2 Corinthians 6:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 6:17
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 6 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, righteousness, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 6:17
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Analysis
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord (διὸ ἐξέλθατε ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν καὶ ἀφορίσθητε, λέγει κύριος, dio exelthate ek mesou autōn kai aphoristhēte, legei kyrios)—Dio ('wherefore, therefore') grounds this command in the preceding identity: because you are God's temple. Exelthate (aorist imperative of exerchomai) commands decisive departure—'come out!' Aphoristhēte (aorist passive imperative of aphorizō, 'separate, set apart') recalls Israel's call to be a holy nation (Lev 20:24-26). This isn't social isolation but spiritual distinctiveness—refusing partnerships and practices that compromise covenant loyalty.
And touch not the unclean thing (καὶ ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε, kai akathartou mē haptesthe)—Akathartos (unclean) evokes Levitical purity laws (Lev 5:2; 11:8; Isa 52:11). Haptomai (touch, handle, cling to) suggests intimate contact. Paul applies ceremonial uncleanness metaphorically to moral and spiritual defilement—primarily idolatry and its associated immorality. The present imperative with mē means 'stop touching' or 'do not continue touching.'
And I will receive you (κἀγὼ εἰσδέξομαι ὑμᾶς, kagō eisdexomai hymas)—Eisdechomai means to receive favorably, welcome, accept. The future tense promises God's responsive reception when His people obey the call to separation. This echoes God's acceptance of Israel after they separated from Egypt (Ex 19:5-6) and anticipates eschatological acceptance into God's presence. Separation from the world is the pathway to intimacy with God—we cannot embrace both simultaneously.
Historical Context
Paul quotes loosely from Isaiah 52:11 (LXX), originally commanding exiles to leave Babylon ceremonially clean as they carried temple vessels back to Jerusalem. Paul applies this exodus/exile typology to Christians: we are to 'come out' from spiritual Babylon (worldliness, idolatry, compromise) and maintain covenant purity as we journey to the heavenly city (cf. Rev 18:4).
Reflection
- From what specific entanglements is God calling you to 'come out' and 'be separate' in order to maintain covenant purity?
- How do you discern the difference between biblical separation (maintaining spiritual distinctiveness) and sinful separatism (Pharisaic isolationism)?
- What promise of divine reception motivates your willingness to accept the cost and loneliness that sometimes accompanies separation from worldliness?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Ezra 6:21, 10:11, Isaiah 52:11, Jeremiah 51:6
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 7:1, Numbers 16:21, 16:26, Proverbs 9:6, Acts 2:40, Revelation 18:4