The word Here is more literally “In this” and means “In this present body” (Revised English Bible), “While we are here on earth” (Contemporary English Version). Some may prefer to say “In this life.”

Indeed: this single English word translates two Greek words that may also be translated as “for also” or “for even.” Here they introduce a further point or elaboration on the previous verse. Many modern translations leave these Greek words untranslated (so Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, rev, New International Version).

We groan, and long: the words and long translate a participle which is literally “longing.” Paul means either “we groan while we long to put on” or “we groan because we long to put on” (Bible en français courant). In this context the verb translated groan should not be taken to mean the kind of noise one makes when in pain or severe doubt. It is rather the sighing that occurs when a person earnestly desires and hopes for something good. In verse 4 below, as in Mark 7.34, the same verb is translated “sigh.” Here Translator’s New Testament reads “we … cry out for….”

To put on our heavenly dwelling: the verb to put on means to put on an item of clothing over what one is already wearing. Paul mixes metaphors, referring to the spiritual body first as a building (5.1) and then as clothing to be put on. The form of the Greek verb to put on may be understood as active voice as in Revised Standard Version or as passive voice as in Good News Translation (“be put on”). If translators accept the verb as passive in meaning, it may be necessary to make the agent explicit: “that God should put on us our home that comes from heaven.” Knox has “the shelter of that home,” while New American Bible speaks of having “our heavenly habitation envelop us.” Because of the mixed metaphors in this verse, some translators have felt it necessary to change the image of putting on clothing to being hidden in a house, or covered by a house.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .