2 Corinthians 5:9

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

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

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 5:9 (KJV) stands as a powerful declaration of the Apostle Paul's ultimate ambition and driving force in his ministry and life: "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him." This verse encapsulates a profound spiritual goal that guided Paul and serves as a vital lesson for believers today.

Context

This verse is nestled within a deeply theological and personal section of Paul's letter, where he discusses the nature of the believer's earthly body ("our earthly house of this tabernacle," 2 Corinthians 5:1) versus the eternal dwelling in heaven. Paul expresses a yearning to be "clothed upon" with his heavenly body, preferring to be "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Verse 9 directly follows this, explaining why he holds such a perspective and what motivates his strenuous efforts in light of both life and death. The very next verse, 2 Corinthians 5:10, reinforces this by speaking of the "judgment seat of Christ," highlighting the accountability that underpins his desire to please God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Approval as the Ultimate Ambition: Paul's primary goal is not personal gain, fame, or comfort, but to gain God's approval. This sets a standard for all Christian striving and living for Christ.
  • Motivation Beyond Circumstance: The phrase "whether present or absent" signifies that Paul's desire to please God transcends his physical state or location, whether living on earth or in the afterlife. This speaks to a consistent, unwavering devotion to God's will.
  • Earnest Striving: The word "labour" (Greek: philotimoumetha) is stronger than mere work; it implies an intense ambition, a passionate striving, or making it one's highest aim. It's about giving one's utmost effort to achieve this divine acceptance.
  • Accountability and Hope: The verse implicitly points to a future reckoning, where one's life will be evaluated by God. The desire to be "accepted of him" is rooted in the hope of hearing "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "we labour" translates the Greek word philotimoumetha (φιλοτιμούμεθα), which literally means "to be fond of honor," or "to be ambitious." In this context, Paul's ambition is not for human glory but for divine acceptance and pleasing God. It conveys an earnest, zealous pursuit. The phrase "accepted of him" comes from euarestoi einai autō (εὐάρεστοι εἶναι αὐτῷ), meaning "to be well-pleasing to him" or "agreeable to him." It highlights God's satisfaction and approval as the supreme reward for our Christian walk.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 5:9 serves as a profound challenge and inspiration:

  • Examine Your Ambition: What drives your daily decisions, your work, your relationships? Is your ultimate goal to please God above all else? As Paul encourages in Colossians 3:23, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
  • Live with Eternal Perspective: Understanding that our lives, whether long or short, are lived before God's eyes should motivate us to seek His approval in every sphere. This perspective helps us to live for what truly matters, focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary accolades (Matthew 6:33).
  • Consistent Devotion: The commitment to be "accepted of him" should be unwavering, regardless of life's circumstances, challenges, or whether we are "present" (living) or anticipating being "absent" (with the Lord). This calls for a life of continuous faithfulness and obedience, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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