2 Corinthians 5:2

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

For {G2532}{G1063} in {G1722} this {G5129} we groan {G4727}, earnestly desiring {G1971} to be clothed upon {G1902} with our {G2257} house {G3613} which {G3588} is from {G1537} heaven {G3772}:

For in this tent, our earthly body, we groan with desire to have around us the home from heaven that will be ours.

For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,

For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven:

Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 5:2, the Apostle Paul continues his profound discourse on the nature of the believer's earthly existence versus their future, glorified state. This verse expresses a deep, spiritual yearning that resonates with the human experience of frailty and the hope of ultimate redemption.

Context

This verse flows directly from 2 Corinthians 5:1, where Paul introduces the concept of our earthly body as a temporary "tabernacle" or "earthly house." He contrasts this with an eternal "building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." The "groaning" mentioned in verse 2 is the natural response to living in this temporary, perishable dwelling, experiencing its limitations, weaknesses, and the burdens of a fallen world. It reflects a longing for the permanent, heavenly dwelling that awaits believers.

Key Themes

  • Longing for Glorification: The core theme is the earnest desire for the transformation of our mortal bodies into immortal, spiritual ones. This isn't a desire for disembodiment, but for a perfected embodiment.
  • Hope Beyond Mortality: The verse powerfully articulates the Christian hope that transcends physical death and decay. It points to a future where believers will receive a body suitable for eternity, free from the sufferings of this present age. This anticipation aligns with the broader Christian eschatology concerning the redemption of the body.
  • Heavenly Origin: The phrase "our house which is from heaven" emphasizes that this future body is not merely an improved version of our current one, but a divinely given, spiritual creation, directly from God's heavenly realm.

Linguistic Insights

The term "groan" (Greek: stenazo) signifies a deep, inward sighing, often expressing distress, sorrow, or intense longing. It's not a complaint, but an expression of profound yearning for the coming transformation. The phrase "earnestly desiring" (Greek: epipotho) further amplifies this, denoting a strong, passionate longing. The key phrase "to be clothed upon" (Greek: ependusasthai) is significant. It suggests a superimposition or absorption of the mortal by the immortal, rather than a mere shedding of the body. Paul elaborates on this preference in 2 Corinthians 5:4, expressing a desire not to be "unclothed" (disembodied through death) but to be "clothed upon" with immortality, so that "mortality might be swallowed up of life."

Practical Application

2 Corinthians 5:2 offers immense comfort and a powerful perspective for believers today. It reminds us that our present struggles, physical ailments, and the general decay of our earthly bodies are temporary. Our ultimate hope is not in the preservation of this fleeting life, but in the glorious future God has prepared. This verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that a perfect, incorruptible body awaits those who are in Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:53 where "this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." It fosters resilience and steadfastness in faith, knowing that our true and lasting home is from heaven.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 8:23

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:53

    For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54

    So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

  • Philippians 1:23

    For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

  • Romans 7:24

    O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

  • 2 Corinthians 5:3

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

  • 2 Corinthians 5:4

    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.
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