What does 'whether present or absent' mean in 2 Corinthians 5:9?

It means whether a believer is still here in this world or has gone on to be with the Lord. Being present or absent is beside the point and moot. The passage is not dealing with salvation but with reward for how believers live and serve, so they may be approved by the Lord.

Les explains that Paul was dealing with the departure of the soul and spirit from the body, which puts the believer present with the Lord. In verse 9, 'whether present or absent' is beside the point, moot. Whether we are still here on this world or have gone on to be with the Lord, the issue is that we may be approved. Les emphasizes that these verses from 1-13 deal with believers and are not dealing with salvation at all; they concern reward for our living here in this life as believers. The admonition is that we are not just saved to escape hell fire, but saved to serve, and that is why He leaves us here.

2 Corinthians 5:9

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

In 2 Corinthians 5:9, does it matter whether a believer is present in the body or absent with the Lord?

No. In 2 Corinthians 5:9, the distinction between being present in the body or absent with the Lord is beside the point. Paul calls it moot. Whether still on earth or gone to be with the Lord, the believer’s aim is to be approved, because these verses concern reward for living here as believers, not salvation.