2 Corinthians 5:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 5:6
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 5 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, love, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 5:6
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 11:13