Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Corinthians 5:7

"(for we walk by faith, not by sight);" — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ASV)

For we walk by faith, not by sight—Better, and not by what we see (or, by appearance).

It seems almost sad to alter the wording of a familiar and favourite text, but it must be admitted that the word translated “sight” never means the faculty of seeing, but always the form and appearance of the thing seen.

(Luke 9:29; John 5:37.)

This fact is taken for granted, and it serves as proof that, in our present state, we are absent from the Lord. Now we believe in Him without seeing Him; in the future, we will see Him face to face. Our life, conduct, and our “walk” in this world rest on our belief in the Unseen.