King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:1 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:1 in the King James Version says “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made wi... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 5:1 · KJV


Context

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.

2

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God—Paul uses oikia (οἰκία, "house/dwelling") and skēnos (σκῆνος, "tent/tabernacle") to contrast our temporary mortal bodies with the permanent resurrection body. The tent imagery echoes Israel's wilderness wanderings and the fragility of earthly existence. An house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (acheiropoiētos, ἀχειροποίητος, "not made by human hands") parallels Christ's resurrection body and the eschatological temple (Mark 14:58).

The verb katalyō (καταλύω, "dissolved/destroyed") suggests violent dismantling, yet Paul expresses confident knowledge (oidamen, οἴδαμεν, perfect tense—"we have come to know and continue knowing"). This assurance emerges from Christ's resurrection, which guarantees believers a glorified body awaiting them. The present tense "we have" (echomen, ἔχομεν) indicates this heavenly dwelling already exists, prepared by God's initiative.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians around AD 55-56 from Macedonia, addressing ongoing challenges to his apostolic authority. Having recently faced near-death experiences (1:8-10, 4:7-12), Paul reflects deeply on mortality and resurrection hope. This section counters both Greek dualism (which despised the body) and Jewish materialism (which struggled with resurrection concepts).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing your body as a temporary tent rather than a permanent home change your perspective on suffering and aging?
  2. What specific evidence from Christ's resurrection gives you confidence about your own future glorified body?
  3. How should the reality of a prepared heavenly dwelling affect your attachment to earthly possessions and status?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Οἴδαμεν1 of 21

we know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γὰρ2 of 21

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι3 of 21

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐὰν4 of 21

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

5 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπίγειος6 of 21

earthly

G1919

worldly (physically or morally)

ἡμῶν7 of 21

our

G2257

of (or from) us

οἰκίαν8 of 21

an house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

τοῦ9 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σκήνους10 of 21

of this tabernacle

G4636

a hut or temporary residence, i.e., (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit)

καταλυθῇ11 of 21

were dissolved

G2647

to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night

οἰκοδομὴν12 of 21

a building

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

ἐκ13 of 21

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

θεοῦ14 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἔχομεν15 of 21

we have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οἰκίαν16 of 21

an house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

ἀχειροποίητον17 of 21

not made with hands

G886

unmanufactured, i.e., inartificial

αἰώνιον18 of 21

eternal

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

ἐν19 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῖς21 of 21

the heavens

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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