2 Corinthians 5:3
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
so
G2532
καὶ
so
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 6
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐνδυσάμενοι
be that being clothed
G1746
ἐνδυσάμενοι
be that being clothed
Strong's:
G1746
Word #:
3 of 6
to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
The Corinthian church struggled with resurrection theology, as evidenced by 1 Corinthians 15. Greek culture viewed immortality of the soul positively but considered bodily resurrection repugnant. Paul carefully navigates these cultural tensions while maintaining biblical anthropology that values embodied existence as God's creational design.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Paul's concern about not being "found naked" reveal about the importance of bodily resurrection versus mere spiritual immortality?
- How should Christians think about the intermediate state between death and resurrection—are we incomplete without our resurrection bodies?
- Why might Paul prefer being alive at Christ's return over dying and awaiting resurrection (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)?
Analysis & Commentary
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked—This cryptic verse addresses the intermediate state between death and resurrection. Gymnoi (γυμνοί, "naked") suggests the vulnerable condition of a disembodied soul awaiting resurrection. The conditional "if so be" (ei ge, εἴ γε) expresses Paul's hope that believers will not experience extended nakedness but will be "clothed upon" at Christ's return.
Scholars debate whether Paul anticipates dying before the Parousia or expects to be among those alive at Christ's coming (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The emphasis on clothing imagery throughout this passage suggests Paul values embodied existence—even the glorified intermediate state involves some form of clothed presence, not naked souls. This coheres with Paul's Pharisaic background, which affirmed bodily resurrection against Sadducean denial.