Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:9KJV
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2 Corinthians 5:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 5:9 mean?

2 Corinthians 5:9 says that Paul and his companions make it their aim to please God, whether they are alive in the body or have passed from this life. The verse highlights a constant desire to be accepted by God, no matter their current situation.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his motivation for how he lives and serves. The context is about living with the awareness that life on earth is temporary and that believers will one day be with God. Paul’s focus is not on pleasing people or seeking comfort, but on being found pleasing to God both now and in the life to come.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 5:9

  • "labour" (φιλοτιμέομαι, philotimeomai): This Greek word means to strive eagerly or to make it one's ambition. Paul is not just working; he is putting his heart into this goal, showing that pleasing God is his highest aim.
  • "accepted" (εὐάρεστος, euarestos): This word means well-pleasing or acceptable. Paul’s concern is not just to be tolerated by God, but to be found genuinely pleasing in God’s sight.
  • "present" (ἐνδημέω, endēmeō) and "absent" (ἐκδημέω, ekdēmeō): These words refer to being at home in the body (alive) or away from it (after death). Paul is saying that his desire to please God is not limited by his earthly circumstances.

Why 2 Corinthians 5:9 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that pleasing God is only for certain times or situations; Paul says it is a constant goal, whether in this life or the next.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about living with eternity in mind, reminding readers that what matters most is God’s approval, not human opinion.
  • By using strong words for ambition and acceptance, Paul shows that his motivation is deeply rooted and wholehearted, not casual or half-hearted.

Where else these words appear

“labour” Greek G5389 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

“present” Greek G1736 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

“absent” Greek G1553 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

“accepted” Greek G2101 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  • Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
  • Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.