2 Corinthians Chapter 3 · Verse 17

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Original Language Analysis

ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ Now G1161
δὲ Now
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 13
but, and, etc
κυρίου of the Lord G2962
κυρίου of the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 3 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα that Spirit G4151
πνεῦμα that Spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 5 of 13
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἐστιν· is G2076
ἐστιν· is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 6 of 13
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
οὗ where G3757
οὗ where
Strong's: G3757
Word #: 7 of 13
at which place, i.e., where
δὲ Now G1161
δὲ Now
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 8 of 13
but, and, etc
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα that Spirit G4151
πνεῦμα that Spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 10 of 13
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
κυρίου of the Lord G2962
κυρίου of the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 11 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐκεῖ is there G1563
ἐκεῖ is there
Strong's: G1563
Word #: 12 of 13
there; by extension, thither
ἐλευθερία is liberty G1657
ἐλευθερία is liberty
Strong's: G1657
Word #: 13 of 13
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)

Analysis & Commentary

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. This verse is theologically dense. The Lord is that Spirit (Greek ho kyrios to pneuma estin, ὁ κύριος τὸ πνεῦμα ἐστιν) does not collapse Christ and the Spirit into one person (that would be modalism) but identifies the "Lord" of Exodus 34:34 (to whose presence Moses came unveiled) with the Holy Spirit who now unveils hearts. Paul sees the Spirit as the active presence of the risen Christ—where the Spirit is, Christ is.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (Greek hou de to pneuma kyriou, eleutheria, οὗ δὲ τὸ πνεῦμα κυρίου, ἐλευθερία). The term eleutheria (ἐλευθερία, "freedom" or "liberty") contrasts with the bondage of the old covenant (Galatians 4:24-26; 5:1). The Spirit liberates from:

  1. the veil of spiritual blindness
  2. the law's condemnation
  3. sin's enslaving power
  4. fear and shame.

This liberty is not license but the freedom to become what we were created to be—image-bearers of God transformed into Christ's likeness (verse 18).

Historical Context

The concept of spiritual freedom was central to Paul's gospel, especially when addressing the Galatian and Corinthian churches threatened by Judaizers who wanted to impose Mosaic law on Gentile believers. Greco-Roman culture also valued liberty (libertas in Latin), but understood it politically and socially. Paul spiritualizes and universalizes the concept: true freedom is not freedom from authority but freedom in Christ to fulfill God's purposes. The indwelling Spirit is the source and sustainer of this liberty, transforming believers from within rather than constraining them from without.

Questions for Reflection