2 Corinthians 5:4

in this tabernacle Literally, in the tabernacle, i.e. the -tenement," of which we have already spoken (2 Corinthians 5:1).

do groan, being burdened "Not because we desire to be delivered from the body, for of it we do not wish to be unclothed, but we hasten to be delivered from the corruption that is in it." Chrysostom. This verse carries on the thought of v, 2 and explains it.

not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon Better with Tyndale and Cranmer (also Wiclif), for we wold not be unclothed, but wolde be clothed upon. "It is quite possible that men might conceive (of the future state) as a disembodied state and suppose the Apostle to represent life in a visible form as a degradation." Robertson. Such was the view of Greek philosophers almost without exception (see note on 1 Corinthians 15:12). St Paul, affirming the old Jewish view that God had created all things, and made them very good, entirely repudiates this doctrine, and declares that he does not desire separation from the body, but only its spiritualization. "Paul regards it as an especial happiness not to taste death, not to be obliged to put off this body, but to be glorified living, like Elijah, drawing the heavenly body over the present mortal body as a garment, yet in such a manner that the mortal body is absorbed in the nature of the spiritual body." Olshausen. So Tertullian, "not as wishing to undergo death, but that death should be anticipated by life." The whole passage should be compared with 1 Corinthians 15:35-54. See also note on 2 Corinthians 5:2.

that mortality might be swallowed up of life i.e. "covered over and arrayed in the vesture of immortality." Tertullian. -Mortality" should rather be rendered what is mortal.