2 Corinthians 6:16

KJV

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} what {G5101} agreement {G4783} hath the temple {G3485} of God {G2316} with {G3326} idols {G1497}? for {G1063} ye {G5210} are {G2075} the temple {G3485} of the living {G2198} God {G2316}; as {G2531} God {G2316} hath said {G2036},{G3754} I will dwell {G1774} in {G1722} them {G846}, and {G2532} walk in {G1704} them; and {G2532} I will be {G2071} their {G846} God {G2316}, and {G2532} they {G846} shall be {G2071} my {G3427} people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What agreement can there be between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God — as God said,

“I will house myself in them, . . .
and I will walk among you.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”

Berean Standard Bible

What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

American Standard Version

And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 6:16 profoundly declares the sacred identity of believers as the very dwelling place of the living God, drawing a stark contrast between this divine indwelling and any association with idols. Paul's rhetorical question underscores the absolute incompatibility of God's holy presence with anything that defiles, urging the Corinthian church to live in a manner consistent with their unique status as His spiritual temple, where He desires to dwell and walk among His people, fulfilling His ancient covenant promise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of Paul's impassioned plea for separation and holiness, beginning in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"). The preceding verses (6:14-15) present a series of rhetorical questions, each highlighting the irreconcilable differences between opposing spiritual realities: righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, a believer and an unbeliever. These questions build a logical and theological case for why believers cannot be "yoked together" with unbelievers in ways that compromise their faith or purity. Verse 16 directly answers the implicit question raised by these contrasts, revealing the foundational reason for such separation: believers are the temple of God, and therefore, God's dwelling place cannot coexist with idols or unholy practices. This entire section (6:14-7:1) functions as a cohesive unit, transitioning from a call for spiritual separation to a renewed emphasis on sanctification, culminating in the exhortation to "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God" ([2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Completing Holiness")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church existed within a vibrant and often morally lax Greco-Roman port city, renowned for its diverse religious cults, philosophical schools, and prevalent idolatry, including the worship of gods like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon. Participation in civic life often involved attendance at pagan festivals, which frequently included idol sacrifices and associated immoral behaviors. Believers faced immense pressure to conform to these cultural norms, making Paul's strong admonition against "agreement with idols" critically relevant. The concept of a "temple" was deeply ingrained in their society, representing a sacred space dedicated to a deity. By declaring the believers themselves as the "temple of the living God," Paul was reorienting their understanding of sacred space and divine presence from physical structures to the community of faith, challenging them to embody holiness in a pagan environment. This context explains the urgency and directness of Paul's appeal for spiritual purity and distinctiveness.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - The Temple of the Living God") is the **Believer as God's Temple**, a profound theological truth that shifts the locus of God's dwelling from a physical building (like the Jerusalem Temple or pagan shrines) to His people. This theme is foundational to Paul's theology, also articulated in [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple") (the corporate church as God's temple) and [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit") (the individual body as the Holy Spirit's temple). This identity demands **Incompatibility of God and Idols**, emphasizing that the worship of the one true "living God" cannot coexist with the worship of false gods or any form of spiritual compromise. The rhetorical question "what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?" powerfully conveys this absolute antithesis. Furthermore, the verse highlights **God's Indwelling Presence**, as it explicitly quotes Old Testament promises from [Leviticus 26:12](/leviticus/26-12 "Leviticus 26:12 - God's Promise to Walk Among His People") and [Ezekiel 37:27](/ezekiel/37-27 "Ezekiel 37:27 - God's Dwelling Place Among Them"), where God declares His intention to "dwell in them, and walk in [them]." This signifies God's desire for intimate fellowship and active presence among His people. Finally, the concluding phrase, "and I will be their God, and they shall be my people," reaffirms the **Covenant Relationship** between God and His chosen ones, a promise of ownership, protection, and reciprocal loyalty that defines the identity of believers throughout salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **temple (Greek, _naós'_):** (G3485) This term refers specifically to the inner sanctuary of a temple, the holiest part where the deity was believed to reside, as opposed to the broader temple complex (hieron). Paul's use of _naós_ here underscores the profound sacredness and intimacy of believers' relationship with God, implying that God's very presence dwells within them, making them a consecrated space.
* **idols (Greek, _eídōlon'_):** (G1497) Derived from a word meaning "image" or "phantom," _eídōlon_ denotes an object of worship that is not the true God. It encompasses not only physical statues but also anything that usurps God's rightful place in one's life or devotion. Paul uses this term to represent the antithesis of the living God, emphasizing the complete spiritual opposition between divine truth and false worship.
* **dwell in (Greek, _enoikéō'_):** (G1774) This compound verb, meaning "to inhabit" or "to live in," emphasizes a permanent, indwelling presence. It signifies God's active and continuous residence within believers, transforming them into His spiritual habitation. This is not a temporary visit but a settled, intimate presence, reflecting a covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question that serves as the climax of Paul's preceding series of contrasts. It implies an absolute impossibility: there can be no common ground, harmony, or shared purpose between the sacred dwelling place of the one true God and the empty, defiling presence of false gods or anything that competes for ultimate allegiance. The question highlights the inherent spiritual and moral incompatibility.
* **"for ye are the temple of the living God;"**: This clause provides the foundational reason for the incompatibility stated in the preceding question. It shifts from the abstract concept of "the temple of God" to the concrete reality of the Corinthian believers themselves. The term "living God" contrasts sharply with the lifelessness of idols, emphasizing God's active, dynamic, and life-giving presence among His people. This declaration establishes the believers' new identity and sacred status.
* **"as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them];"**: Paul grounds this profound truth in the Old Testament, quoting from passages like Leviticus 26:12 and Ezekiel 37:27. This demonstrates that God's desire to indwell His people is not a new concept but a fulfillment of ancient covenant promises. "Dwell in them" (enoikeō) signifies a permanent residence, while "walk in them" (emperipateō) suggests an active, dynamic, and intimate presence, indicating God's ongoing relationship and communion with His people.
* **"and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."**: This concluding phrase is a classic covenant formula, echoing numerous Old Testament declarations (e.g., Exodus 6:7, Jeremiah 31:33). It reaffirms the reciprocal relationship established by God's grace: He is their sovereign Lord and protector, and they are His chosen, beloved possession, bound to Him in loyalty and obedience. This statement encapsulates the essence of the covenant, defining the identity and destiny of those who are the temple of the living God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - The Temple of the Living God") to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?" This question is not meant to be answered literally, but rather to emphasize the absolute impossibility and absurdity of any such "agreement." It forces the audience to confront the stark contrast and draw the obvious conclusion about the incompatibility of God and idolatry. Paul also uses **Metaphor** extensively by referring to believers as "the temple of the living God." This powerful image transforms the physical temple, a sacred structure in the ancient world, into a spiritual reality, highlighting the sacredness, holiness, and divine indwelling presence within individual believers and the collective church. Furthermore, the verse contains **Allusion** and **Quotation** to Old Testament covenant promises (Leviticus 26:12, Ezekiel 37:27), grounding the New Covenant reality in the historical faithfulness of God. This intertextual connection lends authority and depth to Paul's argument, demonstrating that the indwelling of God in His people is a consistent theme throughout salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration that believers are the "temple of the living God" is a profound theological statement, signifying a radical shift in God's dwelling place from a physical structure to His redeemed people. This concept elevates the status of every believer and the corporate church, imbuing them with immense sacredness and responsibility. It underscores God's desire for intimate, indwelling communion with humanity, fulfilling ancient covenant promises. The absolute incompatibility between God's holy presence and idols (representing anything that competes for ultimate devotion) demands a life of separation and purity, reflecting the character of the God who indwells. This theological truth calls believers to a lifestyle of holiness, recognizing that their bodies and the community of faith are consecrated spaces where God's glory is to be manifested.

* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")
* [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth of [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - The Temple of the Living God") is both a profound privilege and a weighty responsibility. To be the "temple of the living God" means that the Creator of the universe, the Holy One, has chosen to make His home within us, both individually and corporately as the Church. This reality should profoundly shape our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our choices. If God truly dwells within us, then our lives must reflect His holiness and character. This calls for a conscious and continuous effort to "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit" ([2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Completing Holiness")), recognizing that anything that compromises our purity or draws our ultimate devotion away from God is an "idol" that defiles His dwelling place. This applies not only to overt acts of sin but also to subtle compromises in our values, relationships, and priorities. Living as God's temple means cultivating a deep reverence for His presence within us, leading to a life of worship, obedience, and discerning separation from the world's unholy influences. It is an invitation to walk in intimate fellowship with the God who desires to "dwell in" and "walk in" His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" (whether overt or subtle) might be competing for God's rightful place in my heart or life today?**
* **How does understanding myself as the "temple of the living God" impact my daily choices, particularly concerning my body, my relationships, and my entertainment?**
* **In what ways can our local church community more fully embody its identity as the "temple of the living God," reflecting His holiness and presence to the world?**
* **How does the promise "I will be their God, and they shall be my people" encourage and challenge me in my walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "agreement" between the temple of God and idols?**

Answer: In [2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - The Temple of the Living God"), Paul uses the Greek word _synkatathesis_ (G4783), which implies a shared sentiment, concord, or a harmonious agreement. By asking "what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?", Paul is posing a rhetorical question that expects a resounding "none!" He means that there can be no common ground, no partnership, no harmonious coexistence, and no shared purpose between the holy presence of the living God (who indwells believers) and the lifeless, defiling nature of idols or anything that represents false worship and unrighteousness. It underscores the absolute spiritual and moral incompatibility between light and darkness, Christ and Belial, and God's people and the world's systems of idolatry and sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The concept of believers as the "temple of the living God" finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God on earth, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that the Word "dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled among us"). Jesus Himself spoke of His body as the temple that would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Temple")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ broke down the barrier between God and humanity, making it possible for God's Spirit to indwell believers. The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Christ ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")), now takes up residence in the hearts of those who believe, transforming them into living stones built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Thus, the promise of God to "dwell in them, and walk in [them]" is fulfilled through Christ, who, by His Spirit, makes believers a new temple where God's presence is not confined to a physical structure but is intimately experienced within His redeemed people, forming them into a holy habitation for the Lord ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")).

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

Revelation 21:3

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.

Exodus 29:45

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Leviticus 26:12

And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

Jeremiah 32:38

And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:

Ezekiel 37:26

Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

Ezekiel 37:27

My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.