2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Wherefore {G1352} come out {G1831} from {G1537} among {G3319} them {G846}, and {G2532} be ye separate {G873}, saith {G3004} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} touch {G680} not {G3361} the unclean {G169} thing; and {G2504} I will receive {G1523} you {G5209},

Therefore Adonai says,

“‘Go out from their midst;
separate yourselves;
don’t even touch what is unclean.
Then I myself will receive you.

“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you,

Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:17 is a powerful call to spiritual separation and purity, echoing Old Testament themes of holiness for God's people. This verse serves as the culmination of Paul’s urgent appeal to the Corinthian believers to live lives consistent with their faith, particularly in their relationships and associations.

Context

This verse is found within a broader passage (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) where the Apostle Paul warns against believers being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers. The preceding verses, especially 2 Corinthians 6:14, highlight the incompatibility between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial. Paul is addressing the potential for compromise and corruption that could arise from intimate partnerships (whether marital, business, or religious) with those who do not share their fundamental faith and moral values. The command to "come out from among them" draws directly from Old Testament prophetic calls for Israel to separate from the idolatry and uncleanness of surrounding nations, such as in Isaiah 52:11 and Jeremiah 51:45.

Key Themes

  • Separation and Holiness: The primary message is a divine imperative for believers to be distinct from the world's sinful practices and values. This is not about physical isolation, but a moral and spiritual demarcation. God desires His people to be set apart for His purposes, reflecting His holy character.
  • Purity: The phrase "touch not the unclean [thing]" emphasizes the need for spiritual and moral purity. This includes abstaining from idolatry, immorality, and any behavior that defiles the body, which Paul elsewhere calls the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
  • Divine Reception and Acceptance: The promise "and I will receive you" underscores the intimate relationship God offers to those who obey His call to holiness. This reception implies adoption into God's family and the blessings of His presence and favor, further elaborated in 2 Corinthians 6:18.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "come out from among them" translates the Greek exelthete ek mesou auton, a strong imperative meaning "go out from the midst of them." This is reinforced by "be ye separate" (Greek: aphoristhete), which means "to mark off by boundaries," "to distinguish," or "to set apart." This term highlights the active choice and commitment required of believers to live distinctly. The "unclean [thing]" (Greek: akathartou) refers to anything ritually or morally impure, often associated with pagan practices, idolatry, or sinful behavior that defiles in God's sight.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 6:17 is a timeless call to spiritual discernment and integrity. It challenges us to evaluate our associations, entertainment, and habits to ensure they do not compromise our faith or commitment to Christ. This separation is not about self-righteousness or withdrawal from society, but about maintaining spiritual purity and a clear witness. It means choosing influences that draw us closer to God and avoiding those that tempt us towards sin or worldly compromise. By embracing this call to separation and holiness, we affirm our identity as God's children and experience the profound blessing of His reception and intimate fellowship, aligning with the broader biblical exhortation to be holy in all our conduct.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 52:11 (56 votes)

    Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

  • Revelation 18:4 (35 votes)

    And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 (30 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Ezra 10:11 (25 votes)

    Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.

  • Numbers 16:26 (25 votes)

    And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

  • Psalms 1:1 (24 votes)

    ¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

  • Psalms 1:3 (24 votes)

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.