2 Corinthians 5:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Οἴδαμεν
G1492
we know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
ἐὰν
G1437
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#5
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐπίγειος
G1919
earthly
worldly (physically or morally)
#7
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#8
οἰκίαν
G3614
an house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
σκήνους
G4636
of this tabernacle
a hut or temporary residence, i.e., (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit)
#11
καταλυθῇ
G2647
were dissolved
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
#12
οἰκοδομὴν
G3619
a building
architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
#13
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#14
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#15
ἔχομεν
G2192
we have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#16
οἰκίαν
G3614
an house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#17
ἀχειροποίητον
G886
not made with hands
unmanufactured, i.e., inartificial
#18
αἰώνιον
G166
eternal
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
#19
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
οὐρανοῖς
G3772
the heavens
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection