2 Corinthians 5:4
So while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life.
So while we are in this tent
The phrase "in this tent" uses the metaphor of a tent to describe our earthly bodies. The Greek word "σκῆνος" (skēnos) refers to a temporary dwelling, emphasizing the transient nature of our physical existence. Historically, tents were used by nomadic people, including the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This imagery suggests that our current life is temporary and not our permanent home, pointing to the eternal dwelling we anticipate in heaven.

we groan under our burdens
The word "groan" comes from the Greek "στενάζω" (stenazō), which conveys a deep, internal sighing or longing. This groaning reflects the human experience of suffering and the weight of living in a fallen world. It echoes the groaning of creation mentioned in Romans 8:22, highlighting the universal longing for redemption and restoration. The burdens we bear are not just physical but also spiritual and emotional, as we yearn for the fulfillment of God's promises.

because we do not wish to be unclothed
The term "unclothed" suggests a state of being without a body, which Paul describes as undesirable. The Greek "ἐκδύω" (ekdyō) means to strip off or divest. In the context of the afterlife, Paul is expressing a desire not for a disembodied existence but for a transformed, glorified body. This reflects the Christian hope of resurrection, where believers will be clothed with immortality.

but clothed
The desire to be "clothed" indicates a longing for the heavenly body promised to believers. The Greek "ἐπενδύομαι" (ependýomai) means to put on over, suggesting an addition or enhancement rather than a replacement. This aligns with the biblical promise of a new, glorified body that believers will receive at the resurrection, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:53-54.

so that our mortality
"Mortality" refers to the perishable nature of human life. The Greek "θνητός" (thnētos) signifies that which is subject to death. This highlights the contrast between our current state and the eternal life promised through Christ. Mortality is a reminder of the fall and the consequence of sin, but it also points to the hope of overcoming death through Jesus.

may be swallowed up by life
The phrase "swallowed up by life" uses the Greek "καταπίνω" (katapinō), meaning to consume or devour completely. This powerful imagery suggests the total victory of eternal life over death. It reflects the promise found in Isaiah 25:8, where God will swallow up death forever. In Christ, life triumphs over mortality, offering believers the assurance of eternal life and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage and instruct them in their faith.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where Paul established a church during his missionary journeys.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of this letter, they were a diverse group of believers facing various challenges, including issues of morality and doctrinal confusion.

4. The Tent
A metaphor used by Paul to describe our earthly bodies, emphasizing their temporary and fragile nature.

5. Mortality and Life
Concepts Paul contrasts to highlight the hope of eternal life through Christ, where mortality is overcome by the promise of resurrection.
Teaching Points
The Temporary Nature of Our Earthly Bodies
Our current physical existence is likened to a tent, emphasizing its temporary and fragile nature. This perspective encourages us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary comforts.

The Groaning of the Present Life
The groaning mentioned by Paul reflects the struggles and burdens of life. It is a reminder that our current sufferings are not the end, but a precursor to the eternal glory that awaits us.

The Hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life
The desire to be "clothed" with immortality points to the Christian hope of resurrection. This hope should motivate us to live faithfully, knowing that our ultimate destiny is with Christ.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Understanding that our mortality will be swallowed up by life encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and service to others.

Encouragement in Times of Suffering
In times of suffering, this passage offers comfort and encouragement, reminding us that our present trials are temporary and will be replaced by eternal joy and life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does viewing our bodies as "tents" change the way we approach physical health and material possessions?

2. In what ways can the groaning of our current life lead us to a deeper reliance on God?

3. How does the hope of being "clothed" with immortality influence your daily decisions and priorities?

4. What are some practical ways to maintain an eternal perspective in the midst of life's challenges?

5. How can this passage provide comfort and encouragement to someone experiencing suffering or loss?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 8:23
This verse also speaks of groaning and longing for the redemption of our bodies, connecting the theme of present suffering with future glory.

1 Corinthians 15:53-54
Paul discusses the transformation from mortality to immortality, echoing the idea of being "clothed" with eternal life.

Philippians 3:20-21
Paul describes the transformation of our lowly bodies to be like Christ's glorious body, reinforcing the hope of resurrection.

Revelation 21:4
The promise of God wiping away every tear and the end of death, mourning, and pain, which aligns with the hope of mortality being swallowed up by life.
Man's DilemmaA. Mursell.2 Corinthians 5:4
Not Unclothed, But Clothed UponJas. Freeman Clarke.2 Corinthians 5:4
The Groans of Believers Under Their BurdensR. Erskine, D. D.2 Corinthians 5:4
The Two TabernaclesW. Arnot, D. D.2 Corinthians 5:4
The Two Bodies of the SaintE. Hurndall 2 Corinthians 5:1-9
Assurance of Eternal Life; Faith and its EffectsC. Lipscomb 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Achaia, Corinth
Topics
Absorbed, Anxiety, Aside, Body, Burdened, Burdens, Care, Certainly, Clothe, Clothed, Cries, Death, Desire, Desiring, Dwelling, Free, Further, Groan, Heavenly, Indeed, Lay, Mortal, Mortality, Ourselves, Overcome, Seeing, Sigh, Swallowed, Tabernacle, Tent, Truly, Unclothe, Unclothed, Weariness, Weight, Wish, Yes, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Corinthians 5:4

     6203   mortality
     6647   eternal life, experience

2 Corinthians 5:1-4

     5065   spirit, fallen and redeemed
     5441   philosophy
     9315   resurrection, of believers

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

     4010   creation, renewal
     5063   spirit, nature of
     9110   after-life
     9137   immortality, NT

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

     5339   home

2 Corinthians 5:2-4

     5145   clothing

2 Corinthians 5:2-5

     4018   life, spiritual

2 Corinthians 5:4-5

     5110   Paul, teaching of
     8441   goals

Library
August 1. "For we must all Appear Before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that Every one May Receive the Things done in his Body, According to that He Hath Done" (ii Cor. v. 10).
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done" (II Cor. v. 10). It will not always be the day of toil and trial. Some day, we shall hear our names announced before the universe, and the record read of things that we had long forgotten. How our hearts will thrill, and our heads will bow, as we shall hear our own names called, and then the Master shall recount the triumph and the services which we had
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Work and Armour of the Children of the Day
'Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet the hope of salvation.'--1 THESS. v. 8. This letter to the Thessalonians is the oldest book of the New Testament. It was probably written within something like twenty years of the Crucifixion; long, therefore, before any of the Gospels were in existence. It is, therefore, exceedingly interesting and instructive to notice how this whole context is saturated with allusions to our Lord's teaching,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Great Reconciliation
"God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." 2 COR. V. 19. Such considerations as we have had before us, are of far more than theoretical interest. They are of all questions the most practical. Sin is not a curious object which we examine from an aloof and external standpoint. However we regard it, to whatever view of its nature we are led, it is, alas, a fact within and not merely outside our experience. And so we are at length brought to this most personal and most urgent inquiry,
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

Tent and Building
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.'--2 COR. v. 1. Knowledge and ignorance, doubt and certitude, are remarkably blended in these words. The Apostle knows what many men are not certain of; the Apostle doubts as to what all men now are certain of. 'If our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved'--there is surely no if about that. But we must remember that the first Christians,
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Love that Constrains
'The love of Christ constraineth us.'--2 COR. v. 14. It is a dangerous thing to be unlike other people. It is still more dangerous to be better than other people. The world has a little heap of depreciatory terms which it flings, age after age, at all men who have a higher standard and nobler aims than their fellows. A favourite term is 'mad.' So, long ago they said, 'The prophet is a fool; the spiritual man is mad,' and, in His turn, Jesus was said to be 'beside Himself,' and Festus shouted from
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Pleasing Christ
'We labour that whether present or absent we may be accepted of Him.'--2 COR. v. 2. We do not usually care very much for, or very much trust, a man's own statement of the motives of his life, especially if in the statement he takes credit for lofty and noble ones. And it would be rather a dangerous experiment for the ordinary run of so-called Christian people to stand up and say what Paul says here, that the supreme design and aim towards which all their lives are directed is to please Jesus Christ.
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Entreaties of God
'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech ... by us: we pray ... in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.'--2 COR. v. 20. These are wonderful and bold words, not so much because of what they claim for the servants as because of what they reveal of the Lord. That thought, 'as though God did beseech,' seems to me to be the one deserving of our attention now, far rather than any inferences which may be drawn from the words as to the relation of preachers of the Gospel to
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Patient Workman
'Now He that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God.'--2 COR. v. 5. These words penetrate deep into the secrets of God. They assume to have read the riddle of life. To Paul everything which we experience, outwardly or inwardly, is from the divine working. Life is to him no mere blind whirl, or unintelligent play of accidental forces, nor is it the unguided result of our own or of others' wills, but is the slow operation of the great Workman. Paul assumes to know the meaning of this protracted
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Old House and the New
'We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.'--2 COR. v. 8. There lie in the words of my text simply these two things; the Christian view of what death is, and the Christian temper in which to anticipate it. I. First, the Christian view of what death is. Now it is to be observed that, properly speaking, the Apostle is not here referring to the state of the dead, but to the act of dying. The language would more literally and accurately
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Sacrifice of Christ.
Preached June 23, 1850. THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST. "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; and that He died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again."--2 Corinthians v. 14, 15. It may be, that in reading these verses some of us have understood them in a sense foreign to that of the apostle. It may have seemed that the arguments ran thus--Because Christ
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

The Believer a New Creature
We have two great truths here, which would serve us for the subject of meditation for many a day: the believer's position--he is "in Christ;" and the believer's character--he is a "new creature." Upon both of these we shall speak but briefly this morning, but may God grant that we may find instruction therein. I. First, then, let us consider THE CHRISTIAN'S POSITION--he is said to be "in Christ." There are three stages of the human soul in connection with Christ: the first is without Christ, this
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 15: 1869

The Great Assize
Beside that direct testimony, it should be remembered there is a convincing argument that so it must needs be, from the very fact that God is just as the Ruler over men. In all human governments there must he an assize held. Government cannot be conducted without its days of session and of trial, and, inasmuch as there is evidently sin and evil in this world, it might fairly be anticipated that there would be a time when God will go on circuit, and when he will call the prisoners before him, and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

Substitution
Note the doctrine; the use of it; the enjoyment of it. I. First, THE DOCTRINE. There are three persons mentioned here. "He (that is God) hath made him (that is Christ) who knew no sin, to be sin for us (sinners) that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Before we can understand the plan of salvation, it is necessary for us to know something about the three persons, and, certainly, unless we understand them in some measure, salvation is to us impossible. 1. Here is first, GOD. Let every
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Christ --Our Substitute
Little however, did I think I should live to see this kind of stuff taught in pulpits; I had no idea that there would come out a divinity, which would bring down God's moral government from he solemn aspect in which Scripture reveals it, to a namby-pamby sentimentalism, which adores a Deity destitute of every masculline virtue. But we never know to-day what may occur to-morrow. We have lived to see a certain sort of men--thank God they are not Baptists--though I am sorry to say there are a great
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

A Solemn Embassy
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."--2 Corinthians 5:20. THERE has long been war between man and his Maker. Our federal head, Adam, threw down the gauntlet in the garden of Eden. The trumpet was heard to ring through the glades of Paradise, the trumpet which broke the silence of peace and disturbed the song of praise. From that day forward until now there has been no truce, no treaty between God and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

"But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell in You, He that Raised up Christ from the Dead Shall Also
Rom. viii. 11.--"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." It is true the soul is incomparably better than the body, and he is only worthy the name of a man and of a Christian who prefers this more excellent part, and employs his study and time about it, and regards his body only for the noble guest that lodges within it, and therefore it is one of the
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning.
There being a great demand for the several books that are printed under Mr. Binning's name, it was judged proper to undertake a new and correct impression of them in one volume. This being done, the publishers were much concerned to have the life of such an useful and eminent minister of Christ written, in justice to his memory, and his great services in the work of the gospel, that it might go along with this impression. We living now at so great distance from the time wherein he made a figure in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
The three divisions of this chapter,--I. The principal use of the cross is, that it in various ways accustoms us to despise the present, and excites us to aspire to the future life, sec. 1, 2. II. In withdrawing from the present life we must neither shun it nor feel hatred for it; but desiring the future life, gladly quit the present at the command of our sovereign Master, see. 3, 4. III. Our infirmity in dreading death described. The correction and safe remedy, sec. 6. 1. WHATEVER be the kind of
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Death and Judgement.
TO THE AUTHOR OF THE GUARDIAN. Sir, THE inclosed is a faithful translation from an old author, which if it deserves your notice, let the reader guess whether he was a Heathen or a Christian. I am, Your most humble Servant. "I cannot, my friends, forbear letting you know what I think of death; for, methinks, I view and understand it much better, the nearer I approach to it. 1 am convinced that your fathers, those illustrious persons whom 1 so much loved and honoured, do not cease to live, though they
Joseph Addison—The Evidences of the Christian Religion, with Additional Discourses

The Inwardness of Prayer
The Inwardness of Prayer It is difficult and even formidable thing to write on prayer, and one fears to touch the Ark. Perhaps no one ought to undertake it unless he has spent more toil in the practice of prayer than on its principle. But perhaps also the effort to look into its principle may be graciously regarded by Him who ever liveth to make intercession as itself a prayer to know better how to pray. All progress in prayer is an answer to prayer--our own or another's. And all true prayer
P. T. Forsyth—The Soul of Prayer

The Work of Regeneration.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."--2 Cor. v. 17. In our former article we contended that regeneration is a real act of God in which man is absolutely passive and unable, according to the ancient confession of the Church. Let us now reverently examine this matter more closely; not to penetrate into things too high for us, but to cut off error and to clear the consciousness. Regeneration is not sacramentally effected
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

But this Being the Case, How to this Opinion that Should not be Contrary...
2. But this being the case, how to this opinion that should not be contrary which the Apostle says, "For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each may receive according to the things he hath done by the body, [2710] whether good or bad;" [2711] this, thou signifiest, thou dost not well see. For this apostolic sentence doth before death admonish to be done, that which may profit after death; not then, first, when there is to be now a receiving of that which a person shall have
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

In the Work of the Redemption of Man, not Only the Mercy, but Also the Justice, of God is Displayed.
In the work of the Redemption of man, not only the mercy, but also the justice, of God is displayed. 15. Man therefore was lawfully delivered up, but mercifully set free. Yet mercy was shown in such a way that a kind of justice was not lacking even in his liberation, since, as was most fitting for man's recovery, it was part of the mercy of the liberator to employ justice rather than power against man's enemy. For what could man, the slave of sin, fast bound by the devil, do of himself to recover
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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