ) appears crucially in verse 17, showing how union with Yeshua creates a new reality that transcends both individual and cosmic dimensions. This reflects the Jewish expectation of the Messianic Age where God’s presence would transform both the human heart and the entire created order.

2 Corinthians 5 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with multiple biblical themes:

2 Corinthians 5 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to live with eternal perspective while engaging fully in our earthly mission. When we grasp that we are already new creations in the Messiah, it transforms how we view both our present struggles and our divine purpose. The reality that we are Christ’s ambassadors should shape every interaction, knowing we represent His kingdom.

Consider: How does the certainty of our eternal dwelling place change how you view current challenges? As an ambassador of reconciliation, how might you represent the Messiah differently in your daily interactions? Let the profound truth that God has reconciled you to Himself through Yeshua motivate you to live as His representative today.

Did You Know

  • The term “tent” (σκῆνος) used in verse 1 is the same word used in the Septuagint for the Tabernacle, connecting our earthly bodies to the sacred space where God dwelt among Israel.
  • The phrase “we know” (Οἴδαμεν) appears 12 times in Paul’s letters, often introducing key theological truths that he expects his readers to embrace as foundational.
  • The concept of being “away from the body” (v.8) reflects Jewish beliefs about the intermediate state, documented in various Second Temple period texts.
  • Paul’s use of “ambassador” (πρεσβεύω) was a technical term in Roman diplomacy, carrying implications of full imperial authority.
  • The “judgment seat” (βῆμα) referenced in verse 10 specifically recalls the raised platform where Roman officials made formal pronouncements.
  • The phrase “new creation” appears only twice in the New Testament, here and in Galatians 6:15.
  • The reconciliation language Paul uses has parallels in ancient peace treaties between warring nations, suggesting cosmic implications.
  • The term “controlled” by Christ’s love (v.14) uses a Greek word (συνέχω) that can mean “held together,” suggesting both constraint and enabling power.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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