2 Corinthians 3:17 kjv
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Corinthians 3:17 nkjv
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2 Corinthians 3:17 niv
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 esv
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 nlt
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 3:18 | ...all of us, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord... | New Covenant transformation |
| Gal 5:1 | For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. | Liberty in Christ |
| Rom 8:2 | For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. | Freedom from law of sin |
| John 8:36 | So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. | Christ's liberating power |
| 1 Cor 6:17 | But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. | Union with the Spirit |
| Acts 17:28 | For ‘in him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ | God's pervasive presence |
| Rom 15:19 | by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God... | Spirit's power |
| John 14:16-17 | ...and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper...even the Spirit of truth... | The Holy Spirit's role |
| 1 Cor 2:10 | ...for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. | Spirit's searching |
| Eph 4:30 | And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. | Spirit as sealer |
| Ps 119:45 | I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts. | Freedom in obedience |
| 2 Cor 1:12 | ...but by the grace of God we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more especially toward you. | Living by grace |
| 2 Cor 5:17 | Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. | New creation in Christ |
| Gal 3:27-28 | As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek... | Unity in Christ |
| Heb 10:19-22 | Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way... | Access to God |
| Isa 61:1 | The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me... | Spirit's anointing |
| Luke 4:18 | "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor... | Mission of the Spirit |
| Acts 5:3 | But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...? | Personality of the Spirit |
| 1 Thes 5:19 | Do not quench the Spirit. | Honoring the Spirit |
| John 4:24 | God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. | Spirit-led worship |
2 Corinthians 3 verses
2 Corinthians 3 17 Meaning
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. This verse signifies the absolute freedom that comes from encountering and abiding in the presence of God's Spirit. It contrasts the restrictions of the old covenant with the liberty found in Christ under the new covenant. This freedom is not merely physical or political, but spiritual liberation from sin, condemnation, and the law's bondage. It speaks to a transformation of the inner person, enabled by the Holy Spirit, leading to boldness, joy, and authentic worship.
2 Corinthians 3 17 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 3 extensively contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant in Christ. Paul is likely defending his apostleship and ministry against criticisms from those who doubt his authenticity and authority. He highlights the superior glory and freedom of the new covenant ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, compared to the law, which he describes as a ministry of death that leads to condemnation. This verse serves as a climactic statement of the spiritual liberation inherent in the new covenant.
2 Corinthians 3 17 Word Analysis
Now (Νυνὶ - nyni): "Now," indicating the present reality of the new covenant. It points to the current state of believers under the administration of the Spirit.
the Lord (Κύριος - Kurios): Refers to Jesus Christ, emphasizing his divine authority and lordship. This directly connects the Spirit's presence with Christ's sovereignty.
is (ἐστιν - estin): The verb "to be," asserting a permanent characteristic.
the Spirit (τὸ Πνεῦμα - to Pneuma): Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, active in the believer's life.
and (δὲ - de): A coordinating conjunction, linking the first clause to the second.
where (οὗ - hou): "In which place" or "in which circumstance."
the Spirit (τὸ Πνεῦμα - to Pneuma): The Holy Spirit again.
of the Lord (τοῦ Κυρίου - tou Kuriou): Possession; belonging to the Lord.
is (ἐστιν - estin): The verb "to be."
there (κἀκεῖ - kakei): "And there," strongly affirming presence. It's a combination of 'kai' (and) and 'ekeï' (there), adding emphasis.
liberty (ἐλευθερία - eleutheria): Freedom, liberty, independence. This is a key term in Pauline theology, signifying liberation from sin, law, and the bondage of the old covenant.
The Lord is the Spirit: This phrase establishes the intimate connection and identity between Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Christ is actively present and operative through the Spirit.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty: This is a causal statement. The presence of the Spirit results in or guarantees freedom. It highlights the Spirit's work as the direct source and enabler of spiritual liberty. The "Lord" mentioned is ultimately Jesus, making this a statement about Christ's work through the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3 17 Bonus Section
The identification of "the Lord" as "the Spirit" is theologically profound. It reflects the unity of the Godhead and the continuous work of Christ through the Spirit in the lives of believers. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord empowered individuals and guided the nation. In the New Testament, the indwelling Holy Spirit represents the new reality of God's presence in believers, signifying a deeper intimacy and a life of freedom from sin's dominion. This is further illuminated by John 4:24, stating "God is Spirit," underscoring the spiritual nature of true worship and relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 3 17 Commentary
This verse is pivotal in understanding the nature of Christian freedom. It's not a self-generated or political freedom, but a spiritual liberty imparted by the Holy Spirit, who is identified with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit liberates believers from the penalty and power of sin and from the Mosaic Law's condemnatory aspect. This freedom allows for unhindered access to God, confident worship, and a life lived in Christ's likeness, moving from the old covenant's "ministry of death" to the new covenant's "ministry of righteousness" and "spirit" (vv. 6-9). The phrase "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" implies that true freedom is inseparable from God's presence and the indwelling Spirit. It is a continuous state, not a one-time event, for those who remain in Christ.
- Practical application: When believers experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, they are freed from fear, guilt, and the pressure to perform according to the law. This enables genuine worship, love, and service to God and others.