2 Corinthians 5:8

Authorized King James Version

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis

θαῤῥοῦμεν

G2292

We are confident

to exercise courage

δὲ

G1161

I say and

but, and, etc

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐδοκοῦμεν

G2106

willing

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

μᾶλλον

G3123

rather

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ἐκδημῆσαι

G1553

to be absent

to emigrate, i.e., (figuratively) vacate or quit

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σώματος

G4983

the body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ἐνδημῆσαι

G1736

to be present

to be in one's own country, i.e., home (figuratively)

#12

πρὸς

G4314

with

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#13

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

κύριον

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Philippians 1:23 Philippians 1:23
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
— Desire to depart and be with Christ
² Revelation 14:13 Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
— Blessed are dead which die in Lord

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?