2 Corinthians 5:5

KJV

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} he that hath wrought {G2716} us {G2248} for {G1519} the selfsame thing {G846}{G5124} is God {G2316}, who {G3588} also {G2532} hath given {G1325} unto us {G2254} the earnest {G728} of the Spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, it is God who has prepared us for this very thing, and as a pledge he has given us his Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.

American Standard Version

Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 5:5 articulates the profound truth that God Himself is the divine architect and craftsman, actively preparing believers for their ultimate, glorious, and eternal dwelling. This preparation is irrevocably guaranteed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who serves as a tangible down payment and an unshakeable pledge of the full inheritance yet to be revealed, assuring believers of their future resurrection and glorification with Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's deeply theological and pastoral discourse on the believer's eschatological hope and the nature of their future resurrection body. In the preceding verses [2 Corinthians 5:1-4](/2_corinthians/5-1-4 "2 Corinthians 5:1-4 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling"), Paul contrasts the temporary, decaying "earthly tent" (the physical body) with a permanent, glorious "building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." He expresses a longing to be "clothed" with this heavenly dwelling, rather than being "unclothed" (i.e., existing in a disembodied state after death). Verse 5 then provides the divine foundation and assurance for this hope, shifting from the believer's longing to God's active work and guarantee. It answers the implicit question of how such a glorious future is possible, pointing directly to God's sovereign action and the Spirit's indwelling as the divine seal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of an "earnest" (Greek: _arrhabṓn_) was deeply embedded in the commercial and legal practices of the ancient world. It referred to a first installment, a down payment, or a pledge given as security that the full amount or the entire promise would follow. This was common in various transactions, such as a deposit for a purchase, a portion of a bride-price, or a guarantee in a contract. For instance, in a land purchase, the _arrhabṓn_ would bind the seller to complete the sale and the buyer to pay the remainder. Applying this term to the Holy Spirit would have resonated powerfully with Paul's audience, conveying a binding, non-refundable, and legally secure guarantee from God Himself. This cultural understanding elevates the Spirit's indwelling from a mere spiritual experience to a divine contractual obligation, securing the believer's future inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Second Corinthians 5:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Paul's epistles and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, emphasizing that God is not merely a passive observer but the active agent who "wrought us for the selfsame thing," highlighting His intentional design for believers' eternal destiny. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Assurance of Future Glory**, providing a firm basis for confidence in the face of mortality and suffering, as seen in Paul's earlier discussion of affliction and comfort in [2 Corinthians 1](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians 1 - Paul's Affliction and Comfort"). The Holy Spirit's presence is presented as the present, tangible evidence of a future, intangible reality. Thirdly, it highlights the **Indispensable Role of the Holy Spirit** in the life of the believer, not just as a source of power or guidance, but as the very guarantee of their inheritance, a concept also explored in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Holy Spirit as a Seal and Guarantee"). This verse ties into the broader eschatological hope of the New Creation, where believers will receive glorified bodies and dwell eternally with God, a hope rooted in God's faithfulness and the Spirit's present work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrought (Greek, _katergázomai'_):** This verb signifies to "work fully," "accomplish," or "fashion." It implies a complete, deliberate, and effective process. In this context, it emphasizes God's intentional and masterful action in shaping and preparing believers for their ultimate, glorious destiny. It is not a casual or partial effort, but a divine work of craftsmanship and purpose, ensuring that the desired outcome—a heavenly dwelling and glorified body—will be achieved.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This versatile verb means "to give," "bestow," or "grant." Here, it highlights the gracious and active nature of God's provision. The Holy Spirit is not something earned or achieved by human effort, but a freely bestowed divine gift. This emphasizes God's initiative and generosity in providing the essential guarantee for the believer's future inheritance.
* **earnest (Greek, _arrhabṓn'_):** Derived from a Hebrew term, this word refers to a "pledge," "first installment," or "down payment" that guarantees the full amount or promise will follow. In ancient commercial and legal contexts, it was a binding and non-refundable assurance. When applied to the Holy Spirit, it powerfully portrays the Spirit's indwelling as God's tangible, present deposit, securing the believer's full and future inheritance and glorification. It is a divine guarantee that the full blessing will indeed be delivered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God":** This clause establishes God as the sovereign agent behind the believer's ultimate destiny. The phrase "wrought us" (from _katergázomai_) signifies that God has actively and purposefully prepared, fashioned, and equipped believers for "the selfsame thing"—referring back to the heavenly dwelling and glorified body mentioned in the preceding verses. It underscores that our future glory is not accidental or self-achieved, but the result of God's deliberate and effective work in us, a work of divine craftsmanship.
* **"who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.":** This second clause reveals the concrete evidence and guarantee of God's work. God has "given" (a gracious act) to believers "the earnest of the Spirit." The "earnest" (_arrhabṓn_) signifies a down payment or pledge, a binding assurance that the full promised inheritance will follow. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, whose indwelling presence in believers is the tangible, present reality that guarantees their future glorification and full reception of their heavenly inheritance. The Holy Spirit is God's seal and guarantee, confirming His commitment to His promises.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - God's Guarantee of the Spirit") to convey profound theological truths. The primary device is **Metaphor**, particularly the **Metaphor** of the "earnest" or "down payment." This commercial term transforms the abstract concept of spiritual assurance into a concrete, legally binding reality, making God's commitment tangible and understandable to his audience. The Holy Spirit is not merely a feeling or an influence, but a substantial, non-refundable deposit that guarantees the full inheritance. There is also an underlying **Contrast** between the temporary, earthly existence and the eternal, heavenly reality, which frames the entire discussion of the "earthly tent" versus the "heavenly dwelling" in the preceding verses. This verse resolves the tension of that contrast by presenting God's active work and the Spirit's indwelling as the bridge between the two. Furthermore, the phrasing "he that hath wrought us" employs **Personification** of God as a divine craftsman or builder, actively shaping and preparing believers for their ultimate purpose, underscoring His intentionality and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Corinthians 5:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His active involvement in the eschatological destiny of His people. It bridges the gap between the present reality of faith and the future hope of glorification, establishing the Holy Spirit as the living, indwelling guarantee of this promised future. The verse affirms that the believer's hope for a resurrected, glorified body and eternal life with God is not wishful thinking but is grounded in God's own work and His unbreakable pledge. This theological truth provides immense comfort and confidence, assuring believers that the same God who initiated their salvation is also committed to its full completion, culminating in their dwelling with Him in glory.

* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit as a Seal and Guarantee") - "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus") - "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Completion of His Work") - "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 5:5 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for living with confident hope in a world often marked by uncertainty, suffering, and the inevitability of death. It calls believers to shift their perspective from the temporary struggles of this earthly life to the glorious, eternal reality that God has prepared and guaranteed. Understanding the Holy Spirit as God's "earnest" transforms our appreciation for His indwelling presence, recognizing Him not just as a source of power or guidance, but as the living, breathing proof of God's unbreakable covenant with us. This truth empowers us to live with assurance, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in God's hands. It encourages us to boldly face life's challenges, to persevere in faith, and to align our present lives with the eternal purpose for which God is actively "wrought us." The Spirit's presence is a constant reminder that we are not abandoned, but are being faithfully prepared for a future beyond our imagination, a future where we will be fully clothed with glory and dwell eternally with our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Holy Spirit as an "earnest" or "down payment" deepen your appreciation for His presence in your life?**
* **In what ways does this verse provide comfort and assurance when contemplating mortality or future uncertainties?**
* **How might the truth that God is actively "wrought us for the selfsame thing" impact your daily choices and pursuit of holiness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the confidence of God's guaranteed promises, as evidenced by the Spirit?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God "hath wrought us for the selfsame thing"?**

Answer: This phrase means that God Himself is the one actively and purposefully preparing, fashioning, and equipping believers for their ultimate destiny. "The selfsame thing" refers to the heavenly dwelling and glorified body that Paul discusses in [2 Corinthians 5:1-4](/2_corinthians/5-1-4 "2 Corinthians 5:1-4 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling"). It emphasizes God's intentional design and complete work in us, ensuring that our future glory and eternal life with Him are not accidental but divinely ordained and accomplished. It speaks to God as the divine craftsman, shaping us for His eternal purposes.

**How does the Holy Spirit serve as an "earnest" or guarantee?**

Answer: The term "earnest" (Greek: _arrhabṓn_) was a commercial and legal term for a down payment or pledge that guaranteed the full amount or promise would follow. When applied to the Holy Spirit, it means that the Spirit's indwelling in believers is God's tangible, non-refundable deposit, securing their full future inheritance in Christ. Just as a down payment legally binds a seller to complete a transaction, the Holy Spirit's presence is God's binding assurance that He will fulfill His promise of glorification and eternal life with Him. It is a present taste of a future reality, a divine seal on our redemption, as also taught in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit as a Seal and Guarantee").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 5:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's promise and the means by which the "selfsame thing" is accomplished. It is through Christ's atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection that believers are reconciled to God and granted the hope of a glorified body and eternal dwelling. The Holy Spirit, given as the "earnest," is none other than the Spirit of Christ Himself, poured out after His ascension ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Pouring Out of the Spirit")). Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the firstfruits and the ultimate guarantee of our own future resurrection and glorification ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ as the Firstfruits")). The Spirit's indwelling is therefore a direct participation in Christ's life, power, and future glory, sealing believers for the day of redemption ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")). Thus, God "wrought us for the selfsame thing" by sending His Son to secure our redemption and by giving us the Spirit, who continually transforms us into Christ's image ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")) while guaranteeing our ultimate conformity to Him in glory ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

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

2 Corinthians 1:22

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 1:14

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

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.

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

1 John 3:24

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.