2 Corinthians 6:16

Analysis

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? (τίς δὲ συγκατάθεσις ναῷ θεοῦ μετὰ εἰδώλων; tis de synkatathesis naō theou meta eidōlōn?)—Synkatathesis means agreement, union, or compact. Naos (temple) refers to the inner sanctuary, the holy of holies where God dwells. Eidōlon (idol) refers to false gods and their images. Paul's fifth rhetorical question reaches the climax: God's temple cannot coexist with idols—this would be the abomination of desolation itself.

For ye are the temple of the living God (ἡμεῖς γὰρ ναὸς θεοῦ ἐσμεν ζῶντος, hēmeis gar naos theou esmen zōntos)—Paul answers his own question by identifying believers corporately as God's temple. Theos zōn (living God) contrasts with dead idols (Ps 115:4-7). This echoes 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and anticipates Ephesians 2:19-22. Christians individually and corporately are indwelt by God's Spirit, making them sacred space. To compromise with idolatry is to defile God's holy dwelling.

As God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them (καθὼς εἶπεν ὁ θεὸς ὅτι Ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐμπεριπατήσω, kathōs eipen ho theos hoti Enoikēsō en autois kai emperipa­tēsō)—Paul combines Leviticus 26:11-12, Ezekiel 37:27, and perhaps other texts in a composite quotation. Enoikeō (dwell in) and emperipateō (walk among) express God's covenant presence—the fulfillment of tabernacle/temple theology. What was promised to Israel now applies to the church.

And I will be their God, and they shall be my people (καὶ ἔσομαι αὐτῶν θεός, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔσονταί μου λαός, kai esomai autōn theos, kai autoi esontai mou laos)—This is the covenant formula repeated throughout Scripture (Gen 17:7-8; Ex 6:7; Jer 31:33; Ezek 36:28; Rev 21:3). Believers enjoy covenant relationship with the living God, who dwells in them by His Spirit. This sacred identity demands separation from idolatry.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church existed in a city filled with pagan temples and idol worship. Temples to Apollo, Aphrodite, and other deities dominated the cityscape. Christians were tempted to compromise by participating in temple feasts and pagan rituals for social or business reasons (1 Cor 8-10). Paul reminds them that they themselves are God's temple, making such compromise unthinkable.

Reflection

• How does understanding yourself as 'the temple of the living God' affect your view of personal holiness and what you allow into your life?
• What modern 'idols' might you be allowing 'agreement' with in ways that defile God's temple?
• How should the reality that God dwells in and walks among His people motivate both personal purity and corporate holiness in the church?