Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
What does 2 Corinthians 3:17 mean?
It is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to use great plainness, or clearness, of speech.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit - The word "Lord" here evidently refers to the Lord Jesus; see 2 Corinthians 3:16 . It may be observed in general in regard to this word, that where it occurs in the New Testament unless the connection require us to understand it of God, it refers to the Lord Jesus. It was the common name by which he was known; see John 20:13 ; John 21:7 , John 21:12 ; Ephesians 4:1 , Ephesians 4:5 .
Key words
- the Spirit
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the Spirit. The sense is, that Christ was the Spirit; that is, the sum, the substance of the Old Testament.
- Spirit
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Now the Lord is that Spirit,.
- Spirit
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Now the Lord is that Spirit,.
Context in 2 Corinthians 3
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2 Corinthians 3 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as comfort and ministry. Second Corinthians is Paul’s deepest letter on apostolic suffering, consolation, generosity, reconciliation, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of weakness, ministry, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.
Who quoted 2 Corinthians 3:17?
Find out who used 2 Corinthians 3:17 in their speeches and writings. Which famous people quoted 2 Corinthians 3:17?
Quotes found on Wikiquote (match for «where the Spirit of the Lord is»):