All throughout the preceding verses (particularly v.1-5), Paul has contrasted the earthly tent/body with the "building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (i.e. our resurrection bodies), which we long to be "clothed with" so that we may not be "found naked" (that is, in a disembodied state in our spirit/soul), for we are groaning in and are burdened by these "earthly houses/tents". Undoubtedly, the "body" in question in v.8 is the "earthly house" Paul has previously spoken of and has contrasted with the "dwelling from heaven" which we receive upon our resurrection and wish to be clothed with, as opposed to being "unclothed" (again, in a disembodied state). Therefore, the interpretation that best fits the context is this: "...we would rather be away from the body [and in our heavenly dwelling] and at home with the Lord". Paul is telling us that we would prefer to be away from our present physical bodies ("earthly house"), in which we groan and are burdened, and in our "heavenly dwellings" at home with the Lord Jesus. Paul has previously told us that what it is that we long for is to be clothed with our "dwelling from heaven", since we are burdened by our current physical bodies. So when he says that we would rather be away from the body, that is, that we prefer to be away from the body, it's logical to conclude that being "away from the body" entails being in our "heavenly dwelling", which Paul has just told us that we groan and long for! And when do we receive said "heavenly dwelling"? Upon our resurrection. And so when are we "at home with the Lord"? Upon our resurrection! This agrees with what Paul says elsewhere.

[1 Thessalonians 4:15-17] For this we declare to you in the word of the Lord, that we the living, remaining unto the coming [παρουσία] of the Lord, shall not precede those having fallen asleep, 16 because the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught away together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. (BLB)

[John 14:1-3] Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house there are many mansions. And if not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. (BLB)

Whether we are in this life or the next, we strive to content our Lord at all times, for we know that we will all appear before His judgement seat, so that He will render each one according to what they have done in the body (that is, in this life), whether good or bad (cf. Matthew 16:27, John 5:22; 27, Acts 10:42; 17:31, Revelation 2:23; 20:12-13; 22:12).

All throughout the preceding verses (particularly v.1-4), Paul has contrasted the earthly tent/body with the "building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (i.e. our resurrection bodies), which we long to be "clothed with" so that we may not be "found naked" (that is, in a disembodied state in our spirit/soul), for we are groaning in and are burdened by these "earthly houses/tents". Undoubtedly, the "body" in question in v.8 is the "earthly house" Paul has previously spoken of and has contrasted with the "dwelling from heaven" which we receive upon our resurrection and wish to be clothed with, as opposed to being "unclothed" (again, in a disembodied state). Therefore, the interpretation that best fits the context is this: "...we would rather be away from the body [and in our heavenly dwelling] and at home with the Lord". Paul is telling us that we would prefer to be away from our present physical bodies ("earthly house"), in which we groan and are burdened, and in our "heavenly dwellings" at home with the Lord Jesus. Paul has previously told us that what it is that we long for is to be clothed with our "dwelling from heaven", since we are burdened by our current physical bodies. So when he says that we would rather be away from the body, that is, that we prefer to be away from the body, it's logical to conclude that being "away from the body" entails being in our "heavenly dwelling", which Paul has just told us that we groan and long for! And when do we receive said "heavenly dwelling"? Upon our resurrection. And so when are we "at home with the Lord"? Upon our resurrection! This agrees with what Paul says elsewhere.

[1 Thessalonians 4:15-17] For this we declare to you in the word of the Lord, that we the living, remaining unto the coming [παρουσία] of the Lord, shall not precede those having fallen asleep, 16 because the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught away together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. (BLB)

[John 14:1-3] Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house there are many mansions. And if not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. (BLB)

Whether we are in this life or the next, we strive to content our Lord at all times, for we know that we will all appear before His judgement seat, so that He will render each one according to what they have done in the body (that is, in this life), whether good or bad (cf. Matt. 16:27; John 5:22; 27; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rev. 2:23; 20:12-13; 22:12).

A Thorough Examination of 2 Corinthians 5:1-4:

The "tent of our earthly house" is undoubtedly a reference to our material, fleshly bodies. All human beings are inherently mortal, that is, subject to death, as their bodies can be "demolished" or "thrown down" [that is what the Greek word καταλυθῇ [a form of the verb καταλύω {see Strong's G2647}] denotes), that is, "destroyed". Our "earthly houses" deteriorate and decay; they are degradable and perishable. Essentially, all physical bodies have a definite end, that is, a point in time whereby all vital functions cease to be, and the life of the person is terminated (however, this is not the end for all, particularly for believers in Christ, as we will see). The parallels between 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 are indisputable and undeniable. A common interpretation is that the apostle Paul is speaking, in v.1-4 of 2 Cor. 5, about the afterlife, namely, the intermediate state. However, we will see that such an understanding is unreasonable and that the interpretation that Paul is speaking about our resurrection bodies is much more tenable. So, v.1 parallels v.36 of 1 Cor. 15, where Paul states that what we sow "does not come to life unless it dies". V.42-44 make it clear that what is sown is our perishable, natural (physical) bodies. In v.36, Paul is making the point that our physical body (or "earthly house") cannot "come to life", that is, be raised imperishable, immortal, glorious, and powerful, unless it dies. And here, in 2 Cor. 5:1, Paul is saying that if our "earthly house" (physical body) is destroyed (dies), we have a "building from God... eternal in the heavens". Both 1 Cor. 15:36 and 2 Cor 5:1 talk about our physical bodies being destroyed, and so it is logical to conclude that the "building from God... eternal in the heavens" is a reference to our immortal, glorious, spiritual bodies given to us by God, which is precisely how our mortal bodies (that which we "sow") "come to life" in the context of 1 Cor. 15:36! There are many more parallels that make it conclusive that what Paul is teaching in v.1-4 of 2 Cor. 5 is not something different than what he teaches in 1 Cor. 15:35-58, but in fact the same thing.

Once again Paul tells us that we groan in "the tent", namely, our "earthly house" or material bodies. This is, again, no wonder. Indeed, we are burdened in this tent, as the apostle says. I am personally very fit, though the same cannot be said for many other believers, and about humanity as a whole, and even I have some difficult days body-wise. Of course, I will not be quite so fit forever! And indeed, I know many (some very close to me) who are incredibly burdened by these weak and perishable bodies. But that's for another time. The point is, the apostle Paul's words are some of the truest words; we groan, being burdened, in our fleshly tent. What Paul says next is astonishing. We groan because "we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed"! Indeed, we are all anxiously waiting to receive our resurrection bodies, so that we may be rid of these weak and fragile "tents" once and for all time. Unexpectedly, however, Paul tells us that we are groaning because we do not wish to be unclothed (that is, to be dead and disembodied) but to be clothed! Again, "unclothed" can only be a reference to the state of the dead, as currently we have an article of clothing, i.e. our earthly tent/house (however weak and frail this attire may be). If indeed upon death believers are transferred to an intermediate state where they experience bliss and comfort in paradise in God's presence, why would we, in our current frail, inadequate bodies that are subject to old age and disease and sinful desires, not wish to be "unclothed", that is, to be in this state (dead)? How Paul's words here, put together with all his previous words (as we have previously discussed), can be reconciled with the notion of going to paradise/Abraham's bosom upon death to be in total bliss and comfort in the presence of God and Jesus, I'll let the ones who believe in such concept to figure out.

There are several parallels here with 1 Corinthians 15. For example, Paul says that we "groan, being burdened" in these mortal bodies. Well, in verses 42 and 43 of 1 Cor. 15, Paul says that what is sown is "perishable" and sown in "dishonour" and "weakness". Without a question, one would "groan" and be "burdened" by a weak, perishable, dishonourable body. He also says here that we "wish... to be clothed". Well, in v.42-43 of 1 Cor. 15, Paul says that what is "sown" (i.e. our physical bodies, which are perishable, dishonourable, and weak) is "raised imperishable", and in "glory" and "power". I don't think anyone would argue with the assertion that they would wish to be "clothed" if by being clothed they are forever rid of perishability, dishonour, and weakness, and given imperishability, glory, and power! And finally, here in v.4 of 2 Cor. 5, Paul says that in being "clothed", the "mortal" is "swallowed" up by life. In 1 Cor. 15:54, Paul says that when the mortal and perishable have been clothed with immortality and imperishability, the saying, "death has been swallowed up in victory", will have come to pass. Indeed, if death has been "swallowed up in victory", all that remains is life! And if mortality is "clothed" with immortality, mortality must be gone as well, since immortality and mortality are polar opposites. And since immortality is, by definition, the quality of living forever, death must necessarily be gone forever! The point is, when death is "swallowed up" in victory, all that remains is life, which Paul tells us swallows up "the mortal" (if death is truly "swallowed up", then mortality is necessarily "swallowed up" as well, as all that dies is, by definition, mortal).

An Analysis of 2 Corinthians 5:5-10:

A Thorough Analysis of 2 Corinthians 5:1-4:

The "tent of our earthly house" is undoubtedly a reference to our material, fleshly bodies. All human beings are inherently mortal, that is, subject to death, as their bodies can be "demolished" or "thrown down" [that is what the Greek word καταλυθῇ [a form of the verb καταλύω {Strong's G2647}] denotes), that is, "destroyed". Our "earthly houses" deteriorate and decay; they are degradable and perishable. Essentially, all physical bodies have a definite end, that is, a point in time whereby all vital functions cease to be, and the life of the person is terminated (however, this is not the end for all, particularly for believers in Christ, as we will see). The parallels between 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 are indisputable and undeniable. A common interpretation is that the apostle Paul is speaking, in v.1-4 of 2 Cor. 5, about the afterlife, namely, the intermediate state. However, we will see that such an understanding is unreasonable and that the interpretation that Paul is speaking about our resurrection bodies is much more tenable. So, v.1 parallels v.36 of 1 Cor. 15, where Paul states that what we sow "does not come to life unless it dies". V.42-44 make it clear that what is sown is our perishable, natural (physical) bodies. In v.36, Paul is making the point that our physical body (or "earthly house") cannot "come to life", that is, be raised imperishable, immortal, glorious, and powerful, unless it dies. And here, in 2 Cor. 5:1, Paul is saying that if our "earthly house" (physical body) is destroyed (dies), we have a "building from God... eternal in the heavens". Both 1 Cor. 15:36 and 2 Cor 5:1 talk about our physical bodies being destroyed, and so it is logical to conclude that the "building from God... eternal in the heavens" is a reference to our immortal, glorious, spiritual bodies given to us by God, which is precisely how our mortal bodies (that which we "sow") "come to life" in the context of 1 Cor. 15:36! There are many more parallels that make it conclusive that what Paul is teaching in v.1-4 of 2 Cor. 5 is not something different than what he teaches in 1 Cor. 15:35-58, but in fact the same thing.

Once again Paul tells us that we groan in "the tent", namely, our "earthly house" or material bodies. This is, again, no wonder. Indeed, we are burdened in this tent, as the apostle says. I am personally very fit, though the same cannot be said for many other believers, and about humanity as a whole, and even I have some difficult days body-wise. Of course, I will not be quite so fit forever! And indeed, I know many (some very close to me) who are incredibly burdened by these weak and perishable bodies. But that's for another time. The point is, the apostle Paul's words are some of the truest words; we groan, being burdened, in our fleshly tent. What Paul says next is astonishing. We groan because "we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed"! Indeed, we are all anxiously waiting to receive our resurrection bodies, so that we may be rid of these weak and fragile "tents" once and for all time. Unexpectedly, however, Paul tells us that we are groaning because we do not wish to be unclothed (that is, to be dead and disembodied) but to be clothed! Again, "unclothed" can only be a reference to the state of the dead, as currently we have an article of clothing, i.e. our earthly tent/house (however weak and frail this attire may be). If indeed upon death believers are transferred to an intermediate state where they experience bliss and comfort in paradise in God's presence, why would we, in our current frail, inadequate bodies that are subject to old age and disease and sinful desires, not wish to be "unclothed", that is, to be in this state (dead)? How Paul's words here, put together with all his previous words (as we have previously discussed), can be reconciled with the notion of going to paradise/Abraham's bosom upon death to be in total bliss and comfort in the presence of God and Jesus, I'll let the ones who believe in such concept figure out.

There are several parallels here with 1 Corinthians 15. For example, Paul says that we "groan, being burdened" in these mortal bodies. Well, in verses 42 and 43 of 1 Cor. 15, Paul says that what is sown is "perishable" and sown in "dishonour" and "weakness". Without a question, one would "groan" and be "burdened" by a weak, perishable, dishonourable body. He also says here that we "wish... to be clothed". Well, in v.42-43 of 1 Cor. 15, Paul says that what is "sown" (i.e. our physical bodies, which are perishable, dishonourable, and weak) is "raised imperishable", and in "glory" and "power". I don't think anyone would argue with the assertion that one would wish to be "clothed" if by being clothed they are forever rid of perishability, dishonour, and weakness, and given imperishability, glory, and power! And finally, here in v.4 of 2 Cor. 5, Paul says that in being "clothed", the mortal is "swallowed" up by life. In 1 Cor. 15:54, Paul says that when the mortal and perishable have been clothed with immortality and imperishability, the saying, "death has been swallowed up in victory", will have come to pass. Indeed, if death has been "swallowed up in victory", all that remains is life! And if mortality is "clothed" with immortality, mortality must be gone as well, since immortality and mortality are polar opposites. And since immortality is, by definition, the quality of living forever or not being subject to death, death itself must necessarily be gone forever! The point is, when death is "swallowed up" in victory, all that remains is life, which Paul tells us swallows up "the mortal" (if death is truly gone for good, then mortality is necessarily gone for good as well, as all that dies is, by definition, mortal).

An Examination of 2 Corinthians 5:5-10:

Paul tells us that we are groaning and longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling. This is no surprise, considering just how weak, fragile, and inadequate our current mortal bodies are. They inescapably degenerate with age and are subject to all sorts of diseases and illnesses. Not to mention the fact that they are inherently sinful, fettered by all sorts of fleshly passions and cravings. Total bliss and comfort in the presence of God in paradise/Abraham's bosom in our spirits/souls, completely free of all the physical restraints of our current bodies (again, how they are frail and deficient, subject to any number of sicknesses and disorders, as well as to old age, and, of course, sinful desires) is unarguably infinitely better than this. It makes you wonder why Paul doesn't say we are groaning and longing for such circumstances, but instead to be "clothed with our dwelling which is from heaven". Oh well, at least he doesn't say that we aren't groaning for such circumstances ... well, not yet anyway. There is yet another parallel with 1 Corinthians 15 here. Here we are said to long to be "clothed with our heavenly dwelling", and 1 Cor. 15:47-49 speak about the "man from heaven" (v.47), the "heavenly man" (v.48), and how we are to "bear the likeness of the heavenly man" (v.49). And there's even another undeniable parallel with 1 Corinthians 15. V.53-54 of that chapter talk about being the perishable and mortal being "clothed" with the imperishable and immortal. Here, Paul talks about being "clothed" with our "dwelling from heaven", which is a "building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens"!

Once again Paul tells us that we groan in "the tent", namely, our "earthly house" or material bodies. This is, again, no wonder. Indeed, we are burdened in this tent, as the apostle says. I am personally very fit, though the same cannot be said for many other believers, and about humanity as a whole, and even I have some difficult days body-wise. Of course, I will not be quite so fit forever! And indeed, I know many (some very close to me) who are incredibly burdened by these weak and perishable bodies. But that's for another time. The point is, the apostle Paul's words are some of the truest words; we groan, being burdened, in our fleshly tent. What Paul says next is astonishing. We groan because "we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed"! Indeed, we are all anxiously waiting to receive our resurrection bodies, so that we may be rid of these weak and fragile "tents" once and for all time. Unexpectedly, however, Paul tells us that we are groaning because we do not wish to be unclothed (that is, to be dead and disembodied) but to be clothed! Again, "unclothed" can only be a reference to the state of the dead, as currently we have an article of clothing, i.e. our earthly tent/house (however, weak and frail this attire may be). If indeed upon death believers are transferred to an intermediate state where they experience bliss and comfort in paradise in God's presence, why would we, in our current frail, inadequate bodies that are subject to old age and disease and sinful desires, not wish to be "unclothed", that is, to be in this state (dead)? How Paul's words here, put together with all his previous words (as we have previously discussed), can be reconciled with the notion of going to paradise/Abraham's bosom upon death to be in total bliss and comfort in the presence of God and Jesus, I'll let the ones who believe in such concept to figure out.

Paul tells us that we are groaning and longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling. This is no surprise, considering just how weak, fragile, and inadequate our current mortal bodies are. They inescapably degenerate with age and are subject to all sorts of diseases and illnesses. Not to mention the fact that they are inherently sinful, fettered by all sorts of fleshly passions and cravings. Total bliss and comfort in the presence of God in paradise/Abraham's bosom in our spirits/souls, completely free of all the physical restraints of our current bodies (again, how they are frail and deficient, subject to any number of sicknesses and disorders, as well as to old age, and, of course, sinful desires) is unarguably infinitely better than this. It makes you wonder why Paul doesn't say we are groaning and longing for such circumstances, but instead to be "clothed with our dwelling which is from heaven". Oh well, at least he doesn't say that we aren't groaning for such circumstances ... well, not yet anyway. There is yet another parallel with 1 Corinthians 15 here. Here we are said to long to be "clothed with our heavenly dwelling", and 1 Cor. 15:47-49 speak about the "man from heaven" (v.47), the "heavenly man" (v.48), and how we are to "bear the likeness of the heavenly man" (v.49). And there's even another undeniable parallel with 1 Corinthians 15. V.53-54 of that chapter talk about the perishable and mortal being clothed with the imperishable and immortal. Here, Paul talks about being clothed with our "dwelling from heaven", which is a "building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens"!

Once again Paul tells us that we groan in "the tent", namely, our "earthly house" or material bodies. This is, again, no wonder. Indeed, we are burdened in this tent, as the apostle says. I am personally very fit, though the same cannot be said for many other believers, and about humanity as a whole, and even I have some difficult days body-wise. Of course, I will not be quite so fit forever! And indeed, I know many (some very close to me) who are incredibly burdened by these weak and perishable bodies. But that's for another time. The point is, the apostle Paul's words are some of the truest words; we groan, being burdened, in our fleshly tent. What Paul says next is astonishing. We groan because "we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed"! Indeed, we are all anxiously waiting to receive our resurrection bodies, so that we may be rid of these weak and fragile "tents" once and for all time. Unexpectedly, however, Paul tells us that we are groaning because we do not wish to be unclothed (that is, to be dead and disembodied) but to be clothed! Again, "unclothed" can only be a reference to the state of the dead, as currently we have an article of clothing, i.e. our earthly tent/house (however weak and frail this attire may be). If indeed upon death believers are transferred to an intermediate state where they experience bliss and comfort in paradise in God's presence, why would we, in our current frail, inadequate bodies that are subject to old age and disease and sinful desires, not wish to be "unclothed", that is, to be in this state (dead)? How Paul's words here, put together with all his previous words (as we have previously discussed), can be reconciled with the notion of going to paradise/Abraham's bosom upon death to be in total bliss and comfort in the presence of God and Jesus, I'll let the ones who believe in such concept to figure out.