2 Corinthians 5:1
¶ 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 {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}.
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.
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.
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.
Cross-References
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Job 19:25 (27 votes)
For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth: -
Job 19:26 (27 votes)
And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God: -
1 John 3:2 (21 votes)
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 (15 votes)
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 (15 votes)
Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. -
Hebrews 9:24 (13 votes)
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 (12 votes)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Commentary
Context of 2 Corinthians 5:1
This verse opens a profound section in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where he contrasts the temporary nature of our earthly existence with the glorious, eternal reality awaiting believers. It follows directly from 2 Corinthians 4:18, which concludes with the idea of looking "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Paul and the Corinthians faced significant suffering and persecution, and this passage serves to bolster their hope and confidence by shifting their focus from present afflictions to future glory.
The imagery of an "earthly house of this tabernacle" speaks to the fragility and impermanence of the human body, much like a nomadic tent dwelling. This contrasts sharply with the solid, everlasting "building of God" that awaits them.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV's choice of "tabernacle" for the Greek word skēnos (or skēnōma in some related contexts) is significant. It literally means a "tent" or "booth," reinforcing the idea of a temporary, portable dwelling. This contrasts sharply with oikodomē, the Greek word for "building" or "edifice," which implies a permanent, solid structure. This linguistic contrast highlights the immense difference between our present mortal bodies and the eternal dwelling God provides.
The phrase "not made with hands" (Greek: acheiropoiētos) emphasizes the divine, miraculous origin of this future dwelling, setting it apart from anything humanly manufactured or perishable. This term is also used in the New Testament to describe Christ's spiritual body or the temple not built by human hands.
Practical Application
For believers today, 2 Corinthians 5:1 offers profound comfort and perspective:
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