2 Corinthians 5:1
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.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's assurance 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' uses the tent/permanent-building contrast to address anxiety about death. The tent ('skēnos') metaphor resonates with the wilderness tabernacle as a temporary, portable structure — the human body is God's provisional dwelling in history, awaiting a more permanent form. The context of verses 2-4 complicates any simple body-soul dualism: Paul groans not at the thought of being 'unclothed' (disembodied) but at being 'clothed upon' with the heavenly body over the earthly one — resurrection transformation, not mere escape from embodiment. John 14:2's 'in my Father's house are many mansions' uses the same house/dwelling imagery for eschatological security, while Revelation 21:3's 'the tabernacle of God is with men' inverts the tent metaphor by making God himself dwell permanently with his people.
Other Translations
For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
For we have known that if our earthly house of the tabernacle may be thrown down, a building from God we have, an house not made with hands--age-during--in the heavens,
For we are conscious that if this our tent of flesh is taken down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in heaven.
Cross References
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it …
How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed …
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance.
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will …
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to …
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that …
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.