2 Corinthians 3:17

KJV

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the Lord {G2962} is {G2076} that Spirit {G4151}: and {G1161} where {G3757} the Spirit {G4151} of the Lord {G2962} is, there {G1563} is liberty {G1657}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, “Adonai” in this text means the Spirit. And where the Spirit of Adonai is, there is freedom.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

American Standard Version

Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 3:17 is a pivotal declaration within Paul's discourse on the New Covenant, asserting that the Lord, identified with the Spirit, brings profound spiritual liberty. This verse encapsulates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who frees believers from the bondage of the Law, the dominion of sin, and spiritual blindness, ushering them into a life characterized by freedom and direct access to God's presence and glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Paul's extended argument in [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Superiority of the New Covenant"), where he meticulously contrasts the Old Covenant (Law) with the New Covenant (Spirit). Paul begins by defending his apostleship, then transitions to comparing the two covenants, using the imagery of Moses' veiled face from [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - Moses' Veiled Face") as a central metaphor. The Old Covenant, though glorious, brought condemnation and a "ministry of death" ([2 Corinthians 3:7](/2_corinthians/3-7 "2 Corinthians 3:7 - The Ministry of Death")). In stark contrast, the New Covenant, ministered by the Spirit, brings righteousness and "far greater glory" ([2 Corinthians 3:8-9](/2_corinthians/3-8-9 "2 Corinthians 3:8-9 - The Ministry of Righteousness")). Paul explains that the veil over Moses' face symbolized the spiritual blindness of Israel, preventing them from perceiving the fading nature of the Old Covenant's glory and the true spiritual meaning of the Law. This veil remains for those who do not turn to Christ, but "when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed" ([2 Corinthians 3:16](/2_corinthians/3-16 "2 Corinthians 3:16 - The Veil Removed")). Verse 17 then clarifies *how* this removal of the veil and the subsequent transformation occur: through the presence of the Spirit. The passage culminates in the promise of progressive transformation into Christ's image ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation by the Spirit")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Corinthians addresses a church grappling with internal divisions, external pressures, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Some within the Corinthian church, possibly influenced by Jewish-Christian teachers, may have been advocating for a return to aspects of the Mosaic Law, misunderstanding the nature of Christian freedom. The reference to Moses and the veil would have resonated deeply with a Jewish audience, familiar with the Old Testament narrative, and also served as a powerful visual for Gentile believers. The concept of "liberty" (Greek: _eleuthería_) was understood in various ancient contexts, ranging from political freedom to philosophical autonomy. Paul redefines this concept in a spiritual sense, distinguishing it from mere license and rooting it in the work of the Holy Spirit. The cultural practice of veiling, particularly for women, also played a role in Corinthian society, adding another layer of resonance to Paul's metaphor of the spiritual veil.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant") is the **superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant**. This superiority is demonstrated through several sub-themes:
* **Glory:** The Old Covenant had a fading glory, while the New Covenant possesses an enduring and increasing glory ([2 Corinthians 3:7-11](/2_corinthians/3-7-11 "2 Corinthians 3:7-11 - Contrasting Glories")).
* **Spirit vs. Letter:** The Old Covenant was a ministry of the "letter" that brought death, whereas the New Covenant is a ministry of the "Spirit" that gives life ([2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life")).
* **Spiritual Blindness and Revelation:** The veil over Moses' face symbolizes the spiritual blindness of those under the Old Covenant, which is removed only when one turns to the Lord through the Spirit ([2 Corinthians 3:14-16](/2_corinthians/3-14-16 "2 Corinthians 3:14-16 - The Veil of Unbelief")).
* **Transformation:** The ultimate result of the Spirit's work is the progressive transformation of believers into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation by the Spirit")).
* **Liberty:** Central to this transformation is the theme of liberty, which is the direct outcome of the Spirit's presence, freeing believers from the Law's condemnation and sin's power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, often used for God in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), here refers to Jesus Christ. Paul's statement "Now the Lord is that Spirit" does not mean Christ literally *is* the Holy Spirit as a distinct person of the Trinity, but rather emphasizes their unity in purpose, essence, and active presence. The Lord Jesus Christ is present and active in the believer through the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit is, Christ is effectively present, bringing His liberating power.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This word denotes a "current of air," "breath," or "breeze," and by extension, a "spirit." In this context, it unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of the New Covenant, who indwells believers, empowers them, and mediates the presence and work of Christ. It is through His agency that the veil is removed and liberty is experienced.
* **Liberty (Greek, _eleuthería'_):** This term signifies "freedom" or "emancipation." In the context of 2 Corinthians 3, it is not merely political or social freedom, nor a license to sin. Instead, it refers to a profound spiritual emancipation from the condemnation and curse of the Mosaic Law, the enslaving power of sin, the spiritual blindness that prevents understanding of God's truth, and the fear of death. It is the freedom to approach God directly, to live righteously by divine empowerment, and to serve Him out of love rather than obligation or fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the Lord is that Spirit":** This clause is a profound theological statement. It does not equate the person of the Lord (Jesus Christ) with the person of the Holy Spirit in a modalistic sense, but rather asserts that the Lord's presence and active work in the New Covenant are realized through the Holy Spirit. In the Old Covenant, Moses' encounter with God's glory was mediated and veiled; in the New Covenant, the Lord's presence is immediate and unveiled through the indwelling Spirit, allowing direct access and understanding.
* **"and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty":** This second clause declares the direct consequence of the Holy Spirit's presence. The Spirit's indwelling and active work in believers results in a state of true spiritual freedom. This liberty encompasses freedom from the condemnation of the Law (as discussed in the preceding verses), freedom from the power and dominion of sin, and freedom from the spiritual blindness that characterized the Old Covenant. It is the freedom to live in a right relationship with God, to understand His truth, and to serve Him with an unveiled face.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse and the surrounding passage. **Metaphor** is central, particularly the **metaphor** of the "veil" over Moses' face, which represents the spiritual blindness of those under the Old Covenant who cannot perceive the fading glory of the Law or the true meaning of the Scriptures. The removal of this veil, then, is a **symbol** of spiritual enlightenment and understanding that comes through turning to the Lord by the Spirit. The verse also utilizes **contrast**, implicitly comparing the bondage and condemnation associated with the Law (Old Covenant) to the liberty and life brought by the Spirit (New Covenant). The concise, declarative statement "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty" functions as a **profound theological aphorism**, distilling complex theological truths into a memorable and impactful declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a foundational statement regarding the nature of the New Covenant and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the intimate unity between Christ and the Spirit in their redemptive work, asserting that the very presence of God's Spirit in a believer's life is the source of genuine spiritual freedom. This liberty is multifaceted, encompassing release from the Law's condemnation, the power of sin, and spiritual blindness, enabling believers to live in a dynamic, unveiled relationship with God. It is a freedom that empowers, rather than permits license, leading to righteous living and joyful service.

* [Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")
* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Freedom")
* [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 3:17 offers profound assurance and a call to embrace the reality of our New Covenant identity. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not one of burdensome obligation or fear, but of liberating freedom. For the believer, this means recognizing that the Holy Spirit indwells us, actively working to free us from anything that hinders our walk with Christ. This freedom is not an invitation to spiritual laziness or moral license, but rather an empowerment to live righteously, to understand God's Word with an unveiled mind, and to serve Him out of genuine love and gratitude. It encourages us to lean into the Spirit's guidance, trusting His power to transform us from glory to glory, rather than striving in our own strength to earn favor or righteousness. Living in this liberty means embracing our identity as children of God, no longer slaves to sin or the Law, but empowered by the Spirit to reflect the image of Christ in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you still feel bound by fear, guilt, or the pressure to perform, rather than experiencing the Spirit's liberty?**
* **How does understanding the Holy Spirit as the source of freedom change your perspective on obedience and discipleship?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully yield to the Spirit's presence and experience the liberty He offers in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "the Lord is that Spirit"? Does this imply that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the same person?**

Answer: No, Paul does not mean that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the same person in a modalistic sense. Christian theology affirms the Trinity: one God in three distinct persons—Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. Paul's statement here emphasizes their unity of purpose, essence, and active presence, particularly in the context of the New Covenant. The "Lord" refers to Jesus Christ, and the "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit. The point is that the liberating presence and power of the resurrected Christ are made real and active in the believer through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit is, Christ is effectively present, bringing about the freedom and transformation that characterize the New Covenant. This is consistent with other New Testament passages that speak of Christ "in us" through the Spirit (e.g., [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 3:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and source of the liberty proclaimed. The "Lord" in this verse is unequivocally Jesus, whose redemptive work on the cross secured the freedom that the Spirit now applies to believers. He is the one who, through His death and resurrection, broke the power of sin and the curse of the Law, making true spiritual emancipation possible. The veil of spiritual blindness, which Paul describes as being removed when one turns to the Lord, is ultimately removed by Christ Himself, who is the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) and the one who gives understanding. The Spirit, then, is the divine agent who mediates Christ's liberating presence, making the benefits of His finished work a present reality for believers. This liberty is not a license for lawlessness but a freedom to serve God in righteousness and holiness, empowered by the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Gives Life to Your Mortal Bodies")). Thus, the freedom we experience "where the Spirit of the Lord is" is fundamentally a freedom *in Christ*, allowing us to live out the new life He purchased for us, no longer slaves to sin but children of God ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freed from Sin")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Galatians 4:6

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Galatians 5:1

¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:2

To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;