2 Corinthians 5:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
Οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
Οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
an house
G3614
οἰκίαν
an house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκήνους
of this tabernacle
G4636
σκήνους
of this tabernacle
Strong's:
G4636
Word #:
10 of 21
a hut or temporary residence, i.e., (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit)
καταλυθῇ
were dissolved
G2647
καταλυθῇ
were dissolved
Strong's:
G2647
Word #:
11 of 21
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
οἰκοδομὴν
a building
G3619
οἰκοδομὴν
a building
Strong's:
G3619
Word #:
12 of 21
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔχομεν
we have
G2192
ἔχομεν
we have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
15 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οἰκίαν
an house
G3614
οἰκίαν
an house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ἀχειροποίητον
not made with hands
G886
ἀχειροποίητον
not made with hands
Strong's:
G886
Word #:
17 of 21
unmanufactured, i.e., inartificial
αἰώνιον
eternal
G166
αἰώνιον
eternal
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
18 of 21
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
Cross References
1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.2 Corinthians 4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.Hebrews 9:24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:Hebrews 9:11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;Job 4:19How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?2 Corinthians 5:4For 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.1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.Colossians 2:11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:2 Peter 3:11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing your body as a temporary tent rather than a permanent home change your perspective on suffering and aging?
- What specific evidence from Christ's resurrection gives you confidence about your own future glorified body?
- How should the reality of a prepared heavenly dwelling affect your attachment to earthly possessions and status?
Analysis & 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.