for we walk by faith, not by sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 5:7
What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean?
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2 Corinthians 5:7
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This verse isn't just about believing in what you can't see; it's about actively living based on what God has revealed, not just what your current circumstances show you. The original Greek actually uses a word that means "to order one's steps" or "to conduct one's life," so Paul is saying our whole way of life should be guided by faith. It's a call to align our daily decisions and direction with God's truth, even when the evidence around us points elsewhere.
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about the radical new life believers have in Christ, contrasting the visible, earthly life with the invisible, eternal reality. He's just explained that those united with Christ are new creations, and now he's emphasizing that this new existence isn't based on what we can see or experience in the here and now, but on trusting God's unseen promises. This verse sets up his subsequent argument that believers are therefore ambassadors for Christ, acting on behalf of God in this world, even though their true citizenship is elsewhere.
We often hear about 'faith,' but what does it mean to 'walk' by it? It's more than just believing; it's how we move through life.
Paul uses the metaphor of a 'walk' to describe the entirety of our Christian life. It's not about a single decision, but a continuous journey.
A Daily Journey
Our faith isn't meant to be a static belief system but an active, ongoing way of living. This daily walk involves making choices, navigating challenges, and interacting with the world.
Guided by the Unseen
Instead of relying on what our physical eyes can see – the immediate circumstances, the apparent logic, or the opinions of others – believers are called to be guided by what God has revealed through His Word and His Spirit. This requires trust, even when things don't make immediate sense.
Why does Paul set 'faith' and 'sight' in such direct opposition? Understanding this contrast is key to grasping the essence of biblical trust.
The world often operates on the principle of 'seeing is believing.' We trust what is tangible, measurable, and evident to our senses.
The Limits of Sight
However, 'sight' in this context represents reliance on the visible, temporal, and often deceptive evidence of this world. Our senses can mislead us, and the things we see can be temporary and fleeting.
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The Power of Faith
'Faith,' on the other hand, is trust in the unseen realities – God Himself, His promises, His power, and His ultimate plan. It’s an unwavering confidence in the invisible God who is sovereign over all visible circumstances. This faith is not blind optimism but a reasoned trust based on God's character and His Word.
Understand the original words
peripatoumen · Greek Verb
To live, conduct one's life, or regulate one's behavior according to a specific principle or standard.
pisteōs · Greek Noun
A confident trust, reliance, and commitment to God and His word, often contrasted with reliance on sensory experience. It is the conviction of things not seen.
eidous · Greek Noun
The faculty of physical vision or external appearance, representing reliance on worldly evidence rather than spiritual reality.
This passage defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' directly mirroring the idea of walking by faith rather than by what is immediately apparent.
Romans 8:24-25Paul emphasizes that we are saved by hope, and 'hope that is seen is not hope.' This echoes the 2 Corinthians verse, highlighting that our Christian journey is sustained by an unseen reality, not just what we can perceive.
John 20:29Jesus tells Thomas, 'Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' This directly illustrates the value and blessing of faith that trusts beyond physical evidence.
Galatians 2:20Paul declares, 'I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.' This shows how the life of faith is a daily, lived reality, empowered by Christ within.
This verse isn't just about believing in what you can't see; it's about actively living based on what God has revealed, not just what your current circumstances show you. The original Greek actually uses a word that means "to order one's steps" or "to conduct one's life," so Paul is saying our whole way of life should be guided by faith. It's a call to align our daily decisions and direction with God's truth, even when the evidence around us points elsewhere.
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about the radical new life believers have in Christ, contrasting the visible, earthly life with the invisible, eternal reality. He's just explained that those united with Christ are new creations, and now he's emphasizing that this new existence isn't based on what we can see or experience in the here and now, but on trusting God's unseen promises. This verse sets up his subsequent argument that believers are therefore ambassadors for Christ, acting on behalf of God in this world, even though their true citizenship is elsewhere.
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about the radical new life believers have in Christ, contrasting the visible, earthly life with the invisible, eternal reality. He's just explained that those united with Christ are new creations, and now he's emphasizing that this new existence isn't based on what we can see or experience in the here and now, but on trusting God's unseen promises. This verse sets up his subsequent argument that believers are therefore ambassadors for Christ, acting on behalf of God in this world, even though their true citizenship is elsewhere.
"for we walk by faith, not by sight." — This verse isn't just about believing in what you can't see; it's about actively living based on what God has revealed, not just what your current circumstances show you. The original Greek actuall…
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Last reviewed October 2026