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2 Corinthians 5:3

2 Corinthians 5:3 in Multiple Translations

because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

So that our spirits may not be unclothed.

When we put on this clothing we won't be seen naked.

Because that if we be clothed, we shall not be found naked.

if so be that, having clothed ourselves, we shall not be found naked,

if indeed being clothed, we will not be found naked.

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

Yet so that we be found clothed, not naked.

When God gives us(inc) our new bodies [MET], our spirits will have [LIT, MET] bodies to live in that will last forever.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 5:3

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2 Corinthians 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ειγε και ενδυσαμενοι ου γυμνοι ευρεθησομεθα
ειγε eige G1489 if indeed/otherwise COND
και kai G2532 and Conj
ενδυσαμενοι enduō G1746 to put on Verb-AMP-NPM
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
γυμνοι gumnos G1131 naked Adj-NPM
ευρεθησομεθα ehuriskō G2147 to find/meet Verb-FPI-1P
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 5:3

ειγε eige G1489 "if indeed/otherwise" COND
This word means 'if indeed' or 'otherwise'. It appears in some Bible verses, introducing a condition or contrasting idea. It can also be used to express a negative condition or exception.
Definition: εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: if (so be that, yet) See also: 2 Corinthians 5:3; Ephesians 3:2; Galatians 3:4.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ενδυσαμενοι enduō G1746 "to put on" Verb-AMP-NPM
To put on clothes or armor, like in Matthew 6:25 and Ephesians 6:11, where we're told to clothe ourselves with God's protection. This word is used to describe physical and spiritual dressing. It's about covering ourselves with something, whether it's clothes or God's power.
Definition: ἐν-δύω (ἐνδύνω, 2Ti.3:6), [in LXX chiefly for לָבַשׁ ;] __1. with accusative of person(s), Mat.27:28 (WH, mg., R, mg.); with dupl. accusative, Mat.27:31, Mrk.15:20, Luk.15:22; mid., to put on oneself, be clothed with: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:9, Luk.8:27 12:22, Act.12:21; ptcp., Mat.22:11, Mrk.1:6, 2Co.5:3, Rev.1:13 15:6 19:14; of armour (figuratively): Rom.13:12, Eph.6:11, 14, 1Th.5:8; metaphorically, δύναμιν, Luk.24:49; ἀφθαρσίαν, ἀθανασίαν, 1Co.15:53-54; τ. καινὸν ἄνθρωπον, Eph 4:24, Col.3:10; σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, Col.3:12; Ἰησ. Χριστόν, Rom.13:14, Gal.3:27, __2. to enter, press into: 2Ti.3:6 (cf. ἐπ-ενδύω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on See also: 1 Corinthians 15:53; Luke 24:49; Revelation 1:13.
ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
γυμνοι gumnos G1131 "naked" Adj-NPM
In the Bible, this word means being naked or without clothes. It appears in Matthew 25:36 and Revelation 3:17, where it refers to being physically or spiritually exposed.
Definition: γυμνός, -ή, -όν, [in LXX chiefly for עָרוֹם ;] naked, without clothing, and sometimes (as frequently in cl.) scantily or poorly clad (Isa.20:2ff., Tob.1:16, 2Ma.11:12): Mat.25:36, 38 43, 44, Mrk.14:52, Jhn.21:7, Act.19:16, Jas.2:15, Rev.3:17 16:15, 17:16; as subst., to γ., the naked body, Mrk.14:51. Metaphorical, of things exposed, Heb.4:13; of the soul without a body (Plat., Crat., with, 20, and cf. Deiss., LAE, 293), 2Co.5:3; of seed, bare, 1Co.15:37 (Cremer, 168).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: naked See also: 1 Corinthians 15:37; Mark 14:52; Hebrews 4:13.
ευρεθησομεθα ehuriskō G2147 "to find/meet" Verb-FPI-1P
To find or discover something, like in Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus teaches that those who seek will find. This word is about searching and finding, whether it's a physical object or a spiritual truth.
Definition: εὑρίσκω, [in LXX chiefly for מצא, also for נשׂג hi., etc. ;] to find, with or without previous search: absol., opposite to ζητέω, Mat.7:7, 8 Luk.11:9, 10; with accusative, Mat.2:8, Mrk.1:37, Act.13:22, 2Ti.1:17, al.; pass., οὐχ εὑ., of disappearance, Heb.11:5, Rev.16:20, al.; γῆ κ. τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ ἔργα εὑρεθήσεται (for conjectures as to the meaning of this reading, see Mayor, ICC, in l.), 2Pe.3:10, WH, R, mg. Metaphorical, to find, find out by inquiry, learn, discover: Luk.19:48, Act.4:21; αἰτίαν, Jhn.18:38, Act.13:28, al.; pass., Mat.1:18, Luk.17:18, Rom.7:10, 1Co.4:2, Gal.2:17, 1Pe.1:7, Rev.5:4, al.; of attaining to the knowledge of God, εὑ. θεόν, Act.17:27; pass., Rom.10:20 (LXX). Mid., to find for oneself, gain, procure, obtain: with accusative of thing(s), λύτρωσιν, Heb.9:12; act. in same sense (so cl. poets, but not in Attic prose), Mat.10:39 11:29, Luk.1:30, Act.7:46, 2Ti.1:18, al. (cf. ἀν-ευρίσκω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 167 NT verses. KJV: find, get, obtain, perceive, see See also: 1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 12:37; 1 Peter 1:7.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 5:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 3:7–11 And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?” “I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” “Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
2 Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
3 Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
4 Exodus 32:25 Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies.

2 Corinthians 5:3 Summary

This verse means that when we receive our heavenly dwelling, we will be completely covered and clothed in Christ, with no shame or fear. It's like putting on a new set of clothes that makes us feel whole and complete. As believers, we currently live in a body that is subject to weakness and suffering, but we have the promise that one day we will be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, and our mortality will be 'swallowed up by life' (2 Corinthians 5:4). This gives us hope and comfort, knowing that our true identity and dignity are found in our union with Christ (Galatians 3:27).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'clothed' in the context of 2 Corinthians 5:3?

In this verse, being 'clothed' refers to receiving our heavenly dwelling, which is our eternal, glorified body, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:53. This is in contrast to being 'naked', which symbolizes our current mortal state.

Why is it important that we are not found 'naked' when we are clothed?

Being 'naked' would imply a state of shame or vulnerability, as seen in Genesis 3:10. However, when we receive our heavenly dwelling, we will be fully clothed and complete in Christ, with no reason for shame or fear.

How does this verse relate to our current experience as believers?

As believers, we currently live in a mortal body that is subject to weakness and suffering, as described in Romans 8:23. However, we have the promise that one day we will be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, and our mortality will be 'swallowed up by life', as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:4.

What is the significance of the contrast between being 'clothed' and 'naked' in this verse?

The contrast between being 'clothed' and 'naked' highlights the radical difference between our current state and our future, glorified state. It emphasizes that our true identity and dignity as believers are not found in our mortal bodies, but in our union with Christ, as expressed in Galatians 3:27.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I currently feel 'naked' or vulnerable in my walk with God, and how can I trust in His promise to clothe me with my heavenly dwelling?
  2. How does the promise of receiving my heavenly dwelling impact my daily life and struggles, and what does it mean to live in light of this hope?
  3. In what ways can I practically 'groan' and long for my heavenly dwelling, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:2, and what are some ways in which God is currently preparing me for this future reality?
  4. What are some areas in which I need to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when I feel 'naked' or exposed, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and dependence on Him?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 5:3

If so be that being clothed,.... This supposition is made with respect to the saints who shall be alive at Christ's second coming, who will not be stripped of their bodies, and so will "not be found

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 5:3

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. If so be ... [B Delta G read ei (G1487) per (G4007), provided that, if so be: 'Aleph (') C, ei-ge (G1489), seeing that, since.] Our 'desire'

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:3

Some make the clothing here spoken of different from the clothing before mentioned; and make this verse restrictive of what the apostle had before said, of the certainty which some have of being clothed upon with a glorious body. If so be (saith the apostle) we shall not be found naked, but clothed, i.e. with the wedding garment of Christ’ s righteousness; for concerning those that do not die in the Lord, that do not watch, and keep their garments, it is said, , they shall walk naked, and men shall see their shame. But considering the clothing before mentioned was not this clothing, but the superinducing of an immortal, incorruptible, glorious state of body, upon our mortal, corruptible state, some judicious interpreters think, that the clothing here mentioned is the clothing of the soul with the body. It is manifest that the apostles apprehended Christ’ s second coming much nearer than it hath proved. Therefore he saith, : We that are alive (supposing that generation might live) to Christ’ s second coming; and : We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. This some think (and that not improbably) is the cause of this passage; the sense of which they judge to be this: If so be that we be, at the resurrection, found in the flesh, clothed still with our bodies, and shall not be found naked, that is, stripped of our flesh, and dead before that time.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:3

3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. Ver. 3. If so be that, &c.] q.d. Howbeit, I know not whether we shall be so clothed upon, that is, whether we that are now alive shall be found alive at Christ’ s coming to judgment, whether we shall then be found clothed with our bodies, or naked, that is, stripped of our bodies.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:3

(3) If so be that being clothed . . .—The Greek particles express rather more than the English phrase does, the truth of what follows. “If, as I believe . . .,” though not a translation, would be a fair paraphrase. The confident expectation thus expressed is that in the resurrection state the spirit will not be “naked,” will have, i.e., its appropriate garment, a body—clothing it with the attributes of distinct individuality. To the Greek, Hades was a world of shadows. Of Hades, as an intermediate state, St. Paul does not here speak, but he is sure that, in the state of glory which seemed to him so near, there will be nothing shadowy and unreal. The conviction is identical with that expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:35-49, against those who, admitting the immortality of the spirit, denied the resurrection of the body.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:3

Verse 3. If so be that being clothed] That is, fully prepared in this life for the glory of God; We shall not be found naked.] Destitute in that future state of that Divine image which shall render us capable of enjoying an endless glory.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 5:3

3. if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked] Rather, with Tyndale, whom Cranmer follows, yet if (some recent editors, following another reading, would render seeing) that we shall be found clothed, not naked. This passage has been variously explained. Some regard it (1) as asserting that at the last day we are certain to receive a Resurrection-body, and not to be left as disembodied spirits. Others, as Bp Wordsworth, remembering that γυμνός does not mean literally naked, but (John 21:7; cf. Xen. Anab. iv. iv. 12) destitute of the upper garment, interpret it (2) ‘if we shall be found in the Resurrection-body at the last day,’ not in the frail mortal tenement which we must otherwise resume. The chief objection to these interpretations is that the word ‘found’ applies rather to the condition in which we are, than to that in which we are to be when Christ comes. It will therefore be best to follow the interpretation which regards the passage as referring to the possibility of St Paul and those to whom he is speaking being alive at the coming of Christ (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and note on 1 Corinthians 15:51), and to translate if (in that day) we shall be found clothed (with the body), not naked (i.e. disembodied). The various readings which are found in this passage increase the difficulty of explaining it. For (1) the word translated if so be is found in two different forms in the early Greek copies of this Epistle, the one expressing a greater, the other a less degree of uncertainty. Then (2) some copies read ‘unclothed’ for ‘clothed,’ so that the passage then runs if when unclothed (of the body) we shall not be found naked. But this reading was probably introduced by some copyist who could not comprehend the passage as it stood.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 5:3

If so be that being clothed - This passage has been interpreted in a great many different ways. The view of Locke is given above.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:3

3. If so be—By the best reading, since it will be, the apostle expresses no doubt.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 5:3

SermonDescription
St. John Chrysostom 2 Corinthians 5:1 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of enduring trials and afflictions, highlighting the benefits of suffering for the sake of Christ. He emphasizes the transformation of
George Fox Epistle 77 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of waiting in the measure of the life of God to guide our minds towards the Father of life, urging believers to shed the changing aspects of li
Tim Keller Nakedness & the Holiness of God by Tim Keller In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need for control and the fear of being seen as unworthy. He highlights the drive to work hard and the inability to disappoint others. The
Chuck Missler Genesis #07 Ch. 4-5 by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters four and five. He begins by reviewing highlights from Genesis 2 and 3, emphasizing the concept of Adam and Eve attempting t
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 3:6-7 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Satan uses the same tactics to deceive people today as he did in the Garden of Eden. The preacher explains that Satan appeals to the lust
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 3:8-9 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He points out that when God called out to Adam, he was hiding because he and his wife had re
Carter Conlon Why Should I Turn From Sin? by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher urges the audience not to waste their lives pursuing worldly things and living apart from the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of coming to Ch

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