II Corinthians 5
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
If our earthly house of this tabernacle - By earthly house, the apostle most evidently means the body in which the soul is represented as dwelling or sojourning for a time, and from which it is to be liberated at death; for as death dissolves the tabernacle, it can then be no habitation for the soul. The apostle also alludes here to the ancient Jewish tabernacle, which, on all removals of the congregation, was dissolved and taken in pieces; and the ark of the covenant, covered with its own curtains, was carried by itself; and when they came to the place of rest, then the dissolved parts of the tabernacle were put together as before. When we consider this simile in connection with the doctrine of the resurrection, which the apostle has treated so much at large in these epistles, and which he keeps constantly in view, then we shall see that he intends to convey the following meaning: that as the tabernacle was taken down in order to be again put together, so the body is to be dissolved, in order to be re-edified; that as the ark of the covenant subsisted by itself, while the tabernacle was down, so can the soul when separated from the body; that as the ark had then its own veil for its covering, Exo 40:21, so the soul is to have some vehicle in which it shall subsist till it receives its body at the resurrection. A building of God - Some think this refers to a certain celestial vehicle with which God invests holy souls on their dismissal from the body; others suppose it relates to the resurrection body; and some imagine that it relates merely to the state of blessedness which the saints shall possess in the kingdom of glory. See the following note.
Open source ↗THE HOPE (Co2 4:17-18) OF ETERNAL GLORY IN THE RESURRECTION BODY. (2Co. 5:1-21) For--Assigning the reason for the statement (Co2 4:17), that affliction leads to exceeding glory. we know--assuredly (Co2 4:14; Job 19:25). if--For all shall not die; many shall be "changed" without "dissolution" (Co1 15:51-53). If this daily delivering unto death (Co2 3:11) should end in actual death. earthly--not the same as earthy (Co1 15:47). It stands in contrast to "in the heavens." house of this tabernacle--rather, "house of the tabernacle." "House" expresses more permanency than belongs to the body; therefore the qualification, "of the tabernacle" (implying that it is shifting, not stationary), is added (compare Job 4:19; Pe2 1:13-14). It thus answers to the tabernacle in the wilderness. Its wooden frame and curtains wore out in course of time when Israel dwelt in Canaan, and a fixed temple was substituted for it. The temple and the tabernacle in all essentials were one; there was the same ark, the same cloud of glory. Such is the relation between the "earthly" body and the resurrection body. The Holy Spirit is enshrined in the believer's body as in a sanctuary (Co1 3:16). As the ark went first in taking down the wilderness tabernacle, so the soul (which like the ark is sprinkled with blood of atonement, and is the sacred deposit in the inmost shrine, Ti2 1:12) in the dissolution of the body; next the coverings were removed, answering to the flesh; lastly, the framework and boards, answering to the bones, which are last to give way (Num. 4:1-49). Paul, as a tent-maker, uses an image taken from his trade (Act 18:3). dissolved--a mild word for death, in the case of believers. we have--in assured prospect of possession, as certain as if it were in our hands, laid up "in the heavens" for…
Open source ↗For we know, that if our earthly house,.... By this house is meant the body, so called from its being like a well built house, a curious piece of architecture; as an house consists of a variety of parts fitly framed and put together in just symmetry and proportion, and with an entire usefulness in all, so is the body of man; which shows the power and wisdom of God the architect: likewise, because it is the dwelling place of the soul, which makes it appear, that the soul is more excellent than the body, is independent of it, and capable of a separate existence from it: it is said to be an "earthly" house, because it is from the earth; is supported by earthly things; has its present abode on the earth, and will quickly return to it: and the earthly house of this tabernacle, in allusion to the tabernacles the patriarchs and Israelites of old dwelt in; or to the tents and tabernacles of soldiers, shepherds, travellers, and such like persons, which are soon put up and taken down, and removed from place to place; and denotes the frailty and short continuance of our mortal bodies. So Plato (z) calls the body , "an earthly tabernacle"; so the Jews were wont to call the body an house, and a "tabernacle": "every man (they say (a)) has two houses, , "the house of the body", and the house of the soul; the one is the outward, the other the inward house.'' So Abarbinel (b) paraphrases those words, Isa 18:4. ""I will consider in my dwelling place; I will return", or again consider in my dwelling place, which is the body, for that is , "the tabernacle of the soul".'' Now this tabernacle may, and will be, "dissolved", unpinned, and taken down; which does not design an annihilation of it, but a dissolution of its union with the soul, and its separation from it: and when the apostle puts…
Open source ↗The apostle in these verses pursues the argument of the former chapter, concerning the grounds of their courage and patience under afflictions. And, I. He mentions their expectation, and desire, and assurance, of eternal happiness after death, Co2 5:1-5. Observe particularly, 1. The believer's expectation of eternal happiness after death, Co2 5:1. He does not only know, or is well assured by faith of the truth and reality of the thing itself - that there is another and a happy life after this present life is ended, but he has good hope through grace of his interest in that everlasting blessedness of the unseen world: "We know that we have a building of God, we have a firm and well-grounded expectation of the future felicity." Let us take notice, (1.) What heaven is in the eye and hope of a believer. He looks upon it as a house, or habitation, a dwelling-place, a resting-place, a hiding-place, our Father's house, where there are many mansions, and our everlasting home. It is a house in the heavens, in that high and holy place which as far excels all the palaces of this earth as the heavens are high above the earth. It is a building of God, whose builder and maker is God, and therefore is worthy of its author; the happiness of the future state is what God hath prepared for those that love him. It is eternal in the heavens, everlasting habitations, not like the earthly tabernacles, the poor cottages of clay in which our souls now dwell, which are mouldering and decaying, and whose foundations are in the dust. (2.) When it is expected this happiness shall be enjoyed - immediately after death, so soon as our house of this earthly tabernacle is dissolved. Note, [1.] That the body, this earthly house, is but a tabernacle, that must be dissolved shortly; the nails or pins will…
Open source ↗5:1-10 The prospect of eternal hope is bright, with heavenly bodies replacing the dying bodies of this present life. The God of resurrection will also raise us and present us to himself with all believers (4:14). The immediate stimulus for this statement of resurrection hope was what Paul had to face in Ephesus (1:8-11). The frailty of his body reminded him of what lies beyond death, when this earthly tent we live in—that is, our body—will be taken down in death and dissolution (see 1 Cor 15:42-57; Phil 3:20-21).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἐπίγειος (epígeios, G1919) — worldly (physically or morally) οἰκία (oikía, G3614) — properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or… σκῆνος (skēnos, G4636) — a hut or temporary residence, i.e. (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the… καταλύω (katalýō, G2647) — to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e. (by implication) to demolish (literally or… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οἰκοδομή (oikodomḗ, G3619) — architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἀχειροποίητος (acheiropoíētos, G886) — unmanufactured, i.e. inartificial
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. τούτῳ (toútōi, G5129) — to (in, with or by) this (person or thing) στενάζω (stenázō, G4727) — to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e. (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray… ἐπιποθέω (epipothéō, G1971) — to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully) ἐπενδύομαι (ependýomai, G1902) — to invest upon oneself ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us οἰκητήριον (oikētḗrion, G3613) — a residence (literally or figuratively) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…
Open source ↗εἴγε (eíge, G1489) — if indeed, seeing that, unless, (with negative) otherwise καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not γυμνός (gymnós, G1131) — nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σκῆνος (skēnos, G4636) — a hut or temporary residence, i.e. (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the… στενάζω (stenázō, G4727) — to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e. (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray… βαρέω (baréō, G916) — to weigh down (figuratively) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐπειδή (epeidḗ, G1894) — since now, i.e. (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… ἐκδύω (ekdýō, G1562) — to cause to sink out of, i.e. (specially as of clothing) to divest ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐπενδύομαι (ependýomai, G1902) — to invest upon oneself ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. κατεργάζομαι (katergázomai, G2716) — to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us ἀῤῥαβών (arrhabṓn, G728) — a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,…
Open source ↗οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πάντοτε (pántote, G3842) — every when, i.e. at all times θαῤῥέω (tharrhéō, G2292) — to exercise courage εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐνδημέω (endēméō, G1736) — to be in one's own country, i.e. home (figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively ἐκδημέω (ekdēméō, G1553) — to emigrate, i.e. (figuratively) vacate or quit ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not εἶδος (eîdos, G1491) — a view, i.e. form (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗θαῤῥέω (tharrhéō, G2292) — to exercise courage δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εὐδοκέω (eudokéō, G2106) — to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing) μᾶλλον (mâllon, G3123) — (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather ἐκδημέω (ekdēméō, G1553) — to emigrate, i.e. (figuratively) vacate or quit ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively ἐνδημέω (endēméō, G1736) — to be in one's own country, i.e. home (figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗διό (dió, G1352) — through which thing, i.e. consequently φιλοτιμέομαι (philotiméomai, G5389) — to be fond of honor, i.e. emulous (eager or earnest to do something) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴτε (eíte, G1535) — if too ἐνδημέω (endēméō, G1736) — to be in one's own country, i.e. home (figuratively) ἐκδημέω (ekdēméō, G1553) — to emigrate, i.e. (figuratively) vacate or quit εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist εὐάρεστος (euárestos, G2101) — fully agreeable αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) ἔμπροσθεν (émprosthen, G1715) — in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time) βῆμα (bēma, G968) — a step, i.e. foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. a tribunal Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every κομίζω (komízō, G2865) — properly, to provide for, i.e. (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,…
Open source ↗εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly φόβος (phóbos, G5401) — alarm or fright κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… πείθω (peíthō, G3982) — to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἐλπίζω (elpízō, G1679) — to expect or confide καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you συνείδησις (syneídēsis, G4893) — co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… συνιστάω (synistáō, G4921) — to set together, i.e. (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἀφορμή (aphormḗ, G874) — a starting-point, i.e. (figuratively) an opportunity καύχημα (kaúchēma, G2745) — a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἴτε (eíte, G1535) — if too ἐξίστημι (exístēmi, G1839) — to put (stand) out of wits, i.e. astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very σωφρονέω (sōphronéō, G4993) — to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus συνέχω (synéchō, G4912) — to hold together, i.e. to compress (the ears, with a crowd or siege) or arrest (a… ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἄρα (ára, G686) — a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.
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.
how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth!
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’”
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”