2 corinthians 6:17 - Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you. Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34,41
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What does "2 corinthians 6:17" mean?
2 Corinthians 6:17 is drawing on imagery from the Old Testament (specifically Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34,41) to make a point about the need for believers to separate themselves from ungodly influences and practices. Let's break it down:
"Therefore": This connects the verse to the preceding verses in 2 Corinthians 6. Paul is urging the Corinthians not to be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). He's arguing that there's an incompatibility between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial (Satan).
"'Come out from among them, and be separate,' says the Lord": This is the core command. "Come out" is a call to leave or withdraw from a specific environment or group. "Be separate" emphasizes that this isn't just a physical departure, but also a detachment from the values, practices, and attitudes of that environment. This harkens back to the Old Testament idea of God's chosen people being distinct and holy. In Isaiah 52:11, this was a call to the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile to leave behind the defilements of that pagan land. In the New Testament, it is a call to believers to separate from the defilements of the world.
"'Touch no unclean thing'": This reinforces the idea of separation. "Unclean thing" represents anything morally or spiritually defiling—idolatry, immorality, false teachings, or any practice that contradicts God's character and commands. It's a warning against even casual or superficial involvement with such things.
"I will receive you": This is the promise attached to obedience. If believers heed God's call to separation, He will welcome them, accept them, and fellowship with them. This highlights the relational aspect of obedience; God desires closeness with those who are devoted to Him.
In summary, 2 Corinthians 6:17 calls believers to:
Withdraw from environments and relationships that compromise their faith.
Avoid practices and influences that are morally or spiritually defiling.
Embrace a life of holiness and obedience to God.
The underlying principle is that believers are to live distinctively, reflecting God's character and values in a world that often opposes them. The imagery from Isaiah and Ezekiel is used to underscore the seriousness of this call and the blessings that come with obedience.
2 corinthians 6:17 - Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you. Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34,41
What does "2 corinthians 6:17" mean?
2 Corinthians 6:17 is drawing on imagery from the Old Testament (specifically Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34,41) to make a point about the need for believers to separate themselves from ungodly influences and practices. Let's break it down:
"Therefore": This connects the verse to the preceding verses in 2 Corinthians 6. Paul is urging the Corinthians not to be "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). He's arguing that there's an incompatibility between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial (Satan).
"'Come out from among them, and be separate,' says the Lord": This is the core command. "Come out" is a call to leave or withdraw from a specific environment or group. "Be separate" emphasizes that this isn't just a physical departure, but also a detachment from the values, practices, and attitudes of that environment. This harkens back to the Old Testament idea of God's chosen people being distinct and holy. In Isaiah 52:11, this was a call to the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile to leave behind the defilements of that pagan land. In the New Testament, it is a call to believers to separate from the defilements of the world.
"'Touch no unclean thing'": This reinforces the idea of separation. "Unclean thing" represents anything morally or spiritually defiling—idolatry, immorality, false teachings, or any practice that contradicts God's character and commands. It's a warning against even casual or superficial involvement with such things.
"I will receive you": This is the promise attached to obedience. If believers heed God's call to separation, He will welcome them, accept them, and fellowship with them. This highlights the relational aspect of obedience; God desires closeness with those who are devoted to Him.
In summary, 2 Corinthians 6:17 calls believers to:
Withdraw from environments and relationships that compromise their faith.
Avoid practices and influences that are morally or spiritually defiling.
Embrace a life of holiness and obedience to God.
The underlying principle is that believers are to live distinctively, reflecting God's character and values in a world that often opposes them. The imagery from Isaiah and Ezekiel is used to underscore the seriousness of this call and the blessings that come with obedience.