2 Corinthians 5:9

KJV

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} we labour {G5389}, that {G2532}, whether {G1535} present {G1736} or {G1535} absent {G1553}, we may be {G1511} accepted {G2101} of him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, whether at home or away from home, we try our utmost to please him;

Berean Standard Bible

So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it.

American Standard Version

Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 5:9 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's ultimate life ambition and the driving force behind his strenuous ministry: to live in such a way that he is always pleasing to God, regardless of whether he is alive on earth or has passed into the presence of the Lord. This verse articulates a profound spiritual goal, emphasizing a consistent and unwavering devotion to divine approval that transcends all earthly circumstances and even death itself, serving as a foundational motivation for all Christian endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a deeply personal and eschatological section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where he grapples with the tension between the temporary nature of earthly existence and the certainty of eternal life. Paul begins by contrasting "our earthly house of this tabernacle" with "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 - Our Earthly Tent")). He expresses a longing to be "clothed upon" with this heavenly dwelling, preferring to be "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord")). Verse 9, "Wherefore we labour," directly follows this profound expression of hope, explaining the *reason* and *motivation* for his diligent life and ministry in light of both life and death. The very next verse, [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ"), reinforces this by stating that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ," underscoring the ultimate accountability that underpins Paul's earnest desire to please God. Thus, the verse serves as a bridge, connecting the believer's future hope with their present conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, a bustling, cosmopolitan, and morally diverse city. His ministry there was often marked by significant opposition, personal suffering, and challenges to his apostolic authority. In this context, Paul's declaration of his ultimate ambition to please God stands in stark contrast to the worldly pursuits and human approval that might have motivated others. Greco-Roman society placed a high value on honor (timē), public acclaim, and reputation. Paul, however, redefines "honor" not as something received from men, but as the divine acceptance and approval of God. His emphasis on "labour" (philotiméomai) would have resonated with the cultural understanding of striving for excellence, but he redirects this striving toward a spiritual, rather than a worldly, end. The transient nature of human life and the certainty of death were also common themes in ancient thought, making Paul's focus on an eternal perspective and a life lived before God's eyes particularly poignant.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's declaration in this verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout his letters and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Approval as the Ultimate Ambition**, which posits that the Christian's highest goal is not personal gain, comfort, or human recognition, but to live a life that is pleasing to God. This theme is intrinsically linked to **Christian Motivation and Striving**, highlighting that genuine faith is not passive but leads to earnest, zealous effort in service to God, regardless of the circumstances of life or death (as seen in the phrase "whether present or absent"). Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Eschatological Hope and Accountability**, as Paul's desire to be "accepted of him" implicitly acknowledges a future reckoning or evaluation, such as that described in [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ"). This hope of divine commendation serves as a powerful incentive for consistent faithfulness. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Living with an Eternal Perspective**, urging believers to orient their lives toward eternal realities rather than solely temporal concerns, echoing the call to "seek those things which are above" found in [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Affection on Things Above").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Greek, _philotiméomai'_):** From G5389, this word literally means "to be fond of honor," "to be ambitious," or "to strive earnestly." In this context, Paul uses it to convey an intense, zealous, and passionate pursuit. It's not mere work but a striving with the highest possible aim—to please God. It implies making something one's utmost ambition or highest goal.
* **present (Greek, _endēméō'_):** From G1736, meaning "to be in one's own country" or "home." Here, it figuratively refers to being "at home" in the body, or living on earth.
* **absent (Greek, _ekdēméō'_):** From G1553, meaning "to emigrate," "to vacate," or "to quit." Here, it figuratively refers to being "absent" from the body, or departing from earthly life to be with the Lord.
* **accepted (Greek, _euárestos'_):** From G2101, meaning "fully agreeable," "well-pleasing," or "acceptable." This is the ultimate goal of Paul's striving—to be found satisfactory and approved by God, to bring Him delight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore we labour":** This introductory phrase connects the verse to the preceding discussion, indicating that Paul's intense effort and ambition are a direct consequence of his understanding of the earthly tent versus the heavenly dwelling, and his longing to be with the Lord. The "labour" (philotiméomai) signifies a zealous, earnest striving, making it his highest aim.
* **"that, whether present or absent":** This clause emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Paul's ambition. It means whether he is living in the body on earth ("present") or has departed from the body to be with the Lord ("absent"). His desire to please God is not confined to his earthly ministry but extends to his very existence, encompassing both life and death. It speaks to an unwavering, consistent devotion.
* **"we may be accepted of him":** This is the ultimate objective. "Accepted" translates *euárestos*, meaning "well-pleasing" or "agreeable." Paul's supreme desire is for God's approval, His satisfaction, and to be found delightful in His sight. This divine acceptance is the highest reward and the ultimate validation of his life and work.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey the depth of his commitment. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the contrasting pair "present or absent." This stark juxtaposition effectively communicates the comprehensive scope of Paul's ambition, demonstrating that his desire to please God is not limited by his physical state or location, but is an overarching principle for his entire existence, whether in life or in death. Furthermore, the use of "labour" (philotiméomai) can be seen as a form of **Intensification** or **Hyperbole**, as it implies an effort far beyond mere work—it's an all-consuming, passionate striving. This word choice elevates the spiritual goal to the highest possible priority. The phrases "present" and "absent" also function as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "present" stands for being alive in the body on earth, and "absent" stands for being dead to the body but alive with the Lord. This concise phrasing powerfully encapsulates the two fundamental states of human existence in relation to eternity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:9 resonates deeply with core Christian theology, particularly concerning the nature of true discipleship and the ultimate purpose of human life. It establishes divine approval, not human accolades or earthly success, as the supreme aim for every believer. This perspective transforms all of life into an act of worship and service, where every decision, action, and ambition is filtered through the lens of pleasing God. It underscores the truth that our lives are lived before an omniscient God who will ultimately evaluate our faithfulness. This striving is not for salvation, which is by grace through faith, but rather the natural outflow of a redeemed heart, a grateful response to God's saving work, and a demonstration of genuine love and obedience. It cultivates a life of integrity, consistency, and eternal perspective, knowing that our ultimate audience is God Himself.

* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work as unto the Lord")
* [Romans 14:8](/romans/14-8 "Romans 14:8 - Living and Dying to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering ambition to be "accepted of him" presents a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. In a world often driven by the pursuit of human approval, material gain, or fleeting success, this verse calls us to re-evaluate our ultimate motivations. What truly drives our daily decisions, our work, our relationships, and our spiritual disciplines? Is our primary goal to please God above all else, or are we subtly seeking the affirmation of others or the comforts of this world? Living with an eternal perspective, as Paul did, means understanding that every moment of our lives, whether long or short, is lived before the eyes of God, and that our ultimate accountability is to Him. This perspective empowers us to make choices that align with His will, to prioritize eternal rewards over temporary accolades, and to cultivate a consistent, unwavering devotion to His glory, regardless of life's challenges or circumstances. It encourages a life of intentional faithfulness, knowing that our deepest satisfaction comes from hearing "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" from our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the ultimate ambition that drives your life and decisions? Is it primarily to please God, or are other motivations subtly taking precedence?**
* **How does an eternal perspective—the understanding that you will one day stand before Christ—shape your daily choices and priorities?**
* **In what specific areas of your life can you more intentionally "labour" to be "accepted of him," rather than seeking human approval or personal gain?**

### FAQ

**Does Paul's "labour" imply that we earn God's acceptance through our works?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Paul, more than any other apostle, championed the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). The "labour" or striving mentioned in [2 Corinthians 5:9](/2_corinthians/5-9 "2 Corinthians 5:9 - Paul's Ambition to Please God") is not a means to *earn* salvation or acceptance, but rather the *outflow* and *evidence* of a life already transformed by God's grace. It is the earnest, grateful response of a believer who has already received God's acceptance in Christ. As Paul clarifies in [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works"), "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Our striving is a Spirit-empowered pursuit of obedience and holiness, motivated by love for God and a desire to honor Him, not to merit His favor.

**What does it truly mean to be "accepted of him"?**

Answer: To be "accepted of him" (Greek: *euárestos autō*) means to be "well-pleasing to him" or "fully agreeable to him." It signifies more than mere tolerance or passive approval; it implies that God finds delight and satisfaction in our lives. It speaks to a life lived in alignment with His will, reflecting His character, and bringing Him glory. This acceptance is ultimately rooted in our union with Christ, through whom we are made righteous and beloved by the Father ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Our striving to be "accepted of him" is therefore a desire to live out the implications of our already-secured acceptance in Christ, demonstrating our love and obedience in response to His grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 5:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Paul intensely "labours" to be accepted of God, Jesus perfectly and eternally accomplished this. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently lived to please the Father, declaring, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him" ([John 8:28-29](/john/8-28-29 "John 8:28-29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). His entire life, from His baptism where the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Affirmation of Jesus")), to His atoning death on the cross, was an act of perfect obedience and a fragrant offering that fully pleased God. For believers, our ability to be "accepted of him" is not based on our own imperfect "labour," but on our union with Christ. We are made righteous in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), and it is through His perfect acceptance that we gain access to the Father. Our striving to please God, therefore, becomes a Spirit-empowered response to His saving work, a grateful reflection of His character, and a participation in His mission, all ultimately bringing glory to the One who perfectly pleased the Father on our behalf.

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

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Romans 14:18

For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

2 Peter 3:14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

1 Timothy 4:10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Genesis 4:7

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: