2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

We are confident {G2292}, I say, and {G1161}{G2532} willing {G2106} rather {G3123} to be absent {G1553} from {G1537} the body {G4983}, and {G2532} to be present {G1736} with {G4314} the Lord {G2962}.

We are confident, then, and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and come to our home with the Lord.

We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV

2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV: "We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

This powerful verse from the Apostle Paul encapsulates the profound hope and assurance that defines the Christian's view of life, death, and eternity. It stands as a beacon of comfort and certainty for believers across generations.

Context

Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is rich with theological depth and personal insight into his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 5, he is discussing the contrast between our temporary earthly existence and our eternal spiritual destiny. He begins by describing our physical bodies as an "earthly house of this tabernacle" (2 Corinthians 5:1), a temporary dwelling that will one day be exchanged for an eternal, heavenly body. The preceding verses express a longing for this heavenly dwelling, not out of a desire to be "unclothed" (meaning disembodied), but to be "clothed upon" with immortality (2 Corinthians 5:2-4). God Himself has prepared believers for this, giving the Holy Spirit as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 5:5). This leads to Paul's consistent confidence (2 Corinthians 5:6), knowing that while we are "at home in the body," we are "absent from the Lord." The Christian walk is one of faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), making verse 8 the natural culmination of this confident expectation.

Key Themes

  • Christian Confidence in Death: Paul expresses not fear or dread, but a profound "confidence" (Greek: tharreo, meaning to be courageous, bold, or assured). For the believer, death is not an end but a transition, faced with unwavering certainty because of Christ's victory.
  • Immediate Presence with Christ: The phrase "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" is crucial. It asserts that for a believer, physical death is not a state of unconscious sleep or an intermediate waiting period in purgatory, but an immediate, conscious transition into the direct presence of Jesus Christ. This aligns with Paul's similar sentiment in Philippians 1:23, where he states his desire "to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better."
  • Hope Beyond Mortality: This verse offers immense comfort and hope, assuring believers of a glorious destiny beyond the confines of earthly life. It elevates the believer's perspective from the temporal to the eternal, providing strength in times of grief and inspiring a life lived with an eternal focus.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms used here offer rich nuance:

  • "Confident" (tharreo): As mentioned, this word conveys a strong sense of courage and assurance, not just a casual feeling. It speaks to a deep, settled conviction based on faith.
  • "Absent from the body" (ekdemesai ek tou somatos): Literally means "to emigrate from the body" or "to go abroad from the body." It paints a picture of leaving one's temporary residence.
  • "Present with the Lord" (endemesai pros ton Kyrion): Literally means "to be at home with the Lord" or "to take up residence with the Lord." The contrast is striking: to be an "emigrant" from the body is to be "at home" with the Lord. It signifies a natural, immediate, and intimate dwelling with Christ.

Practical Application

2 Corinthians 5:8 holds profound implications for how believers live and face the future:

  • Comfort in Grief: For those mourning the loss of a loved one who was a believer, this verse provides immense comfort, knowing that their spirit is immediately "present with the Lord," experiencing unimaginable joy and peace.
  • Freedom from the Fear of Death: Understanding this truth can liberate believers from the natural human fear of death. For the Christian, death is not an ending, but a doorway to eternal communion with God, fulfilling the promise of Christ preparing a place for us.
  • Motivation for Living: This eternal perspective encourages a life lived for Christ's glory, recognizing that our earthly endeavors are temporary, but our spiritual destiny is eternal. It compels believers to share the good news so others might also share in this hope.
  • Deepening Faith: The assurance of immediate presence with the Lord strengthens faith and trust in God's promises, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.

Conclusion

2 Corinthians 5:8 is a cornerstone verse for Christian eschatology and comfort. It beautifully articulates the believer's confident hope in the face of mortality, assuring us that for those who are in Christ, physical death is merely a transition from an earthly tabernacle to an immediate, joyful, and eternal presence with our Lord. This glorious truth transforms our understanding of death from a dreaded end to a welcomed homecoming.

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Cross-References

  • Philippians 1:20 (17 votes)

    According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

  • Philippians 1:24 (17 votes)

    Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:6 (11 votes)

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

  • 1 John 3:2 (8 votes)

    Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:2 (7 votes)

    I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:3 (7 votes)

    And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

  • John 14:3 (6 votes)

    And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.