2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Original Language Analysis
ταύτας
G3778
ταύτας
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαγγελίας
promises
G1860
ἐπαγγελίας
promises
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
5 of 19
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
8 of 19
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
G4561
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
12 of 19
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεύματος
spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 19
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
ἐπιτελοῦντες
perfecting
G2005
ἐπιτελοῦντες
perfecting
Strong's:
G2005
Word #:
15 of 19
to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 4:7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.1 Peter 2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;Proverbs 8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.1 John 3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:1 Corinthians 6:20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Historical Context
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians around AD 55-56 from Macedonia, following his 'severe letter' and Titus's mission to Corinth. The Corinthian church struggled with pagan culture's pervasive immorality and philosophical syncretism. Temple prostitution, civic idolatry, and Greco-Roman sexual ethics created constant pressure toward compromise. Paul's call for cleansing addressed both cultic contamination and everyday ethical compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'defilements of flesh and spirit' am I tolerating that compromise my witness for Christ?
- How does 'fear of God' differ from worldly fear, and how should it motivate my pursuit of holiness?
- In what ways do I compartmentalize holiness (treating it as private piety) rather than integrating it into all relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit—The Greek katharisōmen (καθαρίσωμεν, "let us cleanse") is a hortatory subjunctive, calling for decisive moral action. Paul links this to the promises of 6:16-18 (divine indwelling and father-child relationship). Molysmos (μολυσμός, "filthiness/defilement") refers to ritual and moral contamination—both bodily sarx (σάρξ, "flesh") and spiritual pneuma (πνεῦμα, "spirit") dimensions require purification.
Perfecting holiness in the fear of God—Epiteleō (ἐπιτελέω, "perfecting/completing") suggests ongoing sanctification, not instantaneous perfection. Hagiōsynē (ἁγιωσύνη, "holiness") is the state of being set apart for God. The motivation is phobos Theou (φόβος θεοῦ, "fear of God")—reverential awe that drives moral transformation. This verse bridges separation from idolatry (ch. 6) with reconciliation in relationships (ch. 7), showing holiness encompasses both vertical and horizontal dimensions.