2 Corinthians 5:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G2532}{G1063} we that are {G5607} in {G1722} this tabernacle {G4636} do groan {G4727}, being burdened {G916}: not {G3756} for that {G1894} we would {G2309} be unclothed {G1562}, but {G235} clothed upon {G1902}, that {G2443} mortality {G2349} might be swallowed up {G2666} of {G5259} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, while we are in this body, we groan with the sense of being oppressed: it is not so much that we want to take something off, but rather to put something on over it; so that what must die may be swallowed up by the Life.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 5:4, the Apostle Paul articulates the profound longing of believers who, while inhabiting their fragile, temporary earthly bodies, yearn not for disembodiment, but for a glorious transformation. This "groaning" expresses a deep spiritual desire for the resurrection body, where the limitations and decay of mortality are utterly consumed by the vibrant, eternal life that is promised in Christ. It encapsulates the Christian hope for ultimate redemption and a perfected existence in God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended discourse in [2 Corinthians 4-5](/2_corinthians/4-5 "2 Corinthians 4-5 - Suffering, Hope, and Reconciliation") concerning the nature of Christian suffering, endurance, and eschatological hope. Immediately preceding [2 Corinthians 5:4](/2_corinthians/5-4 "2 Corinthians 5:4 - Groaning for Transformation"), Paul introduces the metaphor of the earthly body as a "tent" or "tabernacle" in [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling"), contrasting it with a permanent, eternal dwelling from God. He explains in [2 Corinthians 5:2-3](/2_corinthians/5-2-3 "2 Corinthians 5:2-3 - Longing for Our Heavenly Home") that believers groan not out of a desire to be "unclothed" (i.e., disembodied or naked), but to be "clothed upon" with their heavenly dwelling, so that they might not be found naked. Verse 4 further elaborates on this longing, emphasizing the desire for mortality to be swallowed up by life, leading seamlessly into Paul's assurance of God's provision and the believer's confidence in [2 Corinthians 5:5-8](/2_corinthians/5-5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:5-8 - Confidence in the Heavenly Dwelling").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was characterized by immense suffering, persecution, and physical hardship, as detailed throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "The Second Epistle to the Corinthians"). This personal experience deeply informed his theology of the body and resurrection. In the Greco-Roman world, there were diverse philosophical views on the body: some viewed it as a prison from which the soul longed to escape (Platonism), while others embraced a more materialistic perspective. Paul's view, rooted in Jewish eschatology and Christian resurrection belief, affirmed the goodness of the body (as God's creation) while acknowledging its fallen, temporary state. His use of "tabernacle" (Greek: _skēnos_) would resonate with both Jewish audiences (recalling the temporary wilderness tabernacle) and Gentile audiences (understanding a tent as a temporary dwelling), highlighting the transient nature of earthly life in contrast to the permanence of God's eternal plan.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 5:4](/2_corinthians/5-4 "2 Corinthians 5:4 - Groaning for Transformation") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **eschatological hope** of believers, pointing forward to the future resurrection and glorification of the body. This hope provides profound comfort and motivation amidst present suffering, a theme pervasive in [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Treasure in Jars of Clay"). Secondly, it develops the theme of **temporary vs. eternal**, contrasting the fleeting nature of the "earthly tabernacle" with the enduring reality of "life" that will swallow up mortality. This eternal perspective helps believers navigate the burdens of this age. Lastly, the verse highlights the **transformative power of God**, emphasizing that the ultimate solution to human mortality is not annihilation or mere escape, but a divine act of being "clothed upon" with a new, immortal body, ensuring the complete triumph of life over death, a concept central to the Christian understanding of salvation and resurrection as seen in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tabernacle (Greek, _skēnos'_):** From G4636, this word refers to a hut or temporary residence, metaphorically used here for the human body as the abode of the spirit. It emphasizes the transient, portable, and fragile nature of our earthly existence, contrasting it with a permanent, eternal dwelling. Paul's choice of this term powerfully conveys the idea that our physical bodies are not our ultimate, permanent home but rather temporary shelters.
* **groan (Greek, _stenázō'_):** From G4727, this signifies to make (intransitively, be) in straits, implying to sigh, murmur, or pray inaudibly. It denotes a deep, inward sigh or anguish, often associated with spiritual longing, the burden of present circumstances, or the suffering of creation awaiting redemption. This "groaning" is not a complaint against life itself, but a profound yearning for the perfected state of being.
* **swallowed up (Greek, _katapínō'_):** From G2666, this means to drink down, or gulp entirely, both literally and figuratively. It conveys a powerful image of complete absorption, vanquishing, or overwhelming. In this context, it signifies the total triumph of eternal life over mortality, where death and decay are utterly consumed and rendered powerless by the superior force of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened":** Paul explains the reason for their longing. Believers, currently residing in their mortal, temporary bodies (likened to a tent), experience an inward "groaning." This groaning is not merely physical discomfort but a deep spiritual anguish and burden, stemming from the limitations, decay, and suffering inherent in their present earthly existence. It is a yearning for something more, something eternal.
* **"not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon":** This clarifies the nature of the groaning. It is not a desire for death in itself, or to be disembodied and "naked" (without a body, which Paul views negatively in [2 Corinthians 5:3](/2_corinthians/5-3 "2 Corinthians 5:3 - Not Wanting to Be Unclothed")), but rather an earnest longing to be "clothed upon." This refers to the glorious transformation at the resurrection, where believers will receive a new, spiritual, and immortal body, a heavenly dwelling that will supersede their earthly one.
* **"that mortality might be swallowed up of life":** This states the ultimate purpose and hope of this transformation. The new, glorified body ensures that "mortality"—the state of being subject to death, decay, and corruption—will be completely and utterly consumed, absorbed, and vanquished by "life"—eternal, divine, and incorruptible life. This is the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan over the consequences of sin and death.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Corinthians 5:4](/2_corinthians/5-4 "2 Corinthians 5:4 - Groaning for Transformation") to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the **tent/tabernacle metaphor** for the human body, which underscores its temporary and fragile nature compared to a permanent building. This metaphor is extended through the imagery of being "unclothed" (disembodied) and "clothed upon" (receiving a new, glorified body), creating a vivid picture of transformation. **Antithesis** is also central, as Paul contrasts "unclothed" with "clothed upon," and most significantly, "mortality" with "life." This sharp opposition highlights the radical nature of the divine transformation. Finally, the phrase "swallowed up of life" is a potent example of **Personification** and **Hyperbole**, giving "life" an active, conquering agency that completely overwhelms and consumes "mortality," emphasizing the absolute victory that awaits believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound yearning expressed in [2 Corinthians 5:4](/2_corinthians/5-4 "2 Corinthians 5:4 - Groaning for Transformation") resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption. It underscores the Christian understanding that while the body is intrinsically good as God's creation, it is currently subject to the curse of sin and death, leading to a natural "groaning" for its ultimate liberation and glorification. This longing is not a rejection of physical existence, but a desire for its perfection, a state where the limitations and decay of our present form are utterly overcome by the fullness of divine life. It points to the eschatological hope that is central to Christian theology, affirming God's ultimate victory over death and His commitment to the holistic redemption of humanity, body and soul.

* [Romans 8:22-23](/romans/8-22-23 "Romans 8:22-23 - The Groaning of Creation and Believers")
* [1 Corinthians 15:53-54](/1_corinthians/15-53-54 "1 Corinthians 15:53-54 - The Imperishable and Immortal Body")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven and Transformed Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 5:4](/2_corinthians/5-4 "2 Corinthians 5:4 - Groaning for Transformation") offers a profound source of comfort and a powerful framework for understanding our present existence. In a world preoccupied with physical decline, suffering, and the inevitability of death, Paul's words redirect our gaze to an eternal hope. Our "groaning" is not a sign of weakness or despair, but a divinely implanted longing for the glorious future God has prepared. This perspective encourages us to endure present hardships with patience, knowing that our temporary afflictions are working for us an eternal weight of glory ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Our Light and Momentary Troubles")). It motivates us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing spiritual realities and investments in God's kingdom over the fleeting pursuits of this world, confident that our ultimate destiny is not disembodiment but a perfected, immortal existence where life reigns supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our bodies as "tabernacles" change your perspective on physical limitations, aging, or illness?**
* **What does your "groaning" for ultimate redemption look like in your daily life? How does it manifest?**
* **How does the hope of "mortality being swallowed up of life" impact your fear of death or your approach to living?**

### FAQ
**Does "unclothed" imply a negative view of being disembodied after death?**

Answer: Yes, in this context, Paul uses "unclothed" (G1562, _ekdýō_) to describe a state of being without a body. While the soul departs the body at death, Paul's longing is not for a perpetual disembodied state but for the immediate transition into a glorified body. He views being "naked" (as referenced in [2 Corinthians 5:3](/2_corinthians/5-3 "2 Corinthians 5:3 - Not Wanting to Be Unclothed")) as an undesirable interim state. His ultimate hope, and the ultimate Christian hope, is for the resurrection body, where the spirit and a perfected body are reunited for eternity, demonstrating God's holistic redemption of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 5:4](/2_corinthians/5-4 "2 Corinthians 5:4 - Groaning for Transformation") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His incarnation demonstrates God's affirmation of physical existence, while His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection provide the very mechanism by which "mortality might be swallowed up of life." Christ Himself is the "firstfruits" of those who will rise ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), embodying the glorified, spiritual body that believers long for. His resurrection guarantees our own future resurrection and transformation, as Paul declares that "when Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")). The "life" that swallows up mortality is none other than the eternal life found in Christ, who conquered death and the grave ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, our groaning is a Spirit-wrought longing for the full manifestation of the new creation inaugurated by Christ, where we will be fully conformed to His glorious body ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Transformed Bodies")).

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

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.

2 Corinthians 5:2

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

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

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;