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
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know …
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his …
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we …
We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will …
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also …
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.