2 Corinthians 5:6
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰδότες
knowing
G1492
εἰδότες
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐνδημοῦντες
at home
G1736
ἐνδημοῦντες
at home
Strong's:
G1736
Word #:
7 of 14
to be in one's own country, i.e., home (figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματι
the body
G4983
σώματι
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
10 of 14
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ἐκδημοῦμεν
we are absent
G1553
ἐκδημοῦμεν
we are absent
Strong's:
G1553
Word #:
11 of 14
to emigrate, i.e., (figuratively) vacate or quit
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 14
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:1For 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.Hebrews 11:13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Historical Context
The concept of earthly life as exile resonated with Jewish diaspora experience and Abraham's sojourning (Hebrews 11:8-16). Christians are "strangers and pilgrims" (1 Peter 2:11) whose true citizenship is heavenly (Philippians 3:20). This created counter-cultural identity—full social participation yet ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing earthly life as "away from home" affect your emotional and financial investments in this world?
- Can you be simultaneously "at home" in your body and relationships while maintaining the perspective of spiritual exile?
- What practices help maintain bold confidence in the face of mortality rather than fear or denial of death?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore we are always confident—Tharrountes (θαρροῦντες, present participle, "continually being courageous") is Paul's response to the Spirit's guarantee. Confidence (tharreō, θαρρέω) means bold courage in the face of mortality. Knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord—Paul introduces spatial language: endēmountes (ἐνδημοῦντες, "being at home, residing") in the body means ekdēmoumen (ἐκδημοῦμεν, "we are away from home, absent from") the Lord.
This doesn't mean Christ is distant—believers enjoy intimate fellowship through the Spirit (John 14:23). Rather, Paul distinguishes between present Spirit-mediated communion and future face-to-face presence. The contrast is between pilgrimage and homecoming, faith and sight. Paul establishes a paradigm: embodied earthly life is exile; disembodied presence with Christ is homecoming (though not ultimate glorification). This counters both fear of death and overattachment to earthly existence.