2 Corinthians 5 7

2 Corinthians 5:7 kjv

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2 Corinthians 5:7 nkjv

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 niv

For we live by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 esv

for we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 nlt

For we live by believing and not by seeing.

2 Corinthians 5 verses

2 Corinthians 5 7 Meaning

This verse succinctly captures the essence of the Christian life, defining it as a journey lived by trusting in God and His unseen realities, rather than being guided or dictated by observable circumstances or sensory perceptions. It emphasizes a confident reliance on God's promises and character, even when physical evidence or immediate appearances might suggest otherwise. For believers, faith serves as the active principle that shapes their daily conduct and worldview, grounding their hope in what is not yet seen but eternally assured.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Context

This verse appears in a profound section where the Apostle Paul is expounding on the transient nature of earthly life versus the eternal weight of glory in Christ. Chapters 4 and 5 address the believer's experience of suffering and mortality, contrasting the decaying outer self with the inwardly renewed self. Paul speaks of believers groaning in their "earthly tent" (their mortal body), longing to be clothed with their "heavenly dwelling" (the resurrection body or ultimate presence with Christ). Even while expressing this longing and acknowledging the struggle of living "away from the Lord" in the present body, Paul maintains a posture of "courage" or "confidence." Verse 7 provides the reason for this unwavering confidence: the Christian life is not founded on what is visible, tangible, or immediately observable, but on a deep-seated trust in God's promises concerning a future glory and an unseen heavenly reality. This contrasts with the prevalent Greek philosophical emphasis in Corinth on empirical knowledge and visible proof.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): This is a coordinating conjunction, functioning as a bridge. It indicates that the verse provides the explanation or the underlying principle for the preceding statements (e.g., the confidence mentioned in 2 Cor 5:6, despite the longing to be with the Lord). It signals the rationale behind the Christian's unique posture regarding life, death, and the future.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hēmeis): The pronoun "we" is emphatic. It refers directly to Paul and his apostolic co-workers, but also, by extension, to all believers who share in this same confident hope. It highlights a distinctive way of living specific to those in Christ, setting them apart from the world's common perspective.
• walk (περιπατοῦμεν - peripatoumen): The Greek verb peripateō literally means "to walk around" or "to live." In the New Testament, especially in Paul's letters, it metaphorically signifies one's daily conduct, lifestyle, or course of life. It implies an ongoing, active journey or pattern of behavior. The present tense indicates a continuous, present reality and a persistent way of life. It is not a single act but the manner in which one's life is consistently conducted.
• by faith (διὰ πίστεως - dia pisteōs):
  • by (διὰ - dia): This preposition indicates the means or instrument by which something is done. Faith is not just a belief system, but the active principle or channel through which life is lived.
  • faith (πίστεως - pisteōs): The Greek term pistis refers to trust, conviction, belief, and reliance. It denotes an inner conviction that leads to outward reliance and action. Here, it is specifically directed towards God and His revealed truths, particularly concerning His promises about eternity and the spiritual realm. It is confidence in the reality of what is not empirically observable.
• not (οὐ - ou): A strong negative particle, creating a direct and absolute contrast. It is not an alternative, but an outright rejection of "sight" as the guiding principle.
• by sight (διὰ εἴδους - dia eidous):
  • by (διὰ - dia): Again, this preposition indicates the means or instrument.
  • sight (εἴδους - eidous): The Greek term eidos can mean form, shape, appearance, or what is seen/visible. Here, it refers to empirical evidence, sensory perception, and the visible circumstances of the physical world. It represents reliance on what is immediately tangible, apparent, or humanly discernible. This "sight" encompasses human reason that disregards or dismisses unseen divine realities.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• For we walk by faith: This phrase encapsulates the operational principle of Christian existence. "Walking" signifies the daily progression and conduct of life, a constant movement guided and powered by means of active trust in God. It underscores that a believer's trajectory, decisions, and overall life pattern are informed not by self-sufficiency but by a continuous reliance on divine truth and character.
• not by sight: This directly counters the natural human inclination and worldly philosophies that often demand empirical proof or visible evidence as the basis for conviction and action. It means rejecting immediate gratification, transient appearances, or what our physical senses alone report, as the ultimate arbiters of truth or the primary motivators for living. It asserts that there are profound, unseen realities that hold greater weight and provide a truer guide for life than anything observed physically. This separation highlights the distinct, spiritually driven nature of the Christian journey.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of "faith" and "sight" in this verse not only highlights a distinction but points to a future fulfillment. While believers now "walk by faith," a time is coming when this will be replaced by "sight" – when we will see God face-to-face (1 Cor 13:12) and behold Christ in His glory. Our present walk by faith, therefore, is a confident journey towards the ultimate visible revelation of all that we now trust. The enduring message emphasizes the active, volitional choice involved in believing and orienting one's life towards realities that require spiritual discernment beyond sensory data, forming the basis for resilience, hope, and ethical living in a world often skeptical of the unseen.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Commentary

2 Corinthians 5:7 articulates a foundational truth of Christian discipleship: life is lived according to spiritual apprehension, not empirical observation. It provides the crucial rationale for the believer's unwavering courage and confidence amidst present suffering and the mystery of death, which Paul discusses earlier in the chapter. Our "walk" signifies the totality of our existence and conduct, implying a progressive journey of consistent reliance. "Faith" acts as the sole instrument for this journey, involving a deep trust in God's unseen character, His eternal promises, and the spiritual realities He has revealed. This commitment transcends the need for physical evidence or tangible outcomes in the here and now. The negation "not by sight" dismisses the pursuit of an empirical basis for truth, external validation, or the exclusive guidance of what our senses report. It is a powerful affirmation that Christian hope, perseverance, and ethical living are rooted in a reality that is beyond the immediate and visible, focusing on the invisible and eternal. This spiritual perspective liberates believers to live courageously, motivated by unseen heavenly rewards and an assured future with Christ, even while enduring the temporal limitations and difficulties of their earthly existence.

Examples for practical usage:

• Continuing to serve in a difficult ministry with no apparent outward fruit, trusting in God's unseen work.
• Making financial decisions based on biblical principles of generosity and dependence, even when it means foregoing immediate visible gains.
• Persevering through physical illness or personal loss, clinging to God's promise of future healing and restoration, despite present suffering.