2 Corinthians 3:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:17 is a profound verse that encapsulates a core truth of the New Covenant: the intimate connection between the Lord, His Spirit, and the resulting freedom experienced by believers. It stands as a powerful declaration of the liberating work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who turn to Christ.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's rich discourse in 2 Corinthians 3, where he contrasts the Old Covenant (the Law, represented by Moses and the veil over his face) with the New Covenant (the Spirit, bringing life and righteousness). Paul argues that the Old Covenant, though glorious, brought condemnation and a ministry of death (2 Corinthians 3:7), while the New Covenant, ministered by the Spirit, brings righteousness and far greater glory (2 Corinthians 3:8). He explains that the veil over Moses' face symbolized the spiritual blindness of Israel, preventing them from seeing the fading glory of the Old Covenant and the true spiritual meaning of the Law. The removal of this veil occurs when one turns to the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:16).

Key Themes

  • The Lord is the Spirit: This phrase emphasizes the unity of Christ and the Holy Spirit in their divine essence and work. It does not mean the Spirit is literally Christ, but rather that Christ's presence and active work in the believer are mediated through the Holy Spirit. Where Christ is present by His Spirit, His liberating power is active.
  • Spiritual Liberty: The central promise of the verse is "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." This is not license to sin, but freedom from several forms of bondage:
    • Freedom from the Law's condemnation: Believers are no longer under the Law's curse for failing to perfectly keep its demands (Galatians 5:1).
    • Freedom from the power of sin: The Spirit empowers believers to live righteously, breaking the dominion of sin (Romans 8:2).
    • Freedom from spiritual blindness: The Spirit removes the veil that prevents understanding of God's truth, leading to a clear revelation of Christ.
    • Freedom for service: True liberty empowers believers to serve God out of love, not fear or obligation.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "Spirit" is Pneuma (πνεῦμα), which refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers and empowers them.
  • The word for "liberty" is eleutheria (ἐλευθερία), meaning freedom, not merely political or social freedom, but a profound spiritual emancipation from sin, death, and the rigid requirements of the Law. It signifies the state of being free to act according to one's own will, particularly in serving God.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 3:17 is a constant reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It assures us that our relationship with God is characterized by freedom, not bondage or fear. Living under the New Covenant means:

  • Embracing the Spirit's Guidance: Instead of striving to earn righteousness through rules, we are led by the Spirit, who empowers us to live in ways that please God.
  • Experiencing True Freedom: This verse invites us to walk in the freedom Christ purchased for us (John 8:36), where sin no longer has dominion and condemnation is removed.
  • Continual Transformation: As we live by the Spirit, we are progressively transformed into the image of Christ, moving from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). This is the dynamic and ongoing work of sanctification.
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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

  • Romans 8:2 (69 votes)

    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 (57 votes)

    ¶ 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 (56 votes)

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

  • Galatians 4:6 (56 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:1 (45 votes)

    ¶ 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 (42 votes)

    ¶ 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 (42 votes)

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