Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:9

What does 2 Corinthians 5:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 5:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 5:9 means

Because whether we stay or go we belong to the Lord, our settled aim is to please Him. Paul frames the Christian life as a deliberate ambition—not to secure God’s favor by works, but to live in a way worthy of the One we will soon see. This centers life on God’s approval rather than human applause or comfort. The aim applies in every state—bodily life now and life with the Lord—because He is the same Lord in both. The verse encourages focused purpose: knowing our destiny and our Judge, we align our choices to honor Him now, anticipating His well-pleased verdict.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason we make it our purpose, in the body or away from it, to be well-pleasing to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And therefore we labour, whether absent or present, to please him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore also we are zealous, whether present or absent, to be agreeable to him.

Context

Having expressed courage and preference (vv. 6–8), Paul moves to practical response: make it your aim to please the Lord in any condition. This transitions directly into verse 10, which provides the solemn reason—universal appearance before Christ’s judgment seat. The flow is logical: assurance (v. 5), courage (vv. 6–8), purpose (v. 9), and accountability (v. 10). These themes prepare for Paul’s defense of his ministry and motives in verses 11–13.

v.8we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

v.9This passage

v.10For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 1:10

    Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:

  • Colossians 1:10

    to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • Isaiah 56:7

    even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

  • Colossians 1:29

    whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

  • Ephesians 1:6

    to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:

  • 2 Peter 3:14

    Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.

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