2 Corinthians 5:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 5:17 profoundly declares the radical, transformative reality experienced by anyone united with Christ. It asserts that to be "in Christ" is to undergo a divine re-creation, resulting in a fundamentally new spiritual identity where the former way of life, dominated by sin and separation from God, has definitively passed away, and all aspects of one's being and perspective are made new by God's power. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian conversion as a complete spiritual rebirth, not merely an improvement of the old self.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within Paul's broader discussion of his apostolic ministry and the motivations behind it, particularly his conviction that Christ's love compels him (2 Corinthians 5:14). Paul contrasts his former, fleshly understanding of Christ with a new, spiritual apprehension (2 Corinthians 5:16). He then introduces the concept of "new creation" as the foundational truth that undergirds the ministry of reconciliation, which he elaborates on in the subsequent verses (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The transformative power of being "in Christ" is presented as the prerequisite for participating in and experiencing this divine reconciliation, moving from alienation to a restored relationship with God. The immediate context emphasizes the profound shift in perspective and purpose that defines the believer's life and mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions, moral laxity, and challenges to Paul's authority, often influenced by worldly wisdom and a focus on external appearances. Paul's letter seeks to defend his apostleship, correct errant behaviors, and call the believers to a deeper, more authentic walk with Christ. In a culture that valued status, rhetoric, and outward show, Paul emphasizes an internal, spiritual transformation that transcends societal norms and human achievements. The concept of "new creation" would have resonated with both Jewish ideas of a new covenant and Gentile philosophical notions of personal change, yet Paul's understanding roots it firmly in the redemptive work of Christ, distinguishing it from mere self-improvement or adherence to a new set of rules. It speaks to a divine intervention that reorders one's entire existence, a stark contrast to the superficiality sometimes present in Corinth.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's theology and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Union with Christ**, emphasizing that the believer's new identity and status are entirely dependent on their spiritual incorporation "in Christ." This union is the source of all spiritual blessings and transformation, as seen throughout Paul's epistles, such as in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Secondly, the verse introduces the profound theme of **New Creation**, asserting that conversion is not merely a change of behavior but a radical, divine act of re-creation. This echoes the original creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and points forward to the eschatological hope of a new heavens and new earth in [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Transformation**, demonstrating that the "old things" associated with a life alienated from God have "passed away," making way for a completely "new" reality. This transformation encompasses one's worldview, values, and ultimate purpose, aligning them with God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Greek, _kainós_):** From G2537, this word signifies new in quality, nature, or kind, rather than new in time or age (which would be _neos_). It implies a freshness, an unprecedented quality that did not exist before. In the context of 2 Corinthians 5:17, it means the believer is not merely renovated or improved, but fundamentally, qualitatively different, possessing a new spiritual nature imparted by God.
* **creature (Greek, _ktísis_):** From G2937, this term refers to original formation, the act of creation, or the thing created. It emphasizes that the transformation described is not a human achievement but a divine act of creation, akin to God's original work in Genesis. The believer is a "new creation" because God has brought something entirely new into being within them, a work of divine power.
* **passed away (Greek, _parérchomai_):** From G3928, this word means to come near or aside, to go by or away, or figuratively, to perish or neglect. In this verse, it conveys the definitive cessation and removal of the "old things." It's not a gradual fading but a decisive departure, indicating that the former state of being, characterized by sin and alienation, has been superseded and rendered obsolete by the new reality in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore if any man [be] in Christ,"**: This opening clause establishes the essential condition for the radical transformation that follows. The phrase "in Christ" signifies a profound spiritual union and identification with Jesus Christ through faith. It is a state of being, a new spiritual address, where one is united with His death, resurrection, and new life. This union is the exclusive prerequisite for becoming a "new creature."
* **"[he is] a new creature:**": This is the central declaration of the verse. Because of the union "in Christ," the individual is not merely reformed or improved, but is fundamentally, spiritually re-created by God. The term "new creature" (Greek: _kainē ktisis_) emphasizes a qualitative newness, a fresh existence that derives directly from God's creative power, akin to the original act of creation. It denotes a person who has undergone a radical, divine transformation at the core of their being.
* **"old things are passed away;"**: This clause details the consequence of becoming a new creature. The "old things" refer to the former way of life, the previous identity, the dominion of sin, the old covenant, and the worldly perspectives that defined the person before Christ. These things are not merely set aside but have "passed away" (Greek: _parerchomai_), indicating a definitive cessation, a complete removal or obsolescence. They no longer hold sway or define the believer.
* **"behold, all things are become new."**: This concluding exclamation (Greek: _idou_ - "behold!") draws attention to the comprehensive and miraculous nature of the transformation. It is not just a part of the person that is new, but "all things." This encompasses a new relationship with God, new desires, new purposes, new perspectives, new values, and the indwelling Holy Spirit enabling a new way of living. This "newness" is a present reality, though its full realization is an ongoing process of sanctification.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in 2 Corinthians 5:17 to convey the profound truth of spiritual transformation. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the believer is described as a "new creature" or "new creation." This metaphor vividly portrays a radical, qualitative change, implying a divine act of re-creation rather than mere renovation. It draws a parallel to God's original act of creation, emphasizing the supernatural nature of conversion. **Contrast** is also central, as Paul juxtaposes "old things" with "all things... become new." This stark opposition highlights the definitive break from the past and the comprehensive nature of the change. The "old" represents a life under sin and the law, while the "new" signifies a life in Christ, empowered by grace. Finally, the interjection **"behold"** (Greek: _idou_) serves as an exclamation or imperative, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the astonishing and undeniable reality of this transformation. It functions as a rhetorical device to emphasize the wonder and certainty of what has occurred.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 2 Corinthians 5:17 are vast and foundational to Christian doctrine. It speaks directly to the doctrine of **regeneration** or the new birth, asserting that conversion is not merely a decision or a change of behavior, but a supernatural work of God that imparts a new spiritual life. This new creation signifies a radical break from the old self, which was dead in trespasses and sins, and an entrance into a vibrant, living union with Christ. This transformation is comprehensive, affecting one's identity, desires, and relationship with God, moving from alienation to reconciliation. It undergirds the call to **sanctification**, as believers are called to live out this new identity by continually putting off the old self and putting on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24). The verse also points to the **eschatological hope** of a fully renewed creation, where all things will ultimately be made new by God.

* [Galatians 6:15](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - New Creation Over Circumcision")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship")
* [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 5:17 offers a profound lens through which believers can understand their identity and purpose. It calls us to embrace the radical truth that in Christ, we are not merely improved versions of our old selves, but entirely new creations. This truth liberates us from the condemnation and patterns of our past, reminding us that our identity is now rooted in our union with Christ. Practically, this means living in light of this new reality: allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our minds, desires, and actions to align with our new nature. It encourages us to discern and "pass away" from "old things"—old habits, thought patterns, and worldly perspectives that are inconsistent with our new life in Christ—and to actively pursue "all things new" that reflect His character and kingdom. This verse is a powerful source of hope and assurance, reminding us that God is actively at work within us, continually making us more like His Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me, personally, to be a "new creature" in Christ, and how should this truth shape my daily decisions and perspectives?**
* **What "old things" in my life (habits, thought patterns, relationships, fears) do I need to consciously allow to "pass away" in light of my new identity in Christ?**
* **How can I actively pursue and embrace the "all things new" that God is bringing forth in my life, and what does this look like in my relationships, work, and spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ

**Does "new creature" mean I'm perfect and no longer struggle with sin?**

Answer: No, being a "new creature" does not mean instant perfection or the complete absence of sin. It signifies a fundamental change in your spiritual identity and nature. Before Christ, you were spiritually dead and enslaved to sin; in Christ, you are spiritually alive, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and empowered to resist sin. While your *position* in Christ is perfect and complete, your *experience* of sanctification is an ongoing process. The "old things" have passed away in terms of their dominion over you, but the struggle with the flesh remains, as described in [Romans 7:14-25](/romans/7-14-25 "Romans 7:14-25 - The Struggle with Sin"). The "new creature" has a new desire and capacity for righteousness, but the journey of conforming to Christ's image continues throughout life.

**What exactly are the "old things" that are passed away?**

Answer: The "old things" refer to the former way of life and identity that characterized a person before their union with Christ. This includes:
* **Spiritual death and alienation from God:** Before Christ, one was separated from God due to sin ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")).
* **Dominion of sin:** Sin was one's master ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Dead to Sin")).
* **Condemnation under the Law:** The Law exposed sin and brought condemnation, without providing the power to overcome it ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin")).
* **Worldly perspectives and values:** Living according to the flesh, self-centeredness, and the values of a fallen world ([Ephesians 4:17-19](/ephesians/4-17-19 "Ephesians 4:17-19 - Living as Gentiles Live")).
* **Old identity:** One's identity defined by past failures, human achievements, or societal status, rather than by Christ.
These "old things" are no longer the defining realities of the believer's existence; they have been decisively superseded by the new life in Christ.

**Is this transformation instantaneous or a process?**

Answer: The initial act of becoming a "new creature" (regeneration) is instantaneous and complete at the moment of conversion when one is united with Christ by faith. At that point, the "old things" are definitively "passed away" in terms of one's spiritual standing and identity before God. However, the outworking of this new creation in daily life, known as sanctification, is an ongoing, lifelong process. While the *root* of sin's dominion is broken, the *fruit* of righteousness takes time to grow as the Holy Spirit progressively renews the believer's mind, desires, and actions ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Work in Us")). So, it's both an instantaneous spiritual reality and a progressive practical experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 5:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the catalyst for this "new creation," but He *is* the New Creation in human form, the prototype and source of all spiritual newness. Christ's death on the cross definitively put an end to the "old things"—the power of sin, the curse of the Law, and humanity's alienation from God. His resurrection inaugurated the "new things"—a new humanity, a new covenant, and a new way of life empowered by the Spirit. When we are "in Christ," we are mystically united with His death and resurrection, dying to the old self and being raised to walk in "newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to New Life")). He is the "last Adam," through whom a new humanity is formed, contrasting with the old humanity represented by the first Adam ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First and Last Adam")). The "new creature" is therefore a participant in Christ's own resurrected life, a foretaste of the ultimate "new heavens and new earth" where He will make "all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")). Thus, the transformation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17 is entirely Christ-centered, flowing from His redemptive work and culminating in our conformity to His glorious image.

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

Ezekiel 36:26

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

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

Ephesians 4:24

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

Isaiah 43:18

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

Isaiah 43:19

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

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

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