2 Corinthians 5 9

2 Corinthians 5:9 kjv

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

2 Corinthians 5:9 nkjv

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

2 Corinthians 5:9 niv

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

2 Corinthians 5:9 esv

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

2 Corinthians 5:9 nlt

So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.

2 Corinthians 5 verses

2 Corinthians 5 9 Meaning

2 Corinthians 5:9 encapsulates the core ambition of the Apostle Paul, and by extension, every believer. It declares that the ultimate and constant objective of the Christian life, irrespective of our physical location—whether dwelling in the earthly body or having departed to be with the Lord—is to diligently strive to live in a way that is profoundly pleasing and acceptable to God. This ambition stems from a deep conviction about eternity and a loving response to God's grace.

2 Corinthians 5 9 Context

This verse is situated within a profound section of 2 Corinthians (chapter 5), where Paul articulates the believer's understanding of life, death, and eternity. Beginning with the contrast between our "earthly tent" (physical body) and our "building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (our resurrected, glorified body), Paul expresses the deep yearning for resurrection and full redemption. He describes being "at home in the body" as being "away from the Lord," and vice-versa (vv. 6-8). The preceding verses emphasize the Christian's confidence in their eternal destination with Christ, a confidence not rooted in earthly comforts but in the promised heavenly dwelling. It is this certain hope and desire to be with the Lord that provides the motivation for the aim expressed in verse 9. Because believers possess such a hope and certainty, their immediate response and overarching ambition is to live a life that continually pleases Christ, regardless of their current state or future transition.

Historically, this desire to please God also stood in contrast to various Hellenistic philosophical and religious views that might emphasize personal glory, Stoic indifference, or appeasement of gods through rituals without genuine internal transformation or a comprehensive moral life. Paul's emphasis on a comprehensive, intentional "aim" (ambition) rooted in a relationship with the true Lord was a distinctive call to ethical living flowing from eschatological hope.

2 Corinthians 5 9 Word Analysis

• Therefore (Διό - Dio): A conjunction meaning "on account of which," "wherefore," or "for this reason." It signifies a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding statements. In this case, the certainty of a heavenly dwelling and the desire to be present with the Lord (vv. 1-8) are the basis for this subsequent resolve.
• we make it our aim (φιλοτιμούμεθα - philotimoumetha): This Greek word is significant. It literally means "to be fond of honor," or "to be honor-loving." In this context, it takes on the meaning "to be ambitious, to make it one's ambition, to strive eagerly, to aspire." It implies a strong, noble, and earnest desire, a high priority or personal honor sought in an endeavor. It is not a casual wish but a determined, active pursuit.
• whether present (εἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες - eite endemountes): "Eite" means "whether" or "or." "Endemountes" means "being at home," or "dwelling among one's own people." In this context, it refers to "being at home in the body" (on earth), continuing the imagery from earlier in the chapter.
• or absent (εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες - eite ekdemountes): "Ekdemountes" means "being away from home," "sojourning abroad," or "emigrating." Here, it refers to "being away from the body" and, as established in verse 8, "at home with the Lord."
• to be well-pleasing (εὐάρεστοι - euarestoi): This is an adjective meaning "well-pleasing," "acceptable," "agreeable," or "fully pleasing." It describes the quality or state of being highly satisfactory or pleasing to someone. It implies an intrinsic goodness and alignment with the desires or nature of the one being pleased.
• to Him (αὐτῷ - autō): The dative singular pronoun, referring to "the Lord" mentioned in verse 8, specifically Christ. It highlights that the target of this pleasing ambition is God Himself, as revealed in Christ.

Words-group analysis:

• "Therefore we make it our aim": This phrase captures the deliberate, purposeful, and intense commitment of Paul. It’s a profound and consistent life goal, not a fleeting thought. The choice of philotimoumetha elevates it beyond mere "trying" to a heartfelt, honor-driven pursuit.
• "whether present or absent": This emphasizes the absolute constancy and scope of the ambition. It encompasses every phase of existence—in the current life and in the life to come after death. There is no circumstance under which the goal of pleasing Christ is suspended or less relevant. It signifies a holistic, perpetual devotion.
• "to be well-pleasing to Him": This defines the substance of the aim. It's not just about doing certain actions, but cultivating a disposition and life that are inherently acceptable and delightful to God. The dative "to Him" underscores the personal relationship and direct focus on Christ.

2 Corinthians 5 9 Bonus section

The intense commitment expressed in "we make it our aim" (philotimoumetha) suggests that believers should carefully examine their true ambitions. Is their ultimate goal success, wealth, reputation, or pleasure, or is it truly to please Christ? This verse subtly reorients all life choices, perspectives, and energies towards an eternal objective rather than fleeting temporal desires. This ambition is not self-focused or performance-driven in a legalistic sense, but rather a God-focused pursuit born out of faith and love, understood as the believer's reasonable service and an appropriate response to their new identity in Christ. It's a continuous, inward spiritual posture as much as outward conduct.

2 Corinthians 5 9 Commentary

2 Corinthians 5:9 acts as the foundational life principle that springs directly from the glorious hope of eternal presence with Christ. Having presented the confident expectation of exchanging an earthly tent for a heavenly dwelling and the desire to be "at home with the Lord," Paul now reveals the practical implications for daily living. This verse asserts that for a Christian, life on earth is not merely a waiting period, nor is death an endpoint; rather, both states are opportunities to direct one's entire being towards pleasing Christ. The term philotimoumetha conveys a strong sense of zealous ambition and a high-minded pursuit of honor in serving God. It elevates Christian living from mere obligation to a profound, eager, and consistent aspiration. This pleasing is not an attempt to earn salvation—which is freely given through grace—but a response of grateful obedience and deep affection for the one who saved them, leading to an alignment of one's will and actions with His.