2 Corinthians 5:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} we know {G1492} that {G3754} if {G1437} our {G2257} earthly {G1919} house {G3614} of this tabernacle {G4636} were dissolved {G2647}, we have {G2192} a building {G3619} of {G1537} God {G2316}, an house {G3614} not made with hands {G886}, eternal {G166} in {G1722} the heavens {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We know that when the tent which houses us here on earth is torn down, we have a permanent building from God, a building not made by human hands, to house us in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 5:1 offers profound assurance to believers, asserting a foundational Christian truth: despite the temporary and fragile nature of our physical bodies, which Paul likens to a perishable tent, we possess a certain hope of an eternal, divinely constructed dwelling awaiting us in heaven. This verse introduces Paul's extended theological reflection on the believer's ultimate destiny, contrasting the transient suffering of earthly life with the permanent, glorious reality of life with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, directly following his powerful declaration in [2 Corinthians 4:16-18](/2_corinthians/4-16-18 "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Inner Man Renewed Despite Outward Decay"). In that preceding passage, Paul encourages his readers to fix their gaze not on the "things which are seen," which are temporal, but on the "things which are not seen," which are eternal. [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Eternal Dwelling") then immediately provides the concrete example of this eternal reality: the believer's future, imperishable dwelling. It initiates a sustained theological argument (extending through [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ")) about the nature of the resurrection body, the desire to be with Christ, and the anticipation of the judgment seat, all against the backdrop of present suffering and the certainty of future glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, to whom Paul writes, was experiencing significant hardship, including internal divisions, external persecution, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Paul himself endured immense suffering for the gospel, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings"). In such a context of fragility and mortality, the imagery of a "tabernacle" (Greek: _skēnos_) would have resonated deeply. Tents were common temporary dwellings for travelers, soldiers, and nomads in the ancient world, signifying impermanence and vulnerability. This contrasts sharply with the concept of a permanent "building" (Greek: _oikodomē_), which would evoke images of solid, durable structures like homes or temples, providing security and stability. Paul's audience would have readily understood this stark contrast between their present, vulnerable existence and the secure, eternal future promised by God.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven through [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Eternal Dwelling") and the broader chapter include the **mortality of the human body** versus the **certainty of an eternal, glorified body**. It emphasizes the **temporary nature of earthly existence** in contrast to the **permanence of heavenly reality**. The passage underscores **divine provision and authorship**, highlighting that our future dwelling is "of God" and "not made with hands," thus superior to anything humanly constructed. This theme of **eschatological hope** provides comfort and perseverance in the face of present suffering, shifting the believer's focus from the seen and temporal to the unseen and eternal, echoing the broader message of hope and resurrection found in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word, often used in the perfect tense, signifies a settled, assured knowledge, not mere speculation or hope. It implies a deep, experiential understanding or a firm conviction. Paul is not expressing a wish or a possibility, but a certainty that is foundational to Christian belief, rooted in divine revelation and the promises of God.
* **tabernacle (Greek, _skēnos'_):** Literally meaning a "tent" or "booth," this term vividly portrays the human body as a temporary, fragile, and easily dismantled dwelling. It emphasizes the transient nature of our earthly existence, much like a nomadic tent that can be quickly packed up or struck down, contrasting sharply with a permanent, solid structure.
* **not made with hands (Greek, _acheiropoíētos'_):** This compound adjective emphasizes the divine origin and miraculous nature of the heavenly dwelling. It signifies something that is not humanly manufactured, built, or perishable. This term highlights God's exclusive authorship and the supernatural quality of the eternal house, setting it apart from any earthly construction and underscoring its perfection and permanence.
* **eternal (Greek, _aiṓnios'_):** Derived from _aiṓn_ (age), this word denotes a quality of existence that transcends time, implying perpetuity, everlastingness, and an enduring nature. When applied to the heavenly dwelling, it stresses its unending duration and immutable character, contrasting sharply with the temporal and decaying nature of the earthly body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved,"**: Paul begins with a declaration of certainty ("For we know"), indicating a shared, fundamental Christian conviction. The phrase "earthly house of this tabernacle" is a powerful metaphor for the human body, emphasizing its temporary, fragile, and mortal nature. The word "dissolved" (Greek: _katalýō_) implies being broken down, demolished, or unfastened, perfectly fitting the imagery of a tent being taken apart. This clause acknowledges the inevitability of physical death or the decay of the mortal body.
* **"we have a building of God,"**: In stark contrast to the temporary, dissolving earthly dwelling, Paul asserts a present possession ("we have") of a future reality. This "building" (Greek: _oikodomḗ_) signifies a permanent, solid, and enduring structure. The crucial phrase "of God" immediately establishes its divine origin and nature, indicating that this dwelling is not a human achievement but a gift and creation of God Himself.
* **"an house not made with hands,"**: This further elaborates on the divine origin and unique quality of the heavenly dwelling. The phrase "not made with hands" (Greek: _acheiropoíētos_) emphasizes that this house is entirely supernatural, not subject to human limitations, decay, or construction. It is a divine masterpiece, perfectly suited for eternal life in God's presence, highlighting its superiority and imperishability.
* **"eternal in the heavens."**: This final phrase specifies the nature and location of this divine building. "Eternal" (Greek: _aiṓnios_) reiterates its unending duration and imperishable quality, standing in stark opposition to the temporal nature of the earthly body. "In the heavens" designates its celestial, spiritual realm, signifying its ultimate security, glory, and association with God's very presence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Eternal Dwelling") to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the human body is described as an "earthly house of this tabernacle." This vivid imagery of a fragile, temporary tent effectively communicates the transient and vulnerable nature of our physical existence. In direct **Antithesis** to this, he introduces the **Metaphor** of a "building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," representing the permanent, glorious, and divinely-sourced dwelling that awaits believers. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between the temporal and the eternal, the perishable and the imperishable, the humanly constructed and the divinely created. The certainty expressed by "For we know" functions as a **Declaration of Assurance**, grounding the hope in a firm, theological conviction rather than mere speculation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational to Christian eschatology, offering a profound theological statement on the believer's destiny beyond physical death. It affirms the continuity of personal identity while emphasizing a radical transformation of our dwelling, moving from a perishable, earthly body to an imperishable, heavenly one. This is not a promise of disembodied existence, but rather a transformed, glorified body, perfectly suited for eternal life in God's presence. Paul's assurance underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, providing ultimate hope and comfort in the face of suffering and mortality. It points to a divine reality where God Himself provides the ultimate, secure, and eternal home for His children, surpassing any earthly provision.

* [2 Corinthians 4:16-18](/2_corinthians/4-16-18 "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Inner Man Renewed Despite Outward Decay")
* [1 Corinthians 15:51-54](/1_corinthians/15-51-54 "1 Corinthians 15:51-54 - The Transformation of the Body")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 5:1 offers immense comfort and a vital perspective for believers navigating the realities of life and death. In a world preoccupied with physical appearance, material possessions, and temporal achievements, this verse reorients our focus to the eternal. It reminds us that our true home and ultimate security are not found in this fleeting world, but in the permanent, divinely-prepared dwelling in the heavens. This eternal perspective empowers us to endure present sufferings with hope, knowing that our "light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light Affliction and Eternal Glory")). It transforms our understanding of death from a terrifying end into a transition to a glorious, imperishable existence with God, fostering a deep sense of peace and confidence in His unfailing promises. Living with this awareness should shape our priorities, encouraging us to invest in what is eternal rather than what is temporal, and to live lives that reflect our heavenly citizenship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "tabernacle" versus a "building of God" shape your understanding of your earthly life and your eternal hope?**
* **In what ways does knowing about an "eternal" and "not made with hands" dwelling impact your perspective on the challenges and sufferings you face today?**
* **How can cultivating an "eternal perspective," as encouraged by this verse, practically influence your daily decisions and priorities?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "earthly house of this tabernacle"?**

Answer: Paul uses this vivid metaphor to describe the human body and our earthly existence. The "tabernacle" (Greek: _skēnos_) refers to a temporary tent or dwelling, much like the nomadic tents used in ancient times. This imagery emphasizes the fragile, perishable, and transient nature of our physical bodies and our mortal life on earth. Just as a tent is easily set up and taken down, our earthly bodies are temporary vessels, subject to decay and dissolution, not our permanent home.

**Does the "building of God" refer to a disembodied spirit or a new body?**

Answer: The "building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" refers to the believer's future, glorified, and imperishable resurrection body, not merely a disembodied spirit. While some interpretations might lean towards a spiritual dwelling, the broader context of Paul's theology, particularly in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), clearly points to a transformed physical body. Paul contrasts the "earthly house" (our present mortal body) with this future "building," implying a continuity of personhood but a radical transformation of our physical form. This new body will be spiritual, powerful, and incorruptible, perfectly suited for eternal life in God's presence, as described in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:44](/1_corinthians/15-44 "1 Corinthians 15:44 - Natural Body, Spiritual Body").

**How does this verse relate to the fear of death?**

Answer: [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Eternal Dwelling") offers a powerful antidote to the fear of death by transforming its meaning for the believer. Instead of being an ultimate end, death is presented as a transition from a temporary, perishable dwelling to an eternal, glorious one. The "dissolution" of the earthly tabernacle is not annihilation but a gateway to a superior, divinely-provided reality. The "we know" signifies a deep certainty and assurance, rooted in God's promises, that physical death leads directly to an eternal home with God. This perspective allows believers to face mortality with hope and confidence, knowing that "to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" is the ultimate gain ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound assurance of [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Eternal Dwelling") finds its ultimate fulfillment and guarantee in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through His resurrection that the promise of an "eternal building" becomes a tangible hope for believers. Christ's own resurrected body, glorified and imperishable, is the "firstfruits" of all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). He conquered death, not merely as an example, but as the one who "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" ([2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - Christ Abolished Death")). The "house not made with hands" is prepared for us by Christ Himself, who promised, "In my Father’s house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you" ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom God has given us as a "deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" ([2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Spirit as a Deposit")), is the very power by which God "will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who lives in you" ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies")). Thus, our future, eternal dwelling is not a vague hope but a certain reality, secured by Christ's finished work on the cross, His triumphant resurrection, and His continuing intercession for us in the heavens.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 19:25

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

Job 19:26

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

2 Peter 1:13

Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting [you] in remembrance;

2 Peter 1:14

Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.