2 Corinthians 5:2
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
For
G2532
καὶ
For
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
G1063
γὰρ
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
στενάζομεν
we groan
G4727
στενάζομεν
we groan
Strong's:
G4727
Word #:
5 of 13
to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e., (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
is from
G1537
ἐξ
is from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 13
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
Cross References
Romans 8:23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you experience the tension between groaning in this fallen world and confident hope in resurrection?
- Why is the biblical hope of bodily resurrection superior to Platonic escape from physical existence?
- What practices help you maintain eager longing for Christ's return rather than complacency with earthly life?
Analysis & 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.