2 Corinthians 7 1

2 Corinthians 7:1 kjv

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.

2 Corinthians 7:1 nkjv

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 niv

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 esv

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 nlt

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

2 Corinthians 7 verses

2 Corinthians 7 1 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial imperative following the divine promises outlined in the preceding verses (2 Cor 6:16-18). It calls believers to actively participate in a continuous process of purification. Based on the possession of God's sure promises, believers are exhorted to cleanse themselves from every form of moral and spiritual impurity that defiles both their physical actions and their inner spiritual state. This cleansing is not a one-time event but an ongoing endeavor to perfect holiness, pursued out of profound reverence and awe for God. It highlights the indispensable partnership between God's enabling grace (promises) and human responsibility (cleansing and pursuit of holiness).

2 Corinthians 7 1 Context

Verse 2 Corinthians 7:1 immediately follows Paul's strong exhortation against being "yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Cor 6:14). This earlier passage uses a series of rhetorical questions and strong contrasts (light vs. darkness, Christ vs. Belial) to emphasize the absolute incompatibility of righteousness with lawlessness and belief with unbelief. It culminates in God's promises in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, drawing heavily on Old Testament themes of God's dwelling among His people, His walking among them, and His being their God, father, and receiving them. The verse in focus (2 Cor 7:1) functions as the logical conclusion and a call to action derived directly from these divine promises. Because God has made such profound commitments to them, His beloved children are expected to respond with dedicated purification.

The historical context of Corinth was a bustling, diverse Roman city renowned for its significant trade and, unfortunately, also for widespread immorality and pagan worship. The Corinthian church struggled with internal divisions, arrogance, and the pervasive influence of the surrounding culture. Paul's previous letters (including an earlier, harsher one referred to implicitly in 2 Corinthians) addressed these issues. This current passage is part of Paul's ongoing pastoral and apostolic guidance, reinforcing the necessity of living distinctly as God's people in a compromising environment, moving from theological assertion to practical imperative for holiness.

2 Corinthians 7 1 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν - oun): This is a transitional conjunction, signaling a logical inference. It firmly links the call to action in this verse to the preceding verses (2 Cor 6:14-18) which outline God's precious promises to those who separate themselves. It signifies "in light of these things," or "consequently."
• having (ἔχοντες - echontes): A present active participle, indicating a continuous state of possession. Believers are not merely hoping for these promises; they actually have them, are holding them. This present reality of possession serves as the ongoing motivation for the command that follows.
• these promises (ταύτας τὰς ἐπαγγελίας - tautas tas epangelias): Refers directly to God's commitments detailed in 2 Cor 6:16-18, where He promises to dwell among them, walk with them, be their God and Father, and receive them. "Epangelia" specifically denotes divine assurances or guarantees, carrying strong weight and reliability.
• beloved (ἀγαπητοί - agapetoi): A term of tender affection used by Paul. It establishes an intimate, family-like relationship between the apostle and the Corinthians, as well as between God and His people. It is a persuasive and softening address, highlighting their identity as objects of divine and apostolic love, making the subsequent command not burdensome but a response of love.
• let us cleanse ourselves (καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς - katharisōmen heautous): This is an aorist active subjunctive, forming a hortatory (exhortation) "let us" command. It denotes decisive, thorough action rather than just a superficial or one-time event. The root "katharos" implies pure, clean, without stain, signifying moral and spiritual purity. The reflexive pronoun "ourselves" (ἑαυτοὺς) stresses personal responsibility and active self-purification, not passive expectation.
• from every defilement (ἀπὸ παντὸς μολυσμοῦ - apo pantos molusmou): "Molusmos" refers to impurity, stain, pollution, especially moral or spiritual contamination. "Pantós" (every) emphasizes the comprehensiveness; no area of life, thought, or deed is exempt from this call to purification. This indicates a deep-seated spiritual cleansing is required, moving beyond mere outward appearance.
• of body and spirit (σαρκὸς καὶ πνεύματος - sarkos kai pneumatos): This phrase comprehensively covers the entire human person. "Sarx" (flesh/body) refers to the physical being and its actions, which can be expressed in tangible, outward sin. "Pneuma" (spirit) refers to the inner life, thoughts, motives, desires, and attitudes. This dual mention signifies that cleansing must be holistic, addressing both outward conduct and inward condition, visible acts and invisible thoughts/dispositions.
• bringing holiness to completion (ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην - epitelountes hagiōsynēn): "Epitelountes" is a present active participle, meaning "bringing to completion," "finishing," or "perfecting." It implies an ongoing, continuous process. "Hagiōsynē" is derived from "hagios" (holy) and refers to the state of holiness, sanctity, or separation to God. This isn't just about initial justification but a lifelong process of progressive sanctification, maturing in godliness. It speaks of the full manifestation of ethical purity.
• in the fear of God (ἐν φόβῳ Θεοῦ - en phobō Theou): This phrase specifies the atmosphere or motivating principle for pursuing holiness. "Phobos Theou" implies a reverential awe, respect, and dread of displeasing a holy God, rather than simple terror. It is an acknowledgment of God's majesty, authority, and justice, leading to humble obedience and sincere devotion. It underscores that holiness is not self-effort but a response born from a proper relationship and understanding of who God is.

2 Corinthians 7 1 Bonus section

The structure of 2 Corinthians 7:1 strongly demonstrates the "indicative-imperative" pattern prevalent in Pauline theology. The "indicative" (what God has done or is) is established by the preceding promises ("having these promises"). The "imperative" (what we should do) directly follows ("let us cleanse ourselves...bringing holiness to completion"). This emphasizes that ethical living and pursuit of holiness are not the means to earn God's promises, but rather the consequence and appropriate response to promises already graciously given.

The use of "beloved" (agapetoi) prior to the command reinforces the relational context of the instruction. It's not a cold command from a distant deity, but an exhortation from an affectionate apostle speaking on behalf of a loving Father. This underscores that purification is an act of loving obedience and gratitude, rather than a grudging duty. It is a purification of people set apart for God's use and presence. The call to "perfect" or "complete" holiness (epitelountes hagiōsynēn) acknowledges the journey and effort involved, understanding that while positional holiness is instantaneous at conversion, practical holiness is a process that extends throughout one's earthly life. It encourages continuous spiritual growth and diligent effort, trusting that God who started the good work will bring it to completion.

2 Corinthians 7 1 Commentary

2 Corinthians 7:1 acts as an earnest imperative, a direct ethical command rooted in profound theological truth. Paul presents the promises of God, made in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, not as an end in themselves, but as the foundational motivation for a radical commitment to personal holiness. Because God has pledged to be their indwelling presence, their God, and their Father, believers are compelled to purify themselves.

This cleansing ("katharisōmen") is depicted as an active and comprehensive process ("from every defilement"). It's not passive grace but an engaged human response. The inclusion of "body and spirit" stresses a holistic sanctification, encompassing both outward behavior (e.g., idolatry, immorality that pervaded Corinth) and inward attitudes, thoughts, and motives. The external and internal dimensions of human existence are called to be freed from all moral and spiritual impurity, rejecting both overt sin and subtle corruptions of the heart.

Furthermore, this is not a one-time act but a continuous "bringing holiness to completion" (epitelountes hagiōsynēn), signifying the ongoing journey of sanctification towards maturity and perfection in Christ. This progressive development in holiness is not self-wrought, but diligently pursued "in the fear of God." This "fear" is not terror but a profound reverence, awe, and worshipful respect for God's majestic holiness and authority, which inspires diligent obedience and avoidance of anything that would displease Him. Thus, the verse harmonizes God's sovereign promises with human moral responsibility, depicting the Christian life as an active pursuit of purification driven by the magnitude of divine grace and a reverent posture before the Creator.

For practical usage, this means believers:

1. Are continuously reminded of God's faithful promises, which motivate purity.
2. Are actively responsible for identifying and renouncing sinful thoughts (spirit) and actions (body).
3. Are engaged in a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, rather than viewing salvation as a finish line.
4. Are propelled by a reverent fear of God that guides choices and priorities.