2 Corinthians 5:7

[37818]

Typically, 2 Corinthians 5:7, ". . . (For we walk by faith, not by sight: ) . . ."

Which brings to mind, Matthew 15:14, ". . . if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. . . ."

This being pointed out, the better translation for 2 Corinthians 5:7, would be, ". . . For we walk by faith, not by appearance: . . .". Translating the very same word as used in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, ". . . Abstain from all appearance of evil. . . ." And the evidence for this are Ananias, with Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10 walking by appearance.

 

[timf]

I can appreciate to desire to contrast faith with that which appearance (eidos). However, in context I see "sight" as having appearance implied.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

If you wanted to stress appearance, you might have to go past a "word for word" translation with something like
.
For we walk by faith, not by how things appear

 

[37818]

2 Corinthians 5:7.
δια πιστεως γαρ περιπατουμεν ου δια ειδους

1 ,Thessalonians 5:22.
απο παντος ειδους πονηρου απεχεσθε

 

[Van]

2Co 5:7
for we walk by faith, not by [fn]sight—

Contextually, since our Lord is not physically present with us, we stick with Him by means of faithfulness to His commands and instructions. The footnote provided by the NASB says "or appearance" so the OP choice is certainly valid. The prepositions rendered "by" in the above translation are "dia" which in this usage could be translation "by means of faith, not by means of sight or appearance. Our ambition is to be pleasing to to Him, and not wander from the path of righteousness.

Another facet possible to find in this verse is whose sight or perception? Do we walk by means of our internal compass or by means of providing a wholesome image to others? Obviously not!