2 Corinthians 5:4
New International Version
For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

New Living Translation
While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.

English Standard Version
For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Berean Standard Bible
So while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life.

Berean Literal Bible
And indeed, being in the tent we groan, being burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that the mortal may be swallowed up by life.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

New American Standard Bible
For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.

NASB 1995
For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.

NASB 1977
For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Legacy Standard Bible
For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.

Amplified Bible
For while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened [often weighed down, oppressed], not that we want to be unclothed [separated by death from the body], but to be clothed, so that what is mortal [the body] will be swallowed up by life [after the resurrection].

Christian Standard Bible
Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

American Standard Version
For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

Contemporary English Version
These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don't do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die.

English Revised Version
For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
While we are in this tent, we sigh. We feel distressed because we don't want to take off the tent, but we do want to put on the eternal house. Then [eternal] life will put an end to our mortal existence.

Good News Translation
While we live in this earthly tent, we groan with a feeling of oppression; it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us, so that what is mortal will be transformed by life.

International Standard Version
So while we are still in this tent, we sigh under our burdens, because we do not want to put it off but to put it on, so that our dying bodies may be swallowed up by life.

Majority Standard Bible
So while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life.

NET Bible
For we groan while we are in this tent, since we are weighed down, because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

New Heart English Bible
For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Webster's Bible Translation
For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not because we would be unclothed, but clothed, that mortality might be swallowed up in life.

Weymouth New Testament
Yes, we who are in this tent certainly do sigh under our burdens, for we do not wish to lay aside that with which we are now clothed, but to put on more, so that our mortality may be absorbed in Life.

World English Bible
For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened, not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for we also who are in the tent groan, being burdened, seeing we do not wish to unclothe ourselves, but to clothe ourselves, that the mortal may be swallowed up of life.

Berean Literal Bible
And indeed, being in the tent we groan, being burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that the mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Young's Literal Translation
for we also who are in the tabernacle do groan, being burdened, seeing we wish not to unclothe ourselves, but to clothe ourselves, that the mortal may be swallowed up of the life.

Smith's Literal Translation
For also being in the tent we groan, being loaded: since we wish not to be unclothed, but to be clothed, that the mortal should be swallowed up of life.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For we also, who are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burthened; because we would not be unclothed, but clothed upon, that that which is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then too, we who are in this tabernacle groan under the burden, because we do not want to be stripped, but rather to be clothed from above, so that what is mortal may be absorbed by life.

New American Bible
For while we are in this tent we groan and are weighed down, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

New Revised Standard Version
For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
While we are in this earthly house, we groan because of its weight: yet we are unwilling to leave it, but rather wish to add to it, so that death will be overcome by life.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For as we are now in this house, we are made to groan by its weight, and we do not want to strip it off, but to put on over it, that its mortality may be swallowed up by life.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we who are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened, not because we wish to be unclothed, but clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Godbey New Testament
For indeed being in this tabernacle we groan, being burdened; not that we wish to be divested, but invested, that mortality may be swallowed up of life.

Haweis New Testament
For we which are in this tabernacle, groan, being burdened; wherein we desire not to be unclothed, but clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

Mace New Testament
we that are in this tabernacle do groan under the burden of it: not that we desire to be divested of it, but we desire to have our celestial body, that this mortal state may vanish into immortality.

Weymouth New Testament
Yes, we who are in this tent certainly do sigh under our burdens, for we do not wish to lay aside that with which we are now clothed, but to put on more, so that our mortality may be absorbed in Life.

Worrell New Testament
For, indeed, we who are in the tabernacle groan, being weighed down; not that we wish to be unclothed, but be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Worsley New Testament
For we who are in this tabernacle do groan, being burthened; wherefore we desire, not to be wholly unclothed, but to put on immortality, that the mortal part may be swallowed up in life.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Our Eternal Dwelling
3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4So while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.…

Cross References
Romans 8:23
Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

1 Corinthians 15:53-54
For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. / When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Philippians 3:21
who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. / After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.

Romans 8:11
And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

1 Peter 1:4
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken.

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Romans 7:24
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

1 Corinthians 15:49
And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so also shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly man.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, / and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Job 19:25-27
But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. / Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. / I will see Him for myself; my eyes will behold Him, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me!


Treasury of Scripture

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

we that.

2 Peter 1:13
Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

do.

2 Corinthians 5:2
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

but.

2 Corinthians 5:3
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

that mortality.

Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

1 Corinthians 15:53,54
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality…

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Anxiety Body Burdened Burdens Clothed Cries Death Desire Desiring Dwelling Free Further Groan Heavenly Indeed Life Mortal Mortality New Overcome Sigh Swallowed Tabernacle Tent Unclothed Weariness Weight Wish
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Anxiety Body Burdened Burdens Clothed Cries Death Desire Desiring Dwelling Free Further Groan Heavenly Indeed Life Mortal Mortality New Overcome Sigh Swallowed Tabernacle Tent Unclothed Weariness Weight Wish
2 Corinthians 5
1. That in his assured hope of immortal glory,
9. and in expectation of it, he labors to keep a good conscience;
12. not that he may boast of himself,
14. but as one that, having received life from Christ,
17. endeavors to live as a new creature to Christ only,
18. and by his ministry of reconciliation, to reconcile others also in Christ to God.














So while we are in this tent
The phrase "in this tent" uses the metaphor of a tent to describe our earthly bodies. The Greek word "σκῆνος" (skēnos) refers to a temporary dwelling, emphasizing the transient nature of our physical existence. Historically, tents were used by nomadic people, including the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This imagery suggests that our current life is temporary and not our permanent home, pointing to the eternal dwelling we anticipate in heaven.

we groan under our burdens
The word "groan" comes from the Greek "στενάζω" (stenazō), which conveys a deep, internal sighing or longing. This groaning reflects the human experience of suffering and the weight of living in a fallen world. It echoes the groaning of creation mentioned in Romans 8:22, highlighting the universal longing for redemption and restoration. The burdens we bear are not just physical but also spiritual and emotional, as we yearn for the fulfillment of God's promises.

because we do not wish to be unclothed
The term "unclothed" suggests a state of being without a body, which Paul describes as undesirable. The Greek "ἐκδύω" (ekdyō) means to strip off or divest. In the context of the afterlife, Paul is expressing a desire not for a disembodied existence but for a transformed, glorified body. This reflects the Christian hope of resurrection, where believers will be clothed with immortality.

but clothed
The desire to be "clothed" indicates a longing for the heavenly body promised to believers. The Greek "ἐπενδύομαι" (ependýomai) means to put on over, suggesting an addition or enhancement rather than a replacement. This aligns with the biblical promise of a new, glorified body that believers will receive at the resurrection, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:53-54.

so that our mortality
"Mortality" refers to the perishable nature of human life. The Greek "θνητός" (thnētos) signifies that which is subject to death. This highlights the contrast between our current state and the eternal life promised through Christ. Mortality is a reminder of the fall and the consequence of sin, but it also points to the hope of overcoming death through Jesus.

may be swallowed up by life
The phrase "swallowed up by life" uses the Greek "καταπίνω" (katapinō), meaning to consume or devour completely. This powerful imagery suggests the total victory of eternal life over death. It reflects the promise found in Isaiah 25:8, where God will swallow up death forever. In Christ, life triumphs over mortality, offering believers the assurance of eternal life and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

(4) Being burdened.--The whole passage is strikingly parallel to Wisdom Of Solomon 9:15. "The corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthly tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many things." The Wisdom of Solomon, which no writer quotes before Clement of Rome, had probably been but recently written (possibly, as I believe, by Apollos), but St. Paul may well have become acquainted with it.

Not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon.--Better, Seeing that we do not seek to put off, but to put on a garment. The thought is that of one who thinks that the Coming of the Lord is near. He wishes, as he expects, to remain till that Coming (comp. 1Corinthians 15:51; 1Thessalonians 4:15), to let the incorruptible body supervene on the corruptible, to be changed instead of dying. In this way that which is mortal, subject to death, would be swallowed up of life, as death itself is swallowed up in victory. (1Corinthians 15:54.)

Verse 4. - For we that are, etc.; literally, for indeed we who are in the tent; i.e. in the transitory mortal body. Do groan. "Oh wretched man that I am I who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Being burdened. "The corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthy tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many things" (Wisd. 9:15). Not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon; more literally, since we do not wish to strip off (our bodily garment) but to put another garment over it. St. Paul here repudiates the Manichean notion that the body is a disgrace, or in itself the source of evil. He was not like Plotinus, who "blushed that he had a body;" or like St. Francis of Assist, who called his body "my brother the ass;" or like the Cure d'Ars, who (as we have said) spoke of his body as "ce cadavre." He does not, therefore, desire to get rid of his body, but to "clothe it over" with the garment of immortality. Incidentally this implies the wish that he may be alive and not dead when the Lord returns (1 Corinthians 15:35-54). Mortality; rather, the mortal; that which is mortal. Might be swallowed up of life. As in the case of Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), who entered into life otherwise than through "the grave and gate of death." St. Paul wishes to enter the "building from God" without having been first buried in the collapse of the "soul's dark cottage battered and decayed." He desires to put on the robe of immortality without stripping off the rent garb of the body.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[while] we are
ὄντες (ontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[this]
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tent,
σκήνει (skēnei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4636: A tent, tabernacle; fig: of the human body. From skene; a hut or temporary residence, i.e. the human body.

we groan
στενάζομεν (stenazomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4727: To groan, expressing grief, anger, or desire. From stenos; to make in straits, i.e. to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly.

under our burdens,
βαρούμενοι (baroumenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 916: To weight, load, burden, lit. and met. From barus; to weigh down.

because
ἐφ’ (eph’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

we do not wish
θέλομεν (thelomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to be unclothed
ἐκδύσασθαι (ekdysasthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1562: From ek and the base of duno; to cause to sink out of, i.e. to divest.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

clothed,
ἐπενδύσασθαι (ependysasthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1902: To have on over (as a garment); mid: I put on myself in addition. Middle voice from epi and enduo; to invest upon oneself.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

[our]
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mortality
θνητὸν (thnēton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2349: Mortal, subject to death. From thnesko; liable to die.

may be swallowed up
καταποθῇ (katapothē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2666: To drink down, swallow, devour, destroy, consume. From kata and pino; to drink down, i.e. Gulp entire.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

life.
ζωῆς (zōēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:4 For indeed we who are in this (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)
2 Corinthians 5:3
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