2 Corinthians 5:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1489} so {G2532} be that being clothed {G1746} we shall {G2147} not {G3756} be found {G2147} naked {G1131}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With this around us we will not be found naked.

Berean Standard Bible

because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 5:3, "If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked," encapsulates a profound theological hope regarding the believer's future bodily state. It expresses the Christian's earnest desire and confident expectation that at the resurrection or transformation, they will not be found in a state of disembodied vulnerability, but rather will be gloriously "clothed" with an immortal, spiritual body, signifying complete redemption and preparation for eternity in God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Paul's extended argument in [2 Corinthians 5:1-10](/2_corinthians/5-1-10 "2 Corinthians 5:1-10 - Our Heavenly Dwelling"). He uses the powerful metaphor of "earthly tents" (our mortal bodies) being dismantled, contrasted with a "building from God, an eternal house in heaven" (our resurrection bodies). The preceding verses, specifically [2 Corinthians 5:1-2](/2_corinthians/5-1-2 "2 Corinthians 5:1-2 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling"), articulate the groaning of believers who long to be "clothed" with this heavenly dwelling, rather than merely "unclothed" by death. Verse 3 serves as a parenthetical clarification or an emphatic assurance, underscoring that the Christian hope is not for a state of perpetual disembodiment, but for a glorious re-embodiment. It reinforces the desire for a seamless transition from mortal to immortal, avoiding any period of spiritual "nakedness" or vulnerability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's Corinthian audience was diverse, with some influenced by Greek philosophical ideas that often denigrated the body, viewing it as a prison for the soul. This perspective could lead to a misunderstanding of resurrection, suggesting that a disembodied state might be preferable or the ultimate spiritual goal. Furthermore, there were likely questions and doubts within the Corinthian church concerning the nature of the resurrection body, as evidenced by Paul's extensive treatment of the subject in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of the Dead"). Paul's emphasis on being "clothed" rather than "naked" directly addresses these concerns, affirming the essential role of a glorified body in God's redemptive plan and countering any notion of a desirable, permanent, disembodied existence. The cultural understanding of "nakedness" as vulnerability, shame, or lack of status (as seen in various ancient contexts, including the Old Testament) adds weight to Paul's choice of imagery.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this passage, and particularly in [2 Corinthians 5](/2_corinthians/5 "2 Corinthians 5 - Our Heavenly Dwelling and New Creation"), is the **Believer's Future Hope and Glorification**. Paul articulates a confident expectation of a transformed existence beyond death, characterized by a new, imperishable body. This hope is intrinsically linked to the **Assurance of Resurrection**, a foundational doctrine of Christianity, which promises that death does not have the final say over believers. The imagery of "clothing" and "nakedness" also highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Protection**, emphasizing that God will fully equip and prepare believers for eternity, ensuring they are not found wanting. This aligns with the broader New Testament teaching on the Christian's ultimate transformation, as described in passages like [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Humble Bodies") and [1 Corinthians 15:53-54](/1_corinthians/15-53-54 "1 Corinthians 15:53-54 - Mortality Clothed with Immortality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clothed (Greek, _endýō'_):** From the Greek G1746, meaning "to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies being adorned or equipped with a new, spiritual body. It implies a divine act of provision, where God Himself "clothes" the believer with an imperishable, glorified form, rather than the believer remaining in a state of disembodied vulnerability. This "clothing" is the heavenly dwelling, the resurrection body, which is superior and eternal.
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** From the Greek G2147, meaning "to find (literally or figuratively); to get, obtain, perceive, see." Here, it carries the nuance of being discovered or revealed in a certain state at a critical juncture, likely referring to the moment of death, the return of Christ, or the general resurrection. The passive voice ("shall be found") suggests an external assessment or discovery, emphasizing that God or Christ will observe the believer's state. The implication is a desire to be found in a state of readiness and completion, not lacking.
* **naked (Greek, _gymnós'_)::** From the Greek G1131, meaning "nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)." In this spiritual and eschatological context, "naked" does not refer to physical unclothedness but metaphorically to a state of being without the glorified resurrection body. It signifies vulnerability, incompleteness, or being unprepared for eternal life. It represents the undesirable state of remaining disembodied after death, a state that Paul and believers earnestly wish to avoid, preferring to be "clothed upon" with their heavenly dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If so be that being clothed":** This clause introduces a condition or a desired outcome. The phrase "if so be that" (Greek: _eíge_) can imply "seeing that" or "since indeed," suggesting a strong expectation or even an assumed reality for believers. "Being clothed" refers to the state of having received or being invested with the spiritual, immortal body that Paul describes as the "heavenly dwelling" in the preceding verses. It is the state of full glorification and transformation.
* **"we shall not be found naked":** This is the desired negative outcome, the antithesis of being clothed. "We shall not be found" implies a future discovery or assessment, likely at the time of death or the Lord's return. "Naked" here is a metaphorical term for being without the resurrection body, a state of disembodiment or spiritual vulnerability. The clause expresses the earnest hope that believers will bypass or be spared such a state, moving directly from their mortal bodies into their glorified ones, or being immediately clothed with their spiritual bodies upon death.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the physical act of "clothing" represents the spiritual reality of receiving a glorified, immortal body, and "nakedness" symbolizes a state of disembodied vulnerability or incompleteness. This **metaphorical language** extends from the "earthly tent" and "heavenly dwelling" imagery in the surrounding verses, creating a consistent and vivid picture of the believer's eschatological hope. Furthermore, there is a clear **Antithesis** between "being clothed" and "being found naked." These two contrasting states highlight the stark choice or outcome Paul envisions, emphasizing the desirability of the former and the undesirability of the latter. The use of the conditional "If so be that" (or "seeing that") can also be seen as a form of **Rhetorical Question** or **Assurance**, subtly affirming the certainty of the believer's future glorification while framing it as a desired outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly theological, articulating the Christian doctrine of bodily resurrection and glorification. It underscores that the ultimate destiny of the believer is not a disembodied spirit floating eternally, but a fully redeemed human being, body and soul, perfectly suited for God's presence. Paul's longing to be "clothed" rather than "naked" speaks to the inherent goodness of the body as God's creation, even in its glorified form, and the completeness of salvation that encompasses both spirit and matter. It affirms that God's plan for humanity involves a physical, albeit transformed, existence in the new heavens and new earth. This hope provides immense comfort and assurance, transforming the fear of death into an anticipation of ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 15:53-54](/1_corinthians/15-53-54 "The Imperishable and Immortal Body")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship in Heaven and Transformed Body")
* [Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "The Adoption as Sons and Redemption of Our Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound hope expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:3 offers immense comfort and a powerful perspective for believers facing mortality. It reminds us that death is not the end of our existence, nor is it a permanent state of vulnerability or disembodiment for those in Christ. Instead, it is a transition to a glorious, perfected state, where we will be fully "clothed" with a body fit for eternity. This truth should alleviate anxieties about death and the afterlife, fostering a deep sense of security in God's ultimate plan for our redemption. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary and our future glory is assured. This hope also inspires us to live faithfully and purposefully now, as we await the full manifestation of our redemption, understanding that our ultimate destiny is to be completely prepared and presented before God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of being "clothed" versus "naked" deepen your understanding of the Christian hope for the afterlife?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your current understanding of death and the resurrection body?**
* **How might the assurance of being "clothed" with a heavenly dwelling impact your daily walk and your perspective on earthly challenges?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean believers will not experience a period of disembodiment after death?**

Answer: The interpretation of "If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked" is debated among scholars, but the prevailing view is that Paul expresses a strong desire and confident expectation that believers will not remain in a permanent state of disembodiment. Some interpret it as a longing for the rapture, where living believers would bypass death and be instantly glorified, thus never being "naked." Others see it as an assurance that even for those who die, the intermediate state between death and resurrection is not one of vulnerable "nakedness," but that they are immediately "clothed" with a temporary spiritual body or are "at home with the Lord" ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord")). The core message is the ultimate certainty of a glorified bodily existence for all believers, whether through resurrection or transformation, ensuring they are never found without their divine covering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 5:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ's death and resurrection that the promise of a glorified body becomes a reality for believers. His resurrection from the dead is the "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep")) of our own future resurrection, demonstrating the power of God to transform mortal bodies into immortal ones. The "heavenly dwelling" that Paul longs for is a spiritual body patterned after Christ's glorious resurrection body ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation into His Glorious Body")). Furthermore, being "clothed" with this heavenly body is a direct consequence of being "clothed with Christ" in this life through faith and baptism ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")). Our union with Christ ensures that we will share in His victory over death and receive the full redemption, including the redemption of our bodies, so that we are indeed "not found naked" but fully prepared to dwell eternally with our Lord.

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

Genesis 3:7

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Genesis 3:11

¶ And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Revelation 16:15

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Exodus 32:25

And when Moses saw that the people [were] naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto [their] shame among their enemies:)