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Selected Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:1 - Darby
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
2Co 5:1 |
Darby |
For we know that if our earthly tabernacle house be destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. |
|
King James |
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
THE HOPE (Co2 4:17-18) OF ETERNAL GLORY IN THE RESURRECTION BODY. (2Co. 5:1-21)
For--Assigning the reason for the statement (Co2 4:17), that affliction leads to exceeding glory.
we know--assuredly (Co2 4:14; Job 19:25).
if--For all shall not die; many shall be "changed" without "dissolution" (Co1 15:51-53). If this daily delivering unto death (Co2 3:11) should end in actual death.
earthly--not the same as earthy (Co1 15:47). It stands in contrast to "in the heavens."
house of this tabernacle--rather, "house of the tabernacle." "House" expresses more permanency than belongs to the body; therefore the qualification, "of the tabernacle" (implying that it is shifting, not stationary), is added (compare Job 4:19; Pe2 1:13-14). It thus answers to the tabernacle in the wilderness. Its wooden frame and curtains wore out in course of time when Israel dwelt in Canaan, and a fixed temple was substituted for it. The temple and the tabernacle in all essentials were one; there was the same ark, the same cloud of glory. Such is the relation between the "earthly" body and the resurrection body. The Holy Spirit is enshrined in the believer's body as in a sanctuary (Co1 3:16). As the ark went first in taking down the wilderness tabernacle, so the soul (which like the ark is sprinkled with blood of atonement, and is the sacred deposit in the inmost shrine, Ti2 1:12) in the dissolution of the body; next the coverings were removed, answering to the flesh; lastly, the framework and boards, answering to the bones, which are last to give way (Num. 4:1-49). Paul, as a tent-maker, uses an image taken from his trade (Act 18:3).
dissolved--a mild word for death, in the case of believers.
we have--in assured prospect of possession, as certain as if it were in our hands, laid up "in the heavens" for us. The tense is present (compare Joh 3:36; Joh 6:47, "hath").
a building of God--rather "from God." A solid building, not a temporary tabernacle or tent. "Our" body stands in contrast to "from God." For though our present body be also from God, yet it is not fresh and perfect from His hands, as our resurrection body shall be.
not made with hands--contrasted with houses erected by man's hands (Co1 15:44-49). So Christ's body is designated, as contrasted with the tabernacle reared by Moses (Mar 14:58; Heb 9:11). This "house" can only be the resurrection body, in contrast to the "earthly house of the tabernacle," our present body. The intermediate state is not directly taken into account. A comma should separate "eternal," and "in the heavens." |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
For we know - We who are engaged in the work of the gospel ministry. Paul is giving a reason why he and his fellow-laborers did not become weary and faint in their work. The reason was, that they knew that even if their body should die, they had an inheritance reserved for them in heaven. The expression "we know" is the language of strong and unwavering assurance. They had no doubt on the subject. And it proves that there may be the assurance of eternal life; or such evidence of acceptance with God as to leave no doubt of a final admission into heaven. This language was often used by the Saviour in reference to the truths which he taught Joh 3:11; Joh 4:22; and it is used by the sacred writers in regard to the truths which they recorded, and in regard to their own personal piety; Joh 21:24; Jo1 2:3, Jo1 2:5,Jo1 2:18; Jo1 3:2, Jo1 3:14, Jo1 3:19, Jo1 3:24; Jo1 4:6, Jo1 4:13; Jo1 5:2, Jo1 5:15, Jo1 5:19-20.
That if our earthly house - The word "earthly" here (ἐπιγειος epigeios) stands opposed to "heavenly," or to the house eternal (ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς en tois ouranois) in the heavens." The word properly means "upon earth, terrestrial, belonging to the earth, or on the earth," and is applied to bodies Co1 15:40; to earthly things Joh 3:12; to earthly, or worldly wisdom, Jam 3:15. The word "house" here refers doubtless to the body, as the habitation, or the dwelling-place of the mind or soul. The soul dwells in it as we dwell in a house, or tent.
Of this tabernacle - This word means a booth, or tent - a movable dwelling. The use of the word here is not a mere redundancy, but the idea which Paul designs to convey is, doubtless, that the body - the house of the soul - was not a permanent dwelling-place, but was of the same nature as a booth or tent, that was set up for a temporary purpose, or that was easily taken down in migrating from one place to another. It refers here to the body as the frail and temporary abode of the soul. It is not a permanent dwelling; a fixed habitation, but is liable to be taken down at any moment, and was suited up with that view. Tyndale renders it, "if our earthly mansion wherein we now dwell." The Syriac renders it, "for we know that if our house on earth, which is our body, were dissolved." The idea is a beautiful one, that the body is a mere unfixed, movable dwelling. place; liable to be taken down at any moment, and not designed, anymore than a tent is, to be a permanent habitation.
Were dissolved - (καταλυθῇ kataluthē). This word means properly to disunite the parts of anything; and is applied to the act of throwing down, or destroying a building. It is applied here to the body, regarded as a temporary dwelling that might be taken down, and it refers, doubtless, to the dissolution of the body in the grave. The idea is, that if this body should moulder back to dust, and be resolved into its original elements; or if by great zeal and, labor it should be exhausted and worn out. Language like this is used by Eliphaz, the Temanite, in describing the body of man. "How much less in those that dwell in houses of clay," etc.; Job 4:19; compare Pe2 1:13-14.
We have a building of God - Robinson (Lexicon) supposes that it refers to "the future spiritual body as the abode of the soul." Some have supposed that it refers to some "celestial vehicle" with which God invests the soul during the intermediate state. But the Scripture is silent about any such celestial vehicle. It is not easy to tell what was the precise idea which Paul here designed to convey. Perhaps a few remarks may enable us to arrive at the meaning:
(1) It was not to be temporary; not a tent or tabernacle that could be taken down.
(2) it was to be eternal in the heavens.
(3) it was to be such as to constitute a dwelling; a clothing, or such a protection as should keep the soul from being "naked."
(4) it was to be such as should constitute "life" in contradistinction from "mortality." These things will better agree with the supposition of its referring to the future body of the saints than any thing else; and probably the idea of Paul is, that the body there will be incorruptible and immortal. When he says it is a "building of God" (ἐκ Θεοῦ ek Theou), he evidently means that it is made by God; that he is the architect of that future and eternal dwelling. Macknight and some others, however, understood this of the mansions which God has prepared for His people in heaven, and which the Lord Jesus has gone to prepare for them; compare Joh 14:2. But see the note on Co2 5:3.
An house - A dwelling; an abode; that is, according to the interpretation above, a celestial, pure, immortal body; a body that shall have God for its immediate author, and that shall be suited to dwell in heaven forever.
Not made with hands - Not constructed by man; a habitation not like those which are made by human skill, and which are therefore easily taken down or removed, but one that is made by God himself. This does not imply that the "earthly house" which is to be superseded by that in heaven is made with hands, but the idea is, that the earthly dwelling has things about it which resemble that which is made by man, or as if it were made with hands; that is it is temporary, frail, easily taken down or removed. But that which is in heaven is permanent, fixed, eternal, as if made by God.
Eternal in the heavens - Immortal; to live forever. The future body shall never be taken down or dissolved by death. It is eternal, of course, only in respect to the future, and not in respect to the past. And it is not only eternal, but it is to abide forever in the heavens - in the world of glory. It is never to be subjected to a dwelling on the earth; never to be in a world of sin, suffering, and death. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Our earthly house of this tabernacle (ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους)
Earthly, not, made of earth, which would be χοΐ́κός as Co1 15:47; but upon the earth, terrestrial, as Co1 15:40; Phi 2:10. Tabernacle (σκῆνος) tent or hut. In later writers, especially the Platonists, Pythagoreans, and medical authors, used to denote the body. Thus Hippocrates: "A great vein by which the whole body (σκῆνος) is nourished." Some expositors think that Paul uses the word here simply in this sense - the house which is the body. But while Paul does mean the body, he preserves the figurative sense of the word tabernacle; for he never uses this term elsewhere as synonymous with the body. The figure of the tent suits the contrast with the building, and would naturally suggest itself to the tent-maker. The phrase earthly house of the tabernacle expresses a single conception - the dwelling which is, or consists in the tabernacle, the tent-house. The transient character of the body is thus indicated. Compare houses of clay, Job 4:19. See on the kindred words σκήνωμα tabernacle, Pe2 1:13; and σκηνόω to dwell in or to fix a tabernacle, Joh 1:14. Tabernacle is so habitually associated with a house of worship, and is so often applied to durable structures, that the original sense of a tent is in danger of being lost. It would be better to translate here by tent. The word tabernacle is a diminutive of the Latin taberna a hut or shed, which appears in tavern. Its root is ta, tan, to stretch or spread out.
Dissolved (καταλυθῇ)
Lit., loosened down. Appropriate to taking down a tent. See on Mar 13:2; see on Luk 9:12; see on Act 5:38; and compare Pe2 3:11, Pe2 3:12, and the figure of the parting of the silver cord on which the lamp is suspended, Ecc 12:6. Also Job 4:21, where the correct rendering is: Is not their tent-cord plucked up within them? So Rev. O.T.
We have
The building from God is an actual possession in virtue of the believer's union with Christ. It is just as we say of a minor, before he comes into possession of his property, that he has so much. Compare Mat 19:21.
Building of God (οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ Θεοῦ)
In contrast with tent. The reference is to the resurrection body. Compare the city which hath the foundations, Heb 11:10. For of God, read, as Rev., from, God; proceeding from (ἐκ) Heinrici, von Gott her: compare God giveth, Co1 15:38, and ἔχετε ἀπὸ Θεοῦ ye have from God, where the reference is to the natural body, Co1 6:19. Construe from God with building, not with we have.
In the heavens
Construe with we have. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
Our earthly house - Which is only a tabernacle, or tent, not designed for a lasting habitation. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
If our earthly house of this tabernacle - By earthly house, the apostle most evidently means the body in which the soul is represented as dwelling or sojourning for a time, and from which it is to be liberated at death; for as death dissolves the tabernacle, it can then be no habitation for the soul. The apostle also alludes here to the ancient Jewish tabernacle, which, on all removals of the congregation, was dissolved and taken in pieces; and the ark of the covenant, covered with its own curtains, was carried by itself; and when they came to the place of rest, then the dissolved parts of the tabernacle were put together as before. When we consider this simile in connection with the doctrine of the resurrection, which the apostle has treated so much at large in these epistles, and which he keeps constantly in view, then we shall see that he intends to convey the following meaning: that as the tabernacle was taken down in order to be again put together, so the body is to be dissolved, in order to be re-edified; that as the ark of the covenant subsisted by itself, while the tabernacle was down, so can the soul when separated from the body; that as the ark had then its own veil for its covering, Exo 40:21, so the soul is to have some vehicle in which it shall subsist till it receives its body at the resurrection.
A building of God - Some think this refers to a certain celestial vehicle with which God invests holy souls on their dismissal from the body; others suppose it relates to the resurrection body; and some imagine that it relates merely to the state of blessedness which the saints shall possess in the kingdom of glory. See the following note. |
11 But Christ being come high priest of the good things to come, by the better and more perfect tabernacle not made with hand, (that is, not of this creation,)
58 We heard him saying, I will destroy this temple which is made with hands, and in the course of three days I will build another not made with hands.
44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body: if there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one.
45 Thus also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul; the last Adam a quickening spirit.
46 But that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual:
47 the first man out of the earth, made of dust; the second man, out of heaven.
48 Such as he made of dust, such also those made of dust; and such as the heavenly one, such also the heavenly ones.
49 And as we have borne the image of the one made of dust, we shall bear also the image of the heavenly one.
47 Verily, verily, I say to you, He that believes on me has life eternal.
36 He that believes on the Son has life eternal, and he that is not subject to the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides upon him.
3 and because they were of the same trade abode with them, and wrought. For they were tent-makers by trade.
12 For which cause also I suffer these things; but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep for that day the deposit I have entrusted to him.
16 Do ye not know that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
13 But I account it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance,
14 knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle is speedily to take place, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has manifested to me;
19 How much more them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed as the moth!
47 the first man out of the earth, made of dust; the second man, out of heaven.
11 For if that annulled was introduced with glory, much rather that which abides subsists in glory.
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all fall asleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must needs put on incorruptibility, and this mortal put on immortality.
25 And as for me, I know that my Redeemer liveth, and the Last, he shall stand upon the earth;
14 knowing that he who has raised the Lord Jesus shall raise us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.
17 For our momentary and light affliction works for us in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory;
17 For our momentary and light affliction works for us in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory;
18 while we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen; for the things that are seen are for a time, but those that are not seen eternal.
3 if indeed being also clothed we shall not be found naked.
2 In my Father's house there are many abodes; were it not so, I had told you: for I go to prepare you a place;
13 But I account it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance,
14 knowing that the putting off of my tabernacle is speedily to take place, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has manifested to me;
19 How much more them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed as the moth!
15 This is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but earthly, natural, devilish.
12 If I have said the earthly things to you, and ye believe not, how, if I say the heavenly things to you, will ye believe?
40 And there are heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies: but different is the glory of the heavenly, different that of the earthly:
19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the wicked one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding that we should know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
15 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
2 Hereby know we that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.
13 Hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, that he has given to us of his Spirit.
6 We are of God; he that knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
24 And he that keeps his commandments abides in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given to us.
19 And hereby we shall know that we are of the truth, and shall persuade our hearts before him --
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
2 Beloved, now are we children of God, and what we shall be has not yet been manifested; we know that if it is manifested we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
18 Little children, it is the last hour, and, according as ye have heard that antichrist comes, even now there have come many antichrists, whence we know that it is the last hour.
5 but whoever keeps his word, in him verily the love of God is perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him.
3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
24 This is the disciple who bears witness concerning these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his witness is true.
22 Ye worship ye know not what; we worship what we know, for salvation is of the Jews.
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that which we know, and we bear witness of that which we have seen, and ye receive not our witness.
19 Do ye not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God; and ye are not your own?
38 and God gives to it a body as he has pleased, and to each of the seeds its own body.
10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, of which God is the artificer and constructor.
21 Jesus said to him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.
21 Is not their tent-cord torn away in them? they die, and without wisdom.
6 -- before the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be shattered at the fountain, or the wheel be broken at the cistern;
12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements, burning with heat, shall melt?
11 All these things then being to be dissolved, what ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness,
38 And now I say to you, Withdraw from these men and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work have its origin from men, it will be destroyed;
12 But the day began to decline, and the twelve came and said to him, Send away the crowd that they may go into the villages around, and into the fields, and lodge and find victuals, for here we are in a desert place.
2 And Jesus answering said to him, Seest thou these great buildings? not a stone shall be left upon a stone, which shall not be thrown down.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we have contemplated his glory, a glory as of an only-begotten with a father), full of grace and truth;
13 But I account it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance,
19 How much more them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed as the moth!
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly and earthly and infernal beings,
40 And there are heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies: but different is the glory of the heavenly, different that of the earthly:
47 the first man out of the earth, made of dust; the second man, out of heaven.
21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and hung up the veil of separation, and covered the ark of the testimony; as Jehovah had commanded Moses.