King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:4 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:4 in the King James Version says “For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that ...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Corinthians 5:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened—Paul intensifies the groaning motif: stenazomen (στενάζομεν, present tense, "we continually groan") and barounmenoi (βαρούμενοι, "being weighed down/burdened"). The present participle emphasizes ongoing oppression under mortality's weight. Yet Paul clarifies: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon—the goal is not escape from embodiment but its transformation.

That mortality might be swallowed up of life employs the vivid metaphor of katapothē (καταποθῇ, "be swallowed/consumed completely"). This echoes Isaiah 25:8 ("He will swallow up death in victory") and Paul's use in 1 Corinthians 15:54. Life (zōē, ζωή, resurrection life) doesn't merely replace death but completely devours it—a total, irreversible victory. Mortality is not shed like a garment but overwhelmed by life's superior power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's prophecy of death's destruction was central to Jewish eschatological hope. Paul applies this to individual believers, not just corporate Israel. The metaphor of swallowing suggests complete absorption—death won't simply cease but will be utterly consumed by resurrection life. This connects to Christ's own resurrection, the firstfruits of this cosmic reversal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's burden under mortality differ from escapist worldviews that merely want release from physical existence?
  2. What does it mean for mortality to be "swallowed up" by life rather than simply ended—how is this victory more complete?
  3. In what ways do you experience the "groaning" of mortality even while living with resurrection hope?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“For”

G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 22
G1063

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

οἱ3 of 22
G3588

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

ὄντες4 of 22

“we that are”

G5607

being

ἐν5 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ6 of 22
G3588

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

σκήνει7 of 22

“this tabernacle”

G4636

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

στενάζομεν8 of 22

“do groan”

G4727

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

βαρούμενοι9 of 22

“being burdened”

G916

to weigh down (figuratively)

ἐπειδή10 of 22

“for that”

G1894

since now, i.e., (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas

οὐ11 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

θέλομεν12 of 22

“we would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἐκδύσασθαι13 of 22

“be unclothed”

G1562

to cause to sink out of, i.e., (specially as of clothing) to divest

ἀλλ'14 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπενδύσασθαι15 of 22

“clothed upon”

G1902

to invest upon oneself

ἵνα16 of 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καταποθῇ17 of 22

“might be swallowed up”

G2666

to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)

τὸ18 of 22
G3588

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

θνητὸν19 of 22

“mortality”

G2349

liable to die

ὑπὸ20 of 22

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῆς21 of 22
G3588

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

ζωῆς22 of 22

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:53-542 Corinthians 5:2Isaiah 25:82 Peter 1:13

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