2 Corinthians 5:6

KJV

Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767}{G2532} we are always {G3842} confident {G2292}, knowing {G1492} that {G3754}, whilst we are at home {G1736} in {G1722} the body {G4983}, we are absent {G1553} from {G575} the Lord {G2962}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So we are always confident — we know that so long as we are at home in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord;

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore we are always confident, although we know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord.

American Standard Version

Being therefore always of good courage, and knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 5:6 encapsulates the profound paradox of Christian existence: a confident assurance rooted in the knowledge that while believers currently reside in their mortal bodies on Earth, they are simultaneously separated from the immediate, visible presence of the Lord. This verse serves as a pivotal statement within Paul's discourse on the temporary nature of earthly life contrasted with the eternal hope of being fully present with Christ, providing a foundation for living by faith rather than by sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's extended theological reflection in [2 Corinthians 5](/2_corinthians/5 "2 Corinthians 5 - Our Heavenly Dwelling"). It directly follows Paul's discussion of the "earthly house of this tabernacle" (the physical body) being dissolved to be replaced by "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" ([2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Building")). The apostle expresses a profound longing for this heavenly dwelling, describing it as "groaning" to be clothed with immortality ([2 Corinthians 5:2-4](/2_corinthians/5-2-4 "2 Corinthians 5:2-4 - Groaning for Immortality")). Crucially, this confidence is not mere wishful thinking but is grounded in God's own provision, who has given "the earnest of the Spirit" as a guarantee of this future glory ([2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Earnest of the Spirit")). Therefore, the "always confident" of verse 6 is a direct consequence of this divine assurance and the future hope it secures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church faced numerous challenges, including internal divisions, moral issues, and the influence of false apostles who questioned Paul's authority and suffering. There was likely a tension between those who might have embraced a Gnostic-like disdain for the physical body and those who were overly focused on material prosperity. Paul's teaching here navigates these extremes. While acknowledging the body's temporary nature, he does not advocate for its abandonment or abuse, but rather for a proper perspective on its role as a temporary dwelling. The concept of "being at home" (Greek: *endēméō*) and "being absent" (Greek: *ekdēméō*) would resonate with an ancient audience familiar with travel, sojourning, and the longing for one's true homeland. For early Christians, this "homeland" was not a geographical location but a spiritual reality with Christ, echoing the idea of believers as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Strangers and Pilgrims")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Pauline theology. First, it highlights the **tension between the "already" and the "not yet"** of Christian eschatology. Believers already possess the Spirit and the promise of eternal life, yet they await the full realization of their glorification and direct presence with the Lord. Second, it underscores the **supremacy of faith over sight**. While physically present in the world, the Christian's ultimate reality and hope are unseen, requiring a walk "by faith, not by sight" ([2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith")). Third, it emphasizes the **temporary nature of earthly existence** and the **eternal weight of glory**. This perspective reorients priorities, encouraging believers to live with an eternal mindset, valuing spiritual realities over transient earthly comforts, a theme prevalent throughout [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Treasure in Jars of Clay") and [2 Corinthians 5](/2_corinthians/5 "2 Corinthians 5 - Our Heavenly Dwelling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **confident (Greek, _tharrhéō_):** This verb signifies to "exercise courage," "be bold," or "have confidence." It implies a state of inner assurance and fearlessness, not based on human strength or circumstances, but on a deep conviction. In this context, Paul's confidence stems from the divine guarantee of the Spirit and the certain hope of a heavenly dwelling, allowing him to face present difficulties with unwavering resolve.
* **at home (Greek, _endēméō_):** Derived from "en" (in) and "dēmos" (people/country), this word literally means "to be in one's own country" or "to be at home." When applied to the body, it metaphorically describes our current physical dwelling as our temporary residence or "home" on Earth. It implies a present, albeit transient, occupancy.
* **absent (Greek, _ekdēméō_):** Formed from "ek" (out of) and "dēmos" (people/country), this word means "to emigrate," "to be away from home," or "to vacate/quit." It stands in direct antithesis to *endēméō*. When used in relation to the Lord, it signifies a state of being away from His immediate, visible, and unhindered presence, highlighting a separation that believers long to overcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore we are always confident":** This opening phrase, linked by "therefore" (G3767 *oûn*), draws a logical conclusion from the preceding verses, particularly the assurance given by the "earnest of the Spirit" ([2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Earnest of the Spirit")). The confidence (G2292 *tharrhéō*) is not sporadic but "always" (G3842 *pántote*), indicating a settled, unwavering assurance in the face of any circumstance, rooted in God's faithfulness.
* **"knowing that":** The term "knowing" (G1492 *eídō*) implies a deep, intuitive understanding or settled conviction, not mere intellectual assent. This knowledge is the basis for their confidence, providing a foundational truth upon which their perspective is built.
* **"whilst we are at home in the body":** This clause describes the believer's current state of existence. To be "at home" (G1736 *endēméō*) "in the body" (G4983 *sōma*) signifies our present, physical embodiment on Earth. It acknowledges the reality of our earthly pilgrimage and the temporary nature of our mortal dwelling.
* **"we are absent from the Lord":** This phrase articulates the spiritual paradox. While physically present in the body, believers are "absent" (G1553 *ekdēméō*) from the Lord's immediate, unmediated, and glorified presence. This "absence" is not a lack of spiritual communion (as the Spirit indwells believers), but a longing for the full, unveiled face-to-face encounter that awaits in eternity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** in this verse, creating a powerful contrast between "at home in the body" and "absent from the Lord." This literary device highlights the tension inherent in the believer's current state: physically present on Earth, yet spiritually longing for full presence with Christ. The body itself functions as a **Metaphor** for a temporary dwelling, a "tent" or "tabernacle" as introduced in [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - The Earthly Tent and Heavenly Building"), emphasizing its transient nature compared to the eternal dwelling with God. Furthermore, the use of "body" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the physical body represents the entirety of our earthly, mortal existence, underscoring the temporary and limited nature of our present life in contrast to the boundless, eternal life with the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes the Christian understanding of life, death, and eternity. It establishes a robust eschatological hope that transcends the limitations and sufferings of the present age. The confidence Paul speaks of is not a denial of hardship but a deep-seated assurance rooted in God's promises and the indwelling Spirit. It frames earthly life as a temporary sojourn, a pilgrimage, rather than the ultimate reality. This perspective liberates believers from an undue attachment to worldly comforts and fears, enabling them to live with an eternal mindset, knowing that their true "home" and ultimate belonging are with the Lord. It underscores the "already but not yet" tension of the Christian life, where the Spirit's presence is a down payment of future glory, yet the full, unmediated presence of Christ is still to come.

* [Philippians 1:21-23](/philippians/1-21-23 "Philippians 1:21-23 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain")
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - Longing for a Heavenly Country")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 5:6 offers a powerful lens through which believers can view their present circumstances and future hope. Understanding that our earthly body is a temporary dwelling cultivates a profound sense of detachment from the transient things of this world and fosters a greater attachment to eternal realities. This perspective provides immense comfort in times of suffering, loss, or physical decline, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is not bound by earthly limitations. It encourages us to live with intentionality, investing our time, talents, and resources in ways that align with our eternal citizenship, rather than being consumed by fleeting pleasures or anxieties. This confidence in future glory empowers us to "walk by faith, not by sight" ([2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith")), trusting in God's unseen hand and His promised future, even when the present seems uncertain or difficult. It calls us to embrace our present calling while eagerly anticipating our ultimate reunion with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "always confident" aspect of this verse shape your perspective on daily challenges and uncertainties?**
* **In what ways does understanding your body as a temporary dwelling impact your priorities and pursuits in life?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "absent from the Lord" in this life, and how does this affect your longing for His return or for eternity?**
* **How can the "earnest of the Spirit" mentioned in [2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Earnest of the Spirit") strengthen your confidence in the midst of this earthly sojourn?**

### FAQ
**Does "absent from the Lord" mean that Christians don't experience Christ's presence on Earth?**

Answer: No, it does not. The phrase "absent from the Lord" in [2 Corinthians 5:6](/2_corinthians/5-6 "2 Corinthians 5:6 - At Home in the Body, Absent from the Lord") refers to a physical, unmediated, and glorified presence, not a spiritual absence. Believers experience the spiritual presence of Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is given as a "guarantee" or "earnest" of future glory ([2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Earnest of the Spirit")). Jesus promised His disciples, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). The "absence" here speaks to the longing for the day when we will see Him "face to face" ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face")) and be fully "present with the Lord" in His glorified state ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Present with the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of [2 Corinthians 5:6](/2_corinthians/5-6 "2 Corinthians 5:6 - At Home in the Body, Absent from the Lord") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ's incarnation that God "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bridging the gap between the divine and human, making it possible for humanity to eventually be "at home" with God. His death and resurrection conquered the power of sin and death, transforming the mortal body from a mere temporary dwelling destined for decay into a vessel with the promise of future glorification. Because Christ "was raised from the dead, no longer to return to decay" ([Acts 13:34](/acts/13-34 "Acts 13:34 - Christ's Resurrection")), believers can confidently anticipate their own resurrection and transformation. His ascension to the Father's right hand means that while we are "absent from the Lord" in His physical, glorified presence, He is actively interceding for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")) and preparing a place for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")). The "earnest of the Spirit" ([2 Corinthians 5:5](/2_corinthians/5-5 "2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Earnest of the Spirit")) is none other than the Spirit of Christ, indwelling believers and serving as a down payment of the full inheritance to come, ensuring that our confident hope of being "present with the Lord" ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Present with the Lord")) is not in vain, but is secured by the finished work of our Savior.

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 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.

Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Philippians 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Hebrews 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Psalms 39:12

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

1 Peter 5:1

¶ The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: