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Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

2 Corinthians 5:1-21

The subject of 2 Corinthians 4 is continued. St. Paul has been pointing out that amid bodily weakness and decay he is encouraged by the thought that the temporal is transient, while the spiritual is eternal. He now goes on to speak more particularly of the great prospect that sustains him—the replacement of the earthly material body by an eternal heavenly one. He hopes to survive till Christ's coming, and receive the heavenly body without passing through the experience of death: but, if it should be ordered otherwise, he has no fear of being left by death in the disembodied condition so repugnant to the Hebrew mind, for the eternal, spiritual body will still be given him, in which he will be presented to the Lord.

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See also 2 Corinthians 5:1-21 in other biblical comments:

  • Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

    CHAPTER V. _The apostle's strong hope of eternal glory, and earnest_ _longings after that state of blessedness_, 1-4. _The assurance that he had of it from the Holy Spirit, and his_ _carefulness t...

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    FOR WE KNOW - We who are engaged in the work of the gospel ministry. Paul is giving a reason why he and his fellow-laborers did not become weary and faint in their work. The reason was, that they knew...

  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

    6. CONCERNING THE FUTURE. THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION. CHAPTER 5 _ 1. The Earthly and the Heavenly House. (2 Corinthians 5:1 .)_ 2. The Judgment Seat of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:9 .) 3. The Cons...

  • Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

    Paul proceeds to expand the thought of 2 Corinthians 4:16, modifying the idea of an inner personality into that of a house or home for the soul prepared by God in heaven. The earthly frame in which we...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    JOY AND JUDGMENT TO COME (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    For we know that if this earthly house of ours, that tent which is the body is pulled down, we have a building which comes from God, a house not made with hands, eternal and in the heavens. For indeed...

  • Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

    KNOW. Greek. _oida._ App-132. IF. App-118. EARTHLY. Greek. epigeios. See John 3:12. THIS TABERNACLE. the tent. Greek. _skenos._ Only here and 2 Corinthians 5:4. It is the Gen, of _Apposition_. App-1...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    2 Corinthians 5:1. _For we know_ This verse gives the reason for what has gone before. -We are consoled in our present afflictions, sustained in our hope of future glory, supported in our conviction t...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    ΟἼΔΑΜΕΝ ΓΆΡ. The connexion with what precedes is shown by the γάρ and by community of subject. He is sure that temporary affliction works out an eternal weight of glory; _for we know that if our earth...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    1–10. He continues his impassioned statement of the sufferings and the consolations of an Apostle, as drawn from his own experience. The support derived from the realization of the unseen is further d...

  • Charles Box Commentaries

    _A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-5:_ Death will come to all because this life is only temporary. However, there will be happiness in eternity for those that will walk with God. Heaven is...

  • Charles Rose Commentaries

    ΟΪΔΑΜΕΝ _perf. act. ind. от_ ΟΙΔΑ (G1492) знать. Def. perf. со _знач. praes._ (_см._ 2 Corinthians 4:14). ΕΠΊΓΕΙΟΣ (G1919) на земле. Смерть влечет за собой не только утрату физического тела, но и зем...

  • Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae

    DISCOURSE: 2017 THE CHRISTIAN’S ASSURED PROSPECT OF GLORY 2 Corinthians 5:1. We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hand...

  • Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

    FOR WE KNOW, &C.— We, as has been said but now, having eternal glory in view, do not droop in our work, nor faint under our manifold afflictions: for we are not only persuaded, upon the testimony of G...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    APPLEBURY'S COMMENTS _The Building From God Scripture_ 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with ha...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    BUTLER'S COMMENTARY SECTION 1 Frailty of the Human Body (2 Corinthians 5:1-5) 5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, 5 we have a building from God, a house not made with han...

  • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Hence, arises his ambition to be accepted a...

  • Concordant Commentary on the New Testament by A. E. Knoch

    10 The widespread fiction that the life of a Christian must be one of settled calm and contentment, prosperous and in every way advantageous in this life, is proven utterly fallacious by the experienc...

  • Darby's translation notes (1890)

    5:1 house (e-9) 'Tabernacle' is characteristic....

  • EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries

    GOD SHOWS HIS POWER WHEN WE ARE WEAK 2 CORINTHIANS _PHILIP SMITH_ CHAPTER 5 V1 We know this. Our body is like an *earthly tent. If our *earthly tent falls down, we will have a permanent building....

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    V. (1) FOR WE KNOW THAT IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE OF THIS TABERNACLE WERE DISSOLVED. — Better, _be broken up,_ as more in harmony with the image of the tent. The words that follow give the secret of his ca...

  • Expositor's Bible Commentary (Nicoll)

    CHAPTER 13 THE CHRISTIAN HOPE. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (R.V) THAT outlook on the future, which at the close of 2 Corinthians 4:1. is presented in the most general terms, is here carried out by the Apostle...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    οἴδαμεν γὰρ κ. τ. λ.: _for_ (in explanation of 2 Corinthians 4:17) _we know, sc._, we Christians (_cf._ Romans 7:14; 1 Corinthians 8:1), _that if our earthly_ (ἐπίγειος as contrasted with ἐπουράνιος;...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    His expectation of a Glorified Body hereafter; and his desire to survive until the Second Advent....

  • Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

    LONGING TO BE “AT HOME WITH THE LORD” 2 Corinthians 5:1 This mortal life is a pilgrimage, and our body is a tent, so slight, so transitory, so easily taken down; but what does it matter, since there...

  • G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

    The vision of the house of God, and the coming at last to the Lord, throws its light on, and explains the value of, the groaning and the burden of the tabernacle, of the period of absence from the Mas...

  • Gary Hampton Commentaries

    VERSE 1. McGarvey and Pendleton see this as a comparison to the spirit of God dwelling in the tabernacle until the temple was built. By inspiration, Paul knew that if the fleshly body were destroyed,...

  • Geneva Study Bible Commentary

    For (1) we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (1) Taking occasion by the former compar...

  • George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

    Of this habitation. [1] In the Greek, of this tabernacle; i.e. of the body. St. John Chrysostom take notice that a tabernacle, or tent, is not to dwell in for a long time, but only to lodge in for a w...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    (1) For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2) For in this we groan, earnestly desirin...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    CONTENTS The Apostle is here prosecuting, much the same Subject, as in the preceding Chapter. He speaks with full assurance of Faith, of his eternal Interests, He closeth the Discourse, with stating...

  • John Calvin's Bible Commentary

    1._For we know. _Here follows an amplification (επεξεργασια) or embellishment of the foregoing statement. (507) For Paul has it in view, to correct in us impatience, dread, and dislike of the cross, c...

  • John Darby's Synopsis

    What then is the effect of the possession of life in Christ as applied to death and judgment, the two natural objects of men's fears, the fruit of sin? If our bodies are not yet transformed; and if th...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    FOR WE KNOW, THAT IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE,.... By this house is meant the body, so called from its being like a well built house, a curious piece of architecture; as an house consists of a variety of par...

  • John Trapp Complete Commentary

    For we know that if our earthly house of _this_ tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Ver. 1. _For we know_] Not we think, or hop...

  • Jonathan Edwards' Notes On The Scriptures

    2 Cor. 5:1. It is a confirmation that the apostle meant the body of the resurrection by a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens, that Christ said, Destroy this temple made with hands, and i...

  • Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    _For we know_ We pursue, not seen, but unseen things, and do not faint in our work, because we know _that if our earthly house_ Which is only a tabernacle or tent, a mere temporary habitation; _were d...

  • Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament (1851)

    OUR EARTHLY HOUSE OF THIS TABERNACLE; our body, considered as a tent in which the soul sojourns. Compare 2 Peter 1:13-14. A BUILDING OF GOD, A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS; namely, the resurrection-body....

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    FOR WE KNOW THAT IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE OF THIS TABERNACLE WERE DISSOLVED, WE HAVE A BUILDING OF GOD, AN HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS, ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS....

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    PAUL'S LONGING FOR THE FUTURE GLORY. Paul's expectation of a glorified body:...

  • Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

    Unquestioned certainty as to the future, and present confidence of faith are seen here further developed. "We know" is the proper language of Christianity. "The earthly house of this tabernacle" is of...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    1-8 The believer not only is well assured by faith that there is another and a happy life after this is ended, but he has good hope, through grace, of heaven as a dwelling-place, a resting-place, a h...

  • Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible

    2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 5 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1 Paul declareth that, in assured hope of a blessed immortality hereafter, he was indifferent to life, and laboured only to approve himself to Christ, 2 CORINTH...

  • McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries

    For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [An allusion to the merging of the tabernacle in...

  • NT Verse References in the Ante-Nicene Fathers

    Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book IV For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found...

  • Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes

    2 Corinthians 5:1 For G1063 know G1492 (G5758) that G3754 if G1437 our G2257 earthly G1919 house G3614 tent

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    THE REASON WHY THEY ARE SETTING THEIR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE (2 CORINTHIANS 5:1) The thought of looking at what is unseen, rather than at what is seen, now leads on to a consideration of the resurrect...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    ‘For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.' Paul now declares his confidence in a bodily...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    2 Corinthians 5:1. FOR WE KNOW THAT IF [1] THE EARTHLY HOUSE OF OUR TABERNACLE BE DISSOLVED or ‘our earthly tent-house be taken down,' [1] Several modern critics think the “if” is here used to leave...

  • Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

    IF--BE DISSOLVED (εαν--καταλυθη). Third class condition, εαν and first aorist passive subjunctive. The very word used (καταλυω) for striking down a tent.THE EARTHLY HOUSE OF OUR TABERNACLE (η επιγ...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    1. _For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens._ Is not this grand courage on the part of...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    2 Corinthians 5:1. _For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan,_ In...

  • Summarized Bible Commentary

    CONTENTS: Why death has no terrors for the Lord's servant. The motive and object of ministry for Christ. CHARACTERS: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Paul. CONCLUSION: The servant of God who has the earnest...

  • Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    2 Corinthians 5:1. _We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God eternal in the heavens._ The contrast between a house made with hands, and a house ma...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    FOR WE KNOW. This links what he is about to say, with 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. THIS TENT WE LIVE IN. A tent is a temporary place to live. This is how Paul thinks of this physical body. Compare Mark 14:5...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved._ THE CERTAIN KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE 1. The description which the apostle makes of the present state in which we now are. 2...

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1 THE TENT THAT IS OUR EARTHLY HOME. Present human bodies, which will die. BUILDING FROM GOD... ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS. The resurrection body that believers will...

  • The Great Commentary of Cornelius à Lapide

    CHAPTIER 5 SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER i. The Apostle goes on to remind the Corinthians of the glories of heaven, saying that in exile here and in the tabernacle of the flesh he longs for them, and wish...

  • The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

    _CRITICAL NOTES_ 2 Corinthians 5:1.—Flow of _thought quite continuous_ from 2 Corinthians 4:18. _For_ (2 Corinthians 4:15).… _For_ (17).… _For_ ...

  • The Pulpit Commentaries

    EXPOSITION Continuation of the topic that hope is the chief support of the preacher of the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:1). Their self-sacrifice in preaching the gospel of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:...

  • Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith

    This time, let's turn in our Bibles to II Corinthians, chapter five. Paul talked about how he was constantly facing death for the cause of Jesus Christ. But though he was constantly facing death, vari...

  • Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    1 Corinthians 15:46; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 3:19;...

  • Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament (4 Volume Set)

    Our earthly house of this tabernacle [η ε π ι γ ε ι ο ς η μ ω ν ο ι κ ι α τ ο υ σ κ η ν ο υ ς]. 145 Earthly, not, made of earth, which would be coikov as 1 Corinthians 14:47; but upon the earth, terre...

  • Wesley's Explanatory Notes

    Our earthly house — Which is only a tabernacle, or tent, not designed for a lasting habitation....

  • William Burkitt's Expository Notes

    Observe here, 1. Our apostle compares the body of. believer to an house, to an earthly house, and to an house of tabernacle: to an house, because of its comely fabric and composure, as also in regard...

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