2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐδοκοῦμεν
willing
G2106
εὐδοκοῦμεν
willing
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
4 of 14
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
ἐκδημῆσαι
to be absent
G1553
ἐκδημῆσαι
to be absent
Strong's:
G1553
Word #:
6 of 14
to emigrate, i.e., (figuratively) vacate or quit
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 14
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
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
the body
G4983
σώματος
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
9 of 14
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐνδημῆσαι
to be present
G1736
ἐνδημῆσαι
to be present
Strong's:
G1736
Word #:
11 of 14
to be in one's own country, i.e., home (figuratively)
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
12 of 14
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,
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.2 Corinthians 5:9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Luke 2:29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Historical Context
Paul likely wrote this after narrowly escaping death in Asia (1:8-10). His perspective wasn't theoretical but forged through suffering. Ancient martyrs' accounts show Christians facing death with inexplicable joy—outsiders found this baffling. Paul's theology explains this: death is doorway to Christ's presence, making martyrdom gain, not loss.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you honestly say you would "rather" be with Christ than continue earthly life—what does your answer reveal about your values?
- How does Paul's confidence about immediate presence with Christ after death address fears about what happens when we die?
- What would need to change in your life for Christ Himself (not heaven's rewards) to be your primary longing?
Analysis & Commentary
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord—Paul repeats tharroumen (θαρροῦμεν, "we are confident") and introduces eudokoumen (εὐδοκοῦμεν, "we are well-pleased, we prefer"). This is bold personal preference: death's prospect brings not dread but desire. Ekdēmēsai (ἐκδημῆσαι, aorist infinitive, "to be away from home") from the body means endēmēsai pros ton Kyrion (ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν Κύριον, "to be at home with the Lord").
The preposition pros (πρός, "toward, with") indicates intimate proximity—face-to-face presence. This verse anchors Christian hope: death is not annihilation or soul-sleep but conscious, personal fellowship with Christ (Philippians 1:23, "to depart and be with Christ is far better"). Paul's preference for death over earthly life demonstrates radical Christ-centeredness—his ultimate treasure is Christ Himself, not earthly comfort or ministry success. Yet this isn't death-wish but prioritization: better than earthly pilgrimage is heavenly homecoming.