2 Corinthians 5:7

KJV

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

KJV (with Strong's)

(For {G1063} we walk {G4043} by {G1223} faith {G4102}, not {G3756} by {G1223} sight {G1491}:)

Complete Jewish Bible

for we live by trust, not by what we see.

Berean Standard Bible

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

American Standard Version

(for we walk by faith, not by sight);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 5:7 articulates a foundational principle of the Christian life: the believer's journey and conduct are governed by an unwavering trust in God and His unseen realities, rather than being dictated by what is physically observable or immediately apparent. This verse serves as a concise theological declaration, explaining the source of Christian hope and confidence amidst the temporal challenges and uncertainties of earthly existence, grounding spiritual reality in divine assurance over sensory perception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a profound theological discourse in [2 Corinthians 4-5](/2_corinthians/4-5 "2 Corinthians 4-5 - The Ministry of the New Covenant and Eternal Hope"). Paul has just concluded a discussion on the surpassing glory of the new covenant ministry, contrasting the fading glory of the old with the eternal weight of glory found in Christ ([2 Corinthians 3:7-18](/2_corinthians/3-7-18 "2 Corinthians 3:7-18 - The Fading Glory of the Old Covenant")). In [2 Corinthians 4:7-18](/2_corinthians/4-7-18 "2 Corinthians 4:7-18 - Treasure in Jars of Clay"), he speaks of the "treasure in earthen vessels," highlighting the fragility of human existence against the backdrop of God's power. He then transitions to the theme of the temporary nature of the physical body ("earthly tent") versus the eternal dwelling prepared by God ([2 Corinthians 5:1-5](/2_corinthians/5-1-5 "2 Corinthians 5:1-5 - Our Heavenly Dwelling")). The longing for this heavenly dwelling and the confidence in future resurrection are central. Verse 7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight," provides the theological rationale for this confidence and hope, explaining how believers can live with such assurance despite the present sufferings and the unseen nature of their eternal reward. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent declaration of being "at home with the Lord" ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Present with the Lord")) and the ambition to be pleasing to Him ([2 Corinthians 5:9](/2_corinthians/5-9 "2 Corinthians 5:9 - Pleasing the Lord")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry took place in a Hellenistic world where philosophical thought often emphasized empirical evidence and rational deduction as primary paths to truth. Yet, the early Christian communities, including those in Corinth, were called to embrace a reality that transcended the visible. The Corinthians themselves struggled with various issues, including factionalism, moral laxity, and a tendency to evaluate spiritual leaders based on outward appearances or rhetorical skill ([2 Corinthians 10:7-11](/2_corinthians/10-7-11 "2 Corinthians 10:7-11 - Paul's Authority")). Paul, in contrast, consistently pointed to the unseen power of God, the spiritual nature of the gospel, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. His own life was a testament to walking by faith, enduring immense suffering, persecution, and weakness, yet maintaining unwavering hope in God's faithfulness and ultimate triumph ([2 Corinthians 11:23-30](/2_corinthians/11-23-30 "2 Corinthians 11:23-30 - Paul's Sufferings")). This verse, therefore, was not merely a theological abstract but a practical guide for living in a world that often demanded tangible proof, reminding believers that their ultimate allegiance and understanding of reality stemmed from divine revelation, not human perception.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several crucial themes prevalent in Paul's theology and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **supremacy of faith** over sensory perception. For the Christian, truth and reality are not limited to what can be seen or empirically verified, but are rooted in God's revelation and promises. This is foundational to understanding the nature of God, who is Spirit and unseen, and His kingdom, which is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Secondly, it emphasizes an **eternal perspective**. Believers are called to live with their gaze fixed on unseen, eternal realities, rather than being consumed by the temporary and fleeting affairs of this world ([2 Corinthians 4:18](/2_corinthians/4-18 "2 Corinthians 4:18 - Looking at the Unseen")). This perspective empowers them to endure suffering and maintain hope, knowing that their ultimate reward and home are with the Lord. Thirdly, it highlights **trust in God's unseen hand**. "Walking by faith" implies a deep, active reliance on God's character, His faithfulness, and His sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem contradictory or the path ahead is unclear. It is a call to live in dependence on God's Word as the ultimate guide, rather than relying on human wisdom or visible outcomes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle serves as a crucial connective, indicating a reason or explanation. It signals that the statement "we walk by faith, not by sight" is providing the rationale for the preceding confidence and hope Paul expressed regarding the future heavenly dwelling and being present with the Lord. It explains *how* believers can maintain such assurance despite the temporary nature of their earthly bodies.
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** Derived from "around" and "to tread," this verb literally means "to walk about" or "to tread all around." Figuratively, and more commonly in the New Testament, it refers to one's conduct, manner of life, or daily journey. It encompasses the whole tenor of a person's existence, how they deport themselves, and how they navigate life. Thus, "we walk by faith" means our entire life's journey, our decisions, and our behavior are governed by faith.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This term signifies persuasion, credence, moral conviction, and reliance. It is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust and confidence in God, His truthfulness, and His promises. In the context of salvation, it specifically refers to reliance upon Christ. Here, it denotes the principle by which believers live, trusting in unseen divine realities.
* **sight (Greek, _eîdos'_):** From a root meaning "to see," this noun refers to a view, form, appearance, or shape. In this context, it represents the tangible, the observable, the sensory experience, and the immediate physical evidence. It stands in direct contrast to "faith," which apprehends the unseen.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we walk by faith,"**: This clause establishes the fundamental mode of Christian existence. The "for" links this statement as the reason or explanation for the confidence and hope expressed earlier in the chapter regarding the eternal dwelling and being present with the Lord. "We walk" signifies the entirety of the Christian's life, their conduct, and their journey through the world. This "walk" is "by faith," meaning that their entire orientation, their decisions, their understanding of reality, and their hope are grounded in trust in God and His unseen promises, rather than on what is physically verifiable. It implies a dynamic, ongoing reliance on God's faithfulness.
* **"not by sight:"**: This phrase serves as a direct antithesis to the preceding one, clarifying what does *not* govern the Christian walk. "Sight" here refers to sensory perception, empirical evidence, or what is immediately apparent to the human eye or other senses. It is not a dismissal of physical reality, but a declaration that physical reality is not the *ultimate* arbiter of truth or the sole basis for Christian living. The believer's life is not limited or defined by visible circumstances, worldly standards, or what can be proven empirically, but by a deeper, spiritual apprehension of truth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Antithesis** or **Contrast** in this verse, juxtaposing "faith" and "sight" to highlight the distinct and opposing principles that govern the Christian life versus the worldly life. This stark contrast serves to emphasize the radical nature of Christian epistemology, where unseen spiritual realities take precedence over visible phenomena. Furthermore, the phrase "we walk by faith" utilizes **Metaphor**, as "walk" (Greek: _peripatéō_) is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct, lifestyle, or moral journey. It transforms a physical act into a comprehensive description of spiritual orientation. The use of "sight" can also be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (sight, as in sensory perception) stands for the whole of empirical, tangible reality. This literary craftsmanship makes the verse concise yet profoundly impactful, clearly delineating the spiritual foundation of Christian living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration of [2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight") resonates deeply with core biblical truths about the nature of God, humanity, and salvation. It asserts that genuine spiritual reality transcends the limitations of human perception, demanding a posture of trust in the unseen God and His promises. This concept is not merely about believing in something abstract, but about living a life actively dependent on God's character and Word, even when circumstances contradict visible evidence. It is a call to align one's entire existence with an eternal perspective, recognizing that the most significant realities are spiritual and apprehended through faith, not through the transient experiences of the physical world. This theological truth empowers believers to persevere through trials, make choices aligned with God's will, and live with an enduring hope that transcends immediate circumstances.

* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")
* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteous Shall Live by Faith")
* [1 Peter 1:8-9](/1_peter/1-8-9 "1 Peter 1:8-9 - Believing in the Unseen Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The call to "walk by faith, not by sight" is profoundly practical for the contemporary believer, offering a compass for navigating a world often driven by visible outcomes and immediate gratification. It challenges us to re-evaluate our sources of truth and security. When faced with daunting challenges, financial instability, health crises, or relational brokenness, our natural inclination is to rely on what we can see, control, or empirically verify. However, this verse redirects our gaze to the unseen faithfulness of God, His sovereign plan, and His eternal promises. It encourages us to make decisions not solely based on visible advantages or worldly wisdom, but on prayerful discernment, adherence to biblical principles, and trust in God's leading, even when the path is unclear. Living by faith means cultivating a deep-seated confidence that God is at work, even when we cannot perceive His hand, and that His ultimate purposes will prevail. This principle fosters resilience, peace, and a profound sense of purpose, enabling us to live with an eternal perspective that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently tempted to "walk by sight" rather than by faith?**
* **How does embracing an eternal perspective, as encouraged by this verse, change your approach to daily challenges and long-term goals?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally cultivate a deeper trust in God's unseen hand and His promises?**

### FAQ

**What does it practically mean to "walk by faith" in everyday life?**

Answer: To "walk by faith" practically means to live your life in active dependence on God and His Word, rather than being solely guided by your senses, circumstances, or human reasoning. It involves trusting God's character and promises even when you cannot see how things will work out. This manifests in several ways: making decisions based on biblical principles rather than worldly advantages, persevering through difficulties with hope because you believe God is at work, praying and relying on divine intervention rather than only human effort, and valuing unseen spiritual realities (like God's kingdom, eternal life, and His presence) more than temporary material possessions or visible success. For example, if you are facing a financial struggle, walking by faith might mean trusting God to provide while responsibly managing resources, rather than panicking or resorting to unethical means. It's about living with the conviction that "God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")).

**Does "not by sight" mean that Christians should ignore reality or be irrational?**

Answer: No, "not by sight" does not mean ignoring reality or being irrational. Instead, it means that our physical sight and sensory perceptions are not the *ultimate* or *sole* basis for our understanding of truth or for our decision-making. Christians are called to be wise and discerning, using the reason and senses God has given them. However, the verse emphasizes that there is a higher reality—God's unseen kingdom, His sovereign will, and His eternal promises—that transcends what is immediately visible. For example, a doctor will use their sight and medical knowledge to diagnose an illness (reality), but a Christian patient will also walk by faith, trusting God for healing or strength, even if the prognosis is dire ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")). It's about recognizing the limitations of human perception and prioritizing divine revelation as the ultimate guide for life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principle of walking by faith finds its ultimate embodiment and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very object and author of our faith, the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Jesus Himself consistently walked by faith in His Father's will, even when it led to the cross, an act of ultimate trust in the unseen plan of redemption ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). His resurrection, though unseen by many, became the cornerstone of Christian faith, proving God's power over death and securing eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess and Believe")). Through Christ, we are given the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live by faith, granting us spiritual discernment to apprehend unseen truths and empowering us to endure trials with hope ([Romans 8:24-25](/romans/8-24-25 "Romans 8:24-25 - Hope in What We Do Not See")). Our faith is not a blind leap into the unknown, but a confident trust in the resurrected Lord, who has already conquered the visible realm of sin and death, and who promises a future glory that far surpasses anything we can now perceive ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits")). Thus, to walk by faith is to walk in the footsteps of Christ, relying on His finished work and the unseen reality of His present reign and future return.

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

Hebrews 11:1

¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:27

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

2 Corinthians 4:18

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.

Romans 8:24

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

1 Peter 1:8

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.