2 Corinthians 5:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
For
G2532
καὶ
For
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
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 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκήνει
this tabernacle
G4636
σκήνει
this tabernacle
Strong's:
G4636
Word #:
7 of 22
a hut or temporary residence, i.e., (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit)
στενάζομεν
do groan
G4727
στενάζομεν
do groan
Strong's:
G4727
Word #:
8 of 22
to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e., (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly
ἐπειδή
for that
G1894
ἐπειδή
for that
Strong's:
G1894
Word #:
10 of 22
since now, i.e., (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas
θέλομεν
we would
G2309
θέλομεν
we would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
12 of 22
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐκδύσασθαι
be unclothed
G1562
ἐκδύσασθαι
be unclothed
Strong's:
G1562
Word #:
13 of 22
to cause to sink out of, i.e., (specially as of clothing) to divest
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καταποθῇ
might be swallowed up
G2666
καταποθῇ
might be swallowed up
Strong's:
G2666
Word #:
17 of 22
to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
20 of 22
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 (
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:2For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:Isaiah 25:8He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.2 Peter 1:13Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's burden under mortality differ from escapist worldviews that merely want release from physical existence?
- What does it mean for mortality to be "swallowed up" by life rather than simply ended—how is this victory more complete?
- In what ways do you experience the "groaning" of mortality even while living with resurrection hope?
Analysis & 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.