2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Therefore {G5620} if any man {G1536} be in {G1722} Christ {G5547}, he is a new {G2537} creature {G2937}: old things {G744} are passed away {G3928}; behold {G2400}, all things {G3956} are become {G1096} new {G2537}.

Therefore, if anyone is united with the Messiah, he is a new creation — the old has passed; look, what has come is fresh and new!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

Commentary

2 Corinthians 5:17 is a pivotal verse in understanding the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. It succinctly captures the radical change that occurs when someone becomes a follower of Christ, describing it as becoming an entirely new creation.

Context

This verse falls within a section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians where he discusses the motivation for his ministry (living for Christ), the transition from knowing Christ "after the flesh" to knowing Him spiritually, and the profound reality of reconciliation with God. Paul emphasizes that his life and ministry are driven by the love of Christ, leading him to see everyone through a new perspective. Verse 17 serves as the foundational statement explaining the nature of this transformation that makes reconciliation possible.

Key Themes

  • Being "In Christ": This phrase signifies a deep spiritual union and identification with Jesus Christ through faith. It is the essential condition for the transformation described.
  • A New Creature (Creation): The Greek term is kainē ktisis (καινὴ κτίσις), meaning a brand-new creation, something that did not exist before. It's not merely a renovation or improvement of the old self, but a fundamental, spiritual rebirth. This relates to the concept of being born again.
  • Old Things Passed Away: The former way of life, dominated by sin, separation from God, and worldly perspectives, is gone. This includes old identities, old masters, and old habits that defined the person before Christ.
  • All Things Become New: This speaks to the comprehensive nature of the transformation. It encompasses a new relationship with God, new desires, new purposes, new perspectives, and the presence of the Holy Spirit enabling a new way of living. It is a present reality, though the full realization awaits the future.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "new" (kainos) in kainē ktisis signifies new in nature, quality, or kind, as opposed to neos, which means new in time or origin. The believer is not just a younger version of their old self but fundamentally different. The term "creature" or "creation" (ktisis) highlights that this transformation is an act of God's divine power, akin to the original creation.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 5:17 is a powerful reminder of their identity in Christ. It calls them to live in accordance with this new reality, putting off the old self and living out the new life empowered by the Spirit. It offers hope and assurance that the past does not define them, but their position "in Christ" does. It is a basis for pursuing holiness and living a life that reflects the transformative grace of God.

Understanding this verse encourages believers to embrace their new identity and allow God to continue the work of making all things new in their lives, aligning their thoughts, desires, and actions with their new nature in Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 36:26 (383 votes)

    A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

  • Ephesians 4:22 (319 votes)

    That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

  • Ephesians 4:24 (319 votes)

    And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

  • Isaiah 43:18 (249 votes)

    Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

  • Isaiah 43:19 (249 votes)

    Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

  • John 3:3 (202 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

  • Psalms 51:10 (182 votes)

    Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.