King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:2 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:2 in the King James Version says “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Corinthians 5:2 · 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.

4

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Read 2 Corinthians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For in this we groan—The verb stenazō (στενάζω) expresses the deep inward groaning of creation under sin's curse (Romans 8:22-23). Paul describes the universal Christian experience of longing for redemption's completion. Earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven uses epipothountes (ἐπιποθοῦντες, "earnestly longing"), the same intense desire expressed in 1:8 and Philippians 1:23.

The clothing metaphor (ependysasthai, ἐπενδύσασθαι, "to put on over") suggests not naked disembodiment but transformation—the resurrection body clothing over mortality. This counters Greek dualism that viewed death as escape from the body. Paul longs not for death itself but for resurrection glory. The phrase "from heaven" (ex ouranou, ἐξ οὐρανοῦ) emphasizes divine origin—this is God's gift, not human achievement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy (particularly Platonism) viewed the body as a prison from which the soul sought escape. Paul's Jewish-Christian theology affirms embodiment while longing for its glorification. The "groaning" motif connects to Jewish apocalyptic expectations of the age to come when God would redeem all creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you experience the tension between groaning in this fallen world and confident hope in resurrection?
  2. Why is the biblical hope of bodily resurrection superior to Platonic escape from physical existence?
  3. What practices help you maintain eager longing for Christ's return rather than complacency with earthly life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“For”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γὰρ2 of 13
G1063

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

ἐν3 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

τούτῳ4 of 13

“this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

στενάζομεν5 of 13

“we groan”

G4727

to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e., (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly

τὸ6 of 13

“which”

G3588

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

οἰκητήριον7 of 13

“house”

G3613

a residence (literally or figuratively)

ἡμῶν8 of 13

“with our”

G2257

of (or from) us

τὸ9 of 13

“which”

G3588

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

ἐξ10 of 13

“is from”

G1537

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

οὐρανοῦ11 of 13

“heaven”

G3772

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

ἐπενδύσασθαι12 of 13

“to be clothed upon”

G1902

to invest upon oneself

ἐπιποθοῦντες13 of 13

“earnestly desiring”

G1971

to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)

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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:231 Corinthians 15:53-542 Corinthians 5:3-4Philippians 1:23Romans 7:241 Peter 1:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

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