2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 7
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
2 of 7
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
γὰρ
(For
G1063
γὰρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
περιπατοῦμεν
we walk
G4043
περιπατοῦμεν
we walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
4 of 7
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.1 Peter 1:8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:Hebrews 10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.1 Peter 5:9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.1 Corinthians 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.2 Corinthians 1:24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.Deuteronomy 12:9For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.
Historical Context
First-century culture highly valued visible honor, status, and power. Paul's opponents in Corinth boasted in appearance (v. 12)—eloquence, impressive presence, worldly credentials. Paul stakes apostolic authority on invisible realities: resurrection hope, internal transformation, God's coming vindication. This was profoundly counter-cultural and required constant reinforcement.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific "visible" realities tempt you to doubt invisible spiritual promises—how do you combat this with faith?
- How is walking by faith different from blind optimism or wishful thinking—what makes Christian faith reasonable?
- In what areas of life are you tempted to demand visible proof rather than trust God's word—finances, relationships, ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
For we walk by faith, not by sight—Paul provides theological grounding for verse 6's tension. Dia pisteōs peripatoumen (διὰ πίστεως περιπατοῦμεν, "through faith we walk") versus dia eidous (διὰ εἴδους, "through sight/appearance"). Eidos (εἶδος) means visible form, outward appearance—what can be empirically verified. Pistis (πίστις, "faith") is confident trust in God's unseen promises, particularly resurrection hope.
This parenthetical statement explains why absence from the Lord doesn't diminish confidence. Faith bridges the gap between present reality and promised glory. The verb peripateō (περιπατέω, "walk") indicates ongoing lifestyle, not isolated acts—our entire life orientation is faith-governed, not appearance-governed. This counters both demand for empirical proof and despair over present suffering. Faith perceives eternal realities invisible to natural sight (Hebrews 11:1), making it superior, not inferior, to physical vision.