2 Corinthians 5:4 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

For resuming 2 Corinthians 5:2 For - resuming 2 Corinthians 5:2.

Burdened: not for that - rather, 'in that we desire not х ef (G1909) hoo (G3739) ou (G3756) thelomen (G2309)] to have ourselves unclothed (of our present body), but clothed upon,' or 'over' (with our heavenly body).

That mortality ... - rather, 'that what is mortal [our mortal part: to thneeton] may be swallowed up of (transformed into) life' (1 Corinthians 15:54). Believers shrink from, not the consequences, but the act of dying; especially as believing in the possibility of being found alive at the Lord's coming (1 Thessalonians 4:15), and of having their mortal body absorbed into the immortal without death. Like Elijah, they wish to have the heavenly body drawn over the mortal body like a garment. Faith does not divest us of natural feeling, but subordinates it to higher feeling. Scripture gives no sanction to the philosophers' contempt for the body.

2 Corinthians 5:4

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.