2 Corinthians 6:16

Authorized King James Version

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τίς

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

συγκατάθεσις

G4783

agreement

a deposition (of sentiment) in company with, i.e., (figuratively) accord with

ναὸς

G3485

hath the temple

a fane, shrine, temple

θεός

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

εἰδώλων

G1497

idols

an image (i.e., for worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such

ὑμεῖς

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#10

ναὸς

G3485

hath the temple

a fane, shrine, temple

#11

θεός

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#12

ἐστε

G2075

are

ye are

#13

ζῶντος

G2198

of the living

to live (literally or figuratively)

#14

καθὼς

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

#15

εἶπεν

G2036

hath said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#16

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

θεός

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#18

ὅτι

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#19

Ἐνοικήσω

G1774

I will dwell

to inhabit (figuratively)

#20

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#21

αὐτοὶ

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

ἐμπεριπατήσω

G1704

walk in

to perambulate on a place, i.e., (figuratively) to be occupied among persons

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#25

ἔσονταί

G2071

I will be

will be

#26

αὐτοὶ

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#27

θεός

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#28

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#29

αὐτοὶ

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#30

ἔσονταί

G2071

I will be

will be

#31

μοι

G3427

to me

#32

λαός

G2992

people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Corinthians chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?