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

For we walk by faith, not by sight. This verse highlights a fundamental principle of the Christian life: the primary mode of operation and guidance is through trust in God's word and His character, rather than reliance on what can be perceived by the physical senses. It is a call to a spiritual perspective that prioritizes belief over empirical evidence.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 5 continues the Apostle Paul's defense of his ministry and his reconciliation of God to humanity. The immediate context is Paul's exhortation to believers to live transformed lives in Christ, free from the dominion of sin. He speaks of our earthly bodies as temporary dwellings, contrasting them with the eternal dwelling in heaven prepared for believers. Within this broader discussion about our new identity in Christ and our present experience as sojourners on earth, the verse "for we walk by faith, not by sight" provides the guiding principle for navigating this earthly life with an eternal perspective. It addresses the Corinthian church, who, like many, were likely influenced by visible circumstances, human opinions, and perhaps the more tangible appeals of their culture.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Word Analysis

• For (gar - γάρ): A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation for the preceding statement. It connects the present mode of Christian living to the hope of an eternal reality discussed earlier in the chapter.

• we (hēmeis - ἡμεῖς): Emphatic first-person plural pronoun, referring to Paul and his fellow apostles, but also intended to represent all believers in Christ.

• walk (peripatōmen - περιπατῶμεν): Present subjunctive verb. "Peripateō" literally means to walk back and forth, to conduct oneself, to live, or to behave. The subjunctive mood suggests this is the manner or way of our life, a continual course of conduct. It speaks to the ongoing, intentional process of living out one's faith.

• by (dia - διά): A preposition often indicating means, agency, or passage through. Here, it signifies the medium or basis upon which we walk.

• faith (pisteōs - πίστεως): Genitive case of "pistis" (πίστις). Faith here signifies firm belief, trust, confidence, and a firm reliance on God and His promises, especially those related to the unseen spiritual reality and Christ's work.

• not (ouch - οὐ): A primary negative particle, asserting a definitive absence or denial.

• by (ek - ἐκ): A preposition, often meaning "out from," "from," or "by means of." In contrast to "dia" (by means of/through), this "ek" suggests that our movement or action does not originate from or is not based upon "sight."

• sight (eidos - εἴδους): Genitive case of "eidos" (εἶδος), meaning appearance, form, or what is seen. It refers to physical perception through the eyes, empirical evidence, or the visible realm. It represents reliance on what is empirically verifiable and tangible in the earthly sphere.

• Words-group analysis: "Walk by faith, not by sight" presents a core contrast. "Walk" establishes the continuous, habitual nature of Christian living. "By faith" indicates the motive force and foundation of this walk—an active reliance on God's revealed truth. "Not by sight" explicitly rejects sensory perception and the earthly, visible realm as the primary basis for conduct and understanding. This contrast underscores the spiritual, supernatural dimension of Christianity.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Bonus Section

The concept of "walking by faith" is not a passive resignation but an active engagement with the unseen spiritual reality. It is illuminated by Jesus' own example, who consistently acted upon what the Father showed Him or spoke to Him (John 5:19). This verse directly contrasts with the intellectual skepticism or the reliance on humanistic wisdom prevalent in some circles. It encourages believers to develop spiritual discernment, whereby they can perceive and respond to God's voice and purposes, transcending the limitations of the visible world. The Old Testament saints like Abraham are paramount examples of those who lived this principle, responding to God's call without seeing the fulfillment (Hebrews 11:8-10). The very resurrection of Christ, while a visible event for some, is fundamentally believed by faith for all who were not present.

2 Corinthians 5 7 Commentary

This verse encapsulates the essence of a life committed to Christ. Our Christian journey is not dictated by what we can see, measure, or scientifically prove. Instead, it is propelled and guided by our trust in God's promises, His character, and His revealed Word, even when circumstances or personal feelings contradict them. This "walking by faith" is an active participation, a continuous movement enabled by a supernatural connection to God. It requires intentionality to believe God's word over our senses or the prevailing visible evidence.

• When facing trials that seem overwhelming, we walk by faith, believing God's promise that He is with us and will bring us through (Hebrews 13:5).
• When the path ahead is unclear, we walk by faith, trusting God to guide our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• When the world emphasizes materialism and immediate gratification, we walk by faith, prioritizing eternal treasures (Matthew 6:20).