2 Corinthians 5 8

2 Corinthians 5:8 kjv

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

2 Corinthians 5:8 nkjv

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8 niv

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8 esv

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8 nlt

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5 verses

2 Corinthians 5 8 Meaning

The verse articulates a profound confidence among believers regarding their eternal destiny. It expresses a strong preference to transcend the earthly body and immediately enter into a direct, personal, and conscious presence with the Lord Jesus Christ. This reflects a theological understanding that for a follower of Christ, physical death is not an end but a desired transition from an earthly dwelling to an intimate fellowship with God. It speaks of the intermediate state, a conscious existence with Christ prior to the final resurrection.

2 Corinthians 5 8 Context

2 Corinthians chapter 5 is part of Paul's broader argument defending his apostleship, the authenticity of his gospel, and providing encouragement to the Corinthian church amidst their struggles. The immediate context of verse 8 is Paul's profound reflection on mortality and eternity. He begins by contrasting the temporary "earthly tent" of the body with an "eternal building from God" (5:1). Believers, while in their earthly bodies, "groan" with longing for this heavenly dwelling (5:2-4). Yet, God himself guarantees this future through the Spirit (5:5). Thus, in 5:6-7, Paul asserts constant confidence, even while "away from the Lord" in the body, living by faith rather than sight. Verse 8 then states the ultimate expression of this confidence: a fervent preference for the immediate transition from earthly existence to the Lord's direct presence.

2 Corinthians 5 8 Word analysis

• We are confident (θαρροῦμεν - tharroumen): This Greek verb denotes a state of being courageous, of having a strong assurance and cheerful confidence. It's not a mere hope but a firm conviction. In Paul's letters, tharréō often signifies spiritual courage despite external hardships (e.g., 2 Cor 5:6, 10:1-2). Here, it links to faith (2 Cor 5:7) and anchors the believers' outlook on death.
• I say (δὲ - de): This conjunction, meaning "but," "and," or "moreover," acts here as a connective, linking the general confidence mentioned in 5:6-7 to the specific preference expressed in 5:8. It serves to transition and emphasize this particular aspect of their assurance.
• and would prefer (εὐδοκοῦμεν μᾶλλον - eudokoumen mallon):
  • εὐδοκοῦμεν (eudokoumen): From eudokeō, meaning "to be well pleased," "to delight in," "to have good will." It suggests a strong, positive inclination, not just a grudging acceptance. This word is often used in the New Testament to describe God's favorable disposition towards Christ or humanity (e.g., Matt 3:17). Here, it implies that being with the Lord is an object of fervent delight for believers.
  • μᾶλλον (mallon): An adverb meaning "rather" or "more." It intensifies the preference, clarifying that while confident in either state (in body or with the Lord), the latter is significantly more desirable. It highlights the choice between remaining in the body or departing to be with Christ.
• to be away from (ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ - ekdēmēsai ek):
  • ἐκδημῆσαι (ekdēmēsai): A verb meaning "to go away from one's own people/country," "to depart," "to go abroad," "to emigrate." It vividly paints the picture of leaving one's present dwelling or home. In this context, it is a euphemism for death, a departure from the earthly body as if leaving a temporary residence. The imagery implies a journey or a change of location, rather than extinction.
  • ἐκ (ek): The preposition "from" or "out of" strengthens the idea of separation and departure from.
• the body (τοῦ σώματος - tou sōmatos): Refers specifically to the earthly, physical body. In Pauline theology, this "body" is distinct from the inner "self" or "spirit." While it's currently a vessel and a "tent" (2 Cor 5:1, 4), it's not the ultimate identity. The departure from it is not a separation from being but from dwelling.
• and (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction connecting the two contrasting yet related preferences: departing the body and being at home with the Lord.
• at home with (ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς - endēmēsai pros):
  • ἐνδημῆσαι (endēmēsai): The direct opposite of ekdēmēsai, meaning "to be among one's own people," "to be at home." This powerfully conveys the idea of reaching one's true, rightful home or dwelling place. For believers, being "at home" means being in a state of belonging and comfort.
  • πρὸς (pros): A preposition indicating close proximity, fellowship, or presence "with" or "facing" someone. It highlights a personal and intimate union with the Lord.
• the Lord (τὸν Κύριον - ton Kyrion): This refers unequivocally to Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate destination, the true home, and the source of comfort and joy. Being "at home with the Lord" means experiencing direct, conscious, and unhindered fellowship with Jesus.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "We are confident... and would prefer": This opening phrase establishes a settled conviction (confidence) coupled with a strong, positive desire (prefer). It's not a wish born of despair, but an active, hopeful inclination stemming from their faith and trust in God's plan for eternity. The use of "we" indicates a collective, shared understanding among Paul and true believers.
• "to be away from the body and at home with the Lord": This parallelism vividly contrasts the current earthly existence ("away from the body") with the future, desired state ("at home with the Lord"). The "body" is portrayed as a temporary dwelling or a foreign land from which one "emigrates," while the "Lord" represents the true homeland or the place of genuine belonging. This isn't a mere separation from matter, but a transition into personal presence with Christ. The structure implies that the two actions are intrinsically linked: being absent from the body is synonymous with being present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5 8 Bonus section

• The Sojourner Motif: The Greek words ekdēmēsai (to be away from home) and endēmēsai (to be at home) use the metaphor of travel and dwelling. Believers are considered sojourners or aliens on earth (1 Pet 2:11; Heb 11:13), longing for their true, heavenly homeland with God. This linguistic choice underscores a consistent biblical theme of pilgrims on an earthly journey.
• Intermediate State Clarity: This verse, along with passages like Philippians 1:23 and Luke 23:43, firmly supports the concept of a conscious intermediate state for believers after death—an immediate presence with the Lord—prior to the final bodily resurrection at Christ's return. It dispels notions of soul sleep or annihilation.
• Tension of Present vs. Future: While expressing a profound desire to be with the Lord, Paul himself lived in the tension of serving Christ in the present world (Phil 1:24) while yearning for future glory. This verse doesn't negate the importance of earthly life and ministry, but it reorients priorities by highlighting the supreme value of eternal communion with Christ.

2 Corinthians 5 8 Commentary

2 Corinthians 5:8 beautifully encapsulates the Christian hope regarding death. It reveals that for a believer, death is not a fearful ending, but a confidently desired passage. This desire stems from an intimate knowledge of Christ and a certainty in God's promises. Paul emphasizes a clear intermediate state where the individual "self" departs the physical body and immediately enters a conscious, joyful, and personal fellowship with the Lord. This verse teaches that life's true "home" for the believer is not this mortal realm, but eternal presence with Jesus. It's "far better" (Phil 1:23) to be in His presence, highlighting that physical death for the Christian is a promotion, a gain, and a journey toward the most desired communion.