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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore also we are ambitious, whether being at home or being away, to be well-pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whether we live in the body or move out of it, our goal is to be pleasing to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So whether we are at home or away from home, our goal is to be pleasing to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted by him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And for this reason also we make it our ambition, whether at home or in exile, to please Him perfectly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />We are also ambitious for this reason, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to Him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore also we are ambitious, whether being at home or being away, to be well-pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore also let us seek the honour, whether being at home, whether being absent, to be pleasing to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And therefore we labour, whether absent or present, to please him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And thus we struggle, whether absent or present, to please him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore we endeavor, that, whether present or absent, we may be pleasing to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />We are diligent that, whether away from home or an inhabitant, we may be pleasing to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For this reason we also endeavor, whether we remain in the body or depart from it, to be acceptable to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore we are truly ambitious, whether being present or absent, to be well pleasing unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />wherefore also our ambition is, that whether dwelling in the body, or out of the body, we may be acceptable to him.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />wherefore I studiously endeavour, whether staying in it, or departing out of it, to be acceptable to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And for this reason also we make it our ambition, whether at home or in exile, to please Him perfectly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, we also make it our aim?whether being at home or being from home?to be well-pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore we are also ambitious, whether dwelling in <i>the body,</i> or out <i>of it,</i> to be well-pleasing to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=819" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/5.htm">Our Eternal Dwelling</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1352.htm" title="1352: dio (Conj) -- Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.">So</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5389.htm" title="5389: philotimoumetha (V-PIM/P-1P) -- To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly. ">we aspire</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2101.htm" title="2101: euarestoi (Adj-NMP) -- Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.">please</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him,</a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">whether</a> <a href="/greek/1736.htm" title="1736: endēmountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To be at home, live in a place. From a compound of en and demos; to be in one's own country, i.e. Home.">we are here in this body</a> <a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">or</a> <a href="/greek/1553.htm" title="1553: ekdēmountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To go abroad, be absent. From a compound of ek and demos; to emigrate, i.e. vacate or quit.">away from it.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20-21</a></span><br />I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-8.htm">Romans 14:8</a></span><br />If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a></span><br />so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:1</a></span><br />Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10</a></span><br />Test and prove what pleases the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a></span><br />Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a></span><br />So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1-2</a></span><br />Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a></span><br />His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Hebrews 13:21</a></span><br />equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a></span><br />you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-29.htm">John 8:29</a></span><br />He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">1 John 3:22</a></span><br />and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-14.htm">Psalm 19:14</a></span><br />May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-10.htm">Psalm 119:10</a></span><br />With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.</p><p class="hdg">we labour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a></b></br> Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20</a></b></br> Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-26.htm">1 Corinthians 9:26,27</a></b></br> I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: … </p><p class="hdg">whether.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/5-6.htm">2 Corinthians 5:6,8</a></b></br> Therefore <i>we are</i> always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/14-8.htm">Romans 14:8</a></b></br> For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.</p><p class="hdg">accepted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Genesis 4:7</a></b></br> If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee <i>shall be</i> his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/56-7.htm">Isaiah 56:7</a></b></br> Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices <i>shall be</i> accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/10-35.htm">Acts 10:35</a></b></br> But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">Absent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/hosea/4-13.htm">Agreeable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">Body</a> <a href="/acts/7-43.htm">Exile</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-26.htm">Goal</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">Home</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Perfectly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">Please</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-38.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Well-Pleasing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-8.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-9.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Absent</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-2.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Agreeable</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/philippians/1-16.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">Exile</a> <a href="/galatians/3-3.htm">Goal</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Home</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Perfectly</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Please</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-16.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Well-Pleasing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-16.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">That in his assured hope of immortal glory,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">and in expectation of it, he labors to keep a good conscience;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-12.htm">not that he may boast of himself,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-14.htm">but as one that, having received life from Christ, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">endeavors to live as a new creature to Christ only,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">and by his ministry of reconciliation, to reconcile others also in Christ to God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So we aspire to please Him</b><br>The apostle Paul emphasizes the believer's primary goal: to live a life that is pleasing to God. This aspiration reflects a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, aligning with the biblical call to holiness found throughout Scripture (<a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>). The desire to please God is rooted in the understanding of His sovereignty and grace, as seen in <a href="/romans/12.htm">Romans 12:1-2</a>, where believers are urged to offer their bodies as living sacrifices. This phrase also echoes the teachings of Jesus, who consistently sought to do the will of the Father (<a href="/john/8-29.htm">John 8:29</a>). The Greek word for "aspire" suggests a diligent and earnest effort, indicating that pleasing God requires intentionality and commitment.<p><b>whether we are at home in this body</b><br>Paul uses the metaphor of being "at home in this body" to describe the earthly life of believers. This reflects the temporary nature of our physical existence, as seen in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which compares life to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. The body is often described in Scripture as a tent or temporary dwelling (<a href="/2_corinthians/5.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1</a>), highlighting the transient nature of our earthly journey. This perspective encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly concerns (<a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a>). The phrase also implies a sense of stewardship over our physical bodies, as they are temples of the Holy Spirit (<a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a>).<p><b>or away from it</b><br>This part of the verse refers to the believer's existence after physical death, when they are "away from the body." Paul contrasts the earthly life with the eternal life that follows, as seen in <a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23</a>, where he expresses a desire to depart and be with Christ. The concept of being "away from the body" aligns with the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life, as promised in <a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a>. This hope is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">1 Corinthians 15:20</a>). The assurance of being with the Lord after death provides comfort and motivation for believers to live faithfully in the present.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues and providing guidance and encouragement.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where Paul established a church during his missionary journeys.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of this letter, a diverse group of believers facing challenges in living out their faith amidst a pagan culture.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate focus of the believer's aspiration to please, as mentioned in the verse.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_body.htm">The Body</a></b><br>Refers to the physical body, highlighting the duality of existence in the physical world and the spiritual realm.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/aspiration_to_please_god.htm">Aspiration to Please God</a></b><br>As believers, our primary goal should be to please God in all aspects of our lives. This involves aligning our actions, thoughts, and desires with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Understanding that our time on earth is temporary should motivate us to focus on eternal values and priorities, seeking to honor God whether in life or death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/duality_of_existence.htm">Duality of Existence</a></b><br>Recognizing the tension between our physical existence and spiritual reality can help us live more intentionally, striving to please God in both realms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_faith.htm">Consistency in Faith</a></b><br>Our commitment to pleasing God should remain steadfast, regardless of our circumstances or physical state, reflecting a consistent faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/motivation_for_holiness.htm">Motivation for Holiness</a></b><br>The desire to please God should drive us towards holiness and sanctification, as we seek to reflect His character in our daily lives.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Wherefore we labour.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">we strive earnestly after.</span> The English "labour" is quite inadequate, the Greek expressing the thought of striving, as after some honour or prize. <span class= "ital">Our ambition is that</span> . . . <span class= "ital">we may be accepted</span> would be, perhaps, the best equivalent. For "accepted of him" read <span class= "ital">acceptable,</span> or better, <span class= "ital">well-pleasing to him:</span> the Greek word implying the quality on which acceptance depends, rather than the act itself.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">We labour;</span> literally, <span class="accented">we are emulous</span>. This, says Bengel, is "the sole legitimate ambition." The same word occurs in <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20</a>. <span class="cmt_word">Whether present or absent;</span> literally, <span class="accented">whether at home or away from home</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> whether with Christ or separated from him (as in ver. 8); or, "whether in the body or out of the body" (as in ver. 6). The latter would resemble <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:10</a>, "That <span class="accented">whether we wake or sleep</span> we may live with him." <span class="cmt_word">We may be accepted of him;</span> literally, <span class="accented">to be well pleasing to him</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So</span><br /><span class="grk">διὸ</span> <span class="translit">(dio)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1352.htm">Strong's 1352: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we aspire</span><br /><span class="grk">φιλοτιμούμεθα</span> <span class="translit">(philotimoumetha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5389.htm">Strong's 5389: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶναι</span> <span class="translit">(einai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">please</span><br /><span class="grk">εὐάρεστοι</span> <span class="translit">(euarestoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2101.htm">Strong's 2101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Him,</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῷ</span> <span class="translit">(autō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whether</span><br /><span class="grk">εἴτε</span> <span class="translit">(eite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> </span><span class="str2">And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we are here in this body</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνδημοῦντες</span> <span class="translit">(endēmountes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1736.htm">Strong's 1736: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be at home, live in a place. From a compound of en and demos; to be in one's own country, i.e. Home.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="grk">εἴτε</span> <span class="translit">(eite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> </span><span class="str2">And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">away from it.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκδημοῦντες</span> <span class="translit">(ekdēmountes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1553.htm">Strong's 1553: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go abroad, be absent. From a compound of ek and demos; to emigrate, i.e. vacate or quit.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:9 Therefore also we make it our aim (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 5:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 5:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 5:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 5:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>