2 Corinthians 5:9
New International Version
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

New Living Translation
So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.

English Standard Version
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

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

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore also we are ambitious, whether being at home or being away, to be well-pleasing to Him.

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

New King James Version
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.

NASB 1995
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.

NASB 1977
Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.

Amplified Bible
Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.

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

Contemporary English Version
But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him.

Good News Translation
More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there.

International Standard Version
So whether we are at home or away from home, our goal is to be pleasing to him.

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

NET Bible
So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted by him.

Weymouth New Testament
And for this reason also we make it our ambition, whether at home or in exile, to please Him perfectly.

World English Bible
Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
We are also ambitious for this reason, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to Him,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore also we are ambitious, whether being at home or being away, to be well-pleasing to Him.

Young's Literal Translation
Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him,

Smith's Literal Translation
Wherefore also let us seek the honour, whether being at home, whether being absent, to be pleasing to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And therefore we labour, whether absent or present, to please him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And thus we struggle, whether absent or present, to please him.

New American Bible
Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away.

New Revised Standard Version
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Wherefore we endeavor, that, whether present or absent, we may be pleasing to him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
We are diligent that, whether away from home or an inhabitant, we may be pleasing to him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this reason we also endeavor, whether we remain in the body or depart from it, to be acceptable to him.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore we are truly ambitious, whether being present or absent, to be well pleasing unto him.

Haweis New Testament
wherefore also our ambition is, that whether dwelling in the body, or out of the body, we may be acceptable to him.

Mace New Testament
wherefore I studiously endeavour, whether staying in it, or departing out of it, to be acceptable to him.

Weymouth New Testament
And for this reason also we make it our ambition, whether at home or in exile, to please Him perfectly.

Worrell New Testament
Wherefore, we also make it our aim—whether being at home or being from home—to be well-pleasing to Him.

Worsley New Testament
Wherefore we are also ambitious, whether dwelling in the body, or out of it, to be well-pleasing to Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Our Eternal Dwelling
8We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.…

Cross References
Philippians 1:20-21
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Romans 14:8
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Colossians 1:10
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.

Ephesians 5:10
Test and prove what pleases the Lord.

Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Hebrews 13:21
equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 2:5
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

John 8:29
He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”

1 John 3:22
and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 119:10
With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments.


Treasury of Scripture

Why we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

we labour.

John 6:27
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Romans 15:20
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

1 Corinthians 9:26,27
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: …

whether.

2 Corinthians 5:6,8
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: …

Romans 14:8
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

accepted.

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.

Isaiah 56:7
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Acts 10:35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

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Absent Accepted Agreeable Aim Ambition Ambitious Body Exile Goal Home Labour Perfectly Please Pleasing Present Purpose Reason Well-Pleasing Wherefore Whether
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Absent Accepted Agreeable Aim Ambition Ambitious Body Exile Goal Home Labour Perfectly Please Pleasing Present Purpose Reason Well-Pleasing Wherefore Whether
2 Corinthians 5
1. That in his assured hope of immortal glory,
9. and in expectation of it, he labors to keep a good conscience;
12. not that he may boast of himself,
14. but as one that, having received life from Christ,
17. endeavors to live as a new creature to Christ only,
18. and by his ministry of reconciliation, to reconcile others also in Christ to God.














So we aspire
The phrase "So we aspire" indicates a strong, intentional desire or ambition. The Greek word used here is "φιλοτιμούμεθα" (philotimoumetha), which conveys a sense of earnest striving or endeavoring. In the context of Paul's letter, this aspiration is not a casual wish but a deep-seated commitment to live in a way that honors God. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's dedication to living out their faith amidst a culture that often opposed their beliefs. The aspiration is not just personal but communal, as Paul often speaks on behalf of the collective body of believers.

to please Him
The focus of the aspiration is "to please Him," referring to God. The Greek word "εὐάρεστοι" (euarestoi) means to be well-pleasing or acceptable. This reflects a relational dynamic where the believer's actions are directed towards gaining God's approval, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence. Scripturally, this aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes living a life that reflects God's character and commands. Pleasing God is a central theme throughout the New Testament, underscoring the importance of aligning one's life with divine will.

whether we are here in this body
The phrase "whether we are here in this body" speaks to the present, earthly existence. The Greek word for "body" is "σώματι" (sōmati), which refers to the physical body. Paul acknowledges the reality of life on earth, with its challenges and limitations. This phrase suggests that the aspiration to please God is not limited to a future, spiritual existence but is a present, active pursuit. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of living a holy life in the here and now.

or away from it
The phrase "or away from it" refers to the state of being apart from the physical body, which Paul elsewhere describes as being "at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). The Greek word "ἐκδημοῦντες" (ekdēmountes) implies being absent or away. This reflects the Christian hope of eternal life and the belief in a continued existence beyond physical death. Theologically, this points to the dual reality of the Christian life: living in the world while anticipating a future with God. It underscores the continuity of the believer's relationship with God, whether in the physical realm or the spiritual.

(9) Wherefore we labour.--Better, we strive earnestly after. The English "labour" is quite inadequate, the Greek expressing the thought of striving, as after some honour or prize. Our ambition is that . . . we may be accepted would be, perhaps, the best equivalent. For "accepted of him" read acceptable, or better, well-pleasing to him: the Greek word implying the quality on which acceptance depends, rather than the act itself.

Verse 9. - We labour; literally, we are emulous. This, says Bengel, is "the sole legitimate ambition." The same word occurs in Romans 15:20. Whether present or absent; literally, whether at home or away from home; i.e. whether with Christ or separated from him (as in ver. 8); or, "whether in the body or out of the body" (as in ver. 6). The latter would resemble 1 Thessalonians 5:10, "That whether we wake or sleep we may live with him." We may be accepted of him; literally, to be well pleasing to him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
διὸ (dio)
Conjunction
Strong's 1352: Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.

we aspire
φιλοτιμούμεθα (philotimoumetha)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5389: To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly.

to
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

please
εὐάρεστοι (euarestoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2101: Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.

Him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

whether
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

we are here in this body
ἐνδημοῦντες (endēmountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1736: To be at home, live in a place. From a compound of en and demos; to be in one's own country, i.e. Home.

or
εἴτε (eite)
Conjunction
Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.

away from it.
ἐκδημοῦντες (ekdēmountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1553: To go abroad, be absent. From a compound of ek and demos; to emigrate, i.e. vacate or quit.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:9 Therefore also we make it our aim (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 5:8
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