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Text -- 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , PBC , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 2Co 3:17 - -- Now the Lord is the Spirit ( ho de Kurios to pneuma estin ). Some, like E. F. Scott ( The Spirit in the N.T. ), take Kurios here to be Christ and i...

Now the Lord is the Spirit ( ho de Kurios to pneuma estin ).

Some, like E. F. Scott ( The Spirit in the N.T. ), take Kurios here to be Christ and interpret Paul as denying the personality of the Holy Spirit, identifying Christ and the Holy Spirit. But is not Bernard right here in taking Kurios (Lord) in the same sense here as in Exo 34:34 (enanti Kuriou , before the Lord), the very passage that Paul is quoting? Certainly, the Holy Spirit is interchangeably called in the N.T. the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9.). Christ dwells in us by the Holy Spirit, but the language here in 2Co 3:17 should not be pressed unduly (Plummer. See also P. Gardner, The Religious Experience of St. Paul , p. 176f.). Note "the Spirit of the Lord"here.

Robertson: 2Co 3:17 - -- Liberty ( eleutheria ). Freedom of access to God without fear in opposition to the fear in Exo 34:30. We need no veil and we have free access to God.

Liberty ( eleutheria ).

Freedom of access to God without fear in opposition to the fear in Exo 34:30. We need no veil and we have free access to God.

Vincent: 2Co 3:17 - -- Now the Lord is that Spirit Κύριος the Lord is used in Exo 34:34 for Jehovah. The Lord Christ of 2Co 3:16 is the Spirit who pervades ...

Now the Lord is that Spirit

Κύριος the Lord is used in Exo 34:34 for Jehovah. The Lord Christ of 2Co 3:16 is the Spirit who pervades and animates the new covenant of which we are ministers (2Co 3:6), and the ministration of which is with glory (2Co 3:8). Compare Rom 8:9-11; Joh 14:16, Joh 14:18.

Vincent: 2Co 3:17 - -- Liberty Compare Rom 8:15; Gal 4:7.

Liberty

Compare Rom 8:15; Gal 4:7.

Wesley: 2Co 3:17 - -- Christ is that Spirit of the law whereof I speak, to which the letter was intended to lead. And where the Spirit of the Lord, Christ, is, there is lib...

Christ is that Spirit of the law whereof I speak, to which the letter was intended to lead. And where the Spirit of the Lord, Christ, is, there is liberty - Not the veil, the emblem of slavery. There is liberty from servile fear, liberty from the guilt and from the power of sin, liberty to behold with open face the glory of the Lord.

JFB: 2Co 3:14-18 - -- Parenthetical: Of Christians in general. He resumes the subject of the ministry, 2Co 4:1.

Parenthetical: Of Christians in general. He resumes the subject of the ministry, 2Co 4:1.

JFB: 2Co 3:14-18 - -- Greek, "mental perceptions"; "understandings."

Greek, "mental perceptions"; "understandings."

JFB: 2Co 3:14-18 - -- Rather, "hardened." The opposite to "looking steadfastly at the end" of the law (2Co 3:13). The veil on Moses' face is further typical of the veil tha...

Rather, "hardened." The opposite to "looking steadfastly at the end" of the law (2Co 3:13). The veil on Moses' face is further typical of the veil that is on their hearts.

JFB: 2Co 3:14-18 - -- Rather, "the same veil . . . remaineth untaken away [literally, not unveiled], so that they do not see THAT it (not the veil as English Version, but '...

Rather, "the same veil . . . remaineth untaken away [literally, not unveiled], so that they do not see THAT it (not the veil as English Version, but 'THE OLD TESTAMENT,' or covenant of legal ordinances) is done away (2Co 3:7, 2Co 3:11, 2Co 3:13) in Christ" or, as BENGEL, "Because it is done away in Christ," that is, it is not done away save in Christ: the veil therefore remains untaken away from them, because they will not come to Christ, who does away, with the law as a mere letter. If they once saw that the law is done away in Him, the veil would be no longer on their hearts in reading it publicly in their synagogues (so "reading" means, Act 15:21). I prefer the former.

JFB: 2Co 3:17 - -- Christ (2Co 3:14, 2Co 3:16; 2Co 4:5).

Christ (2Co 3:14, 2Co 3:16; 2Co 4:5).

JFB: 2Co 3:17 - -- Is THE Spirit, namely, that Spirit spoken of in 2Co 3:6, and here resumed after the parenthesis (2Co 3:7-16): Christ is the Spirit and "end" of the Ol...

Is THE Spirit, namely, that Spirit spoken of in 2Co 3:6, and here resumed after the parenthesis (2Co 3:7-16): Christ is the Spirit and "end" of the Old Testament, who giveth life to it, whereas "the letter killeth" (1Co 15:45; Rev 19:10, end).

JFB: 2Co 3:17 - -- In a man's "heart" (2Co 3:15; Rom 8:9-10).

In a man's "heart" (2Co 3:15; Rom 8:9-10).

JFB: 2Co 3:17 - -- (Joh 8:36). "There," and there only. Such cease to be slaves to the letter, which they were while the veil was on their heart. They are free to serve...

(Joh 8:36). "There," and there only. Such cease to be slaves to the letter, which they were while the veil was on their heart. They are free to serve God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus (Phi 3:3): they have no longer the spirit of bondage, but of free sonship (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:7). "Liberty" is opposed to the letter (of the legal ordinances), and to the veil, the badge of slavery: also to the fear which the Israelites felt in beholding Moses' glory unveiled (Exo 34:30; 1Jo 4:18).

Clarke: 2Co 3:17 - -- Now the Lord is that Spirit - In 2Co 3:6, 2Co 3:8, the word το πνευμα, spirit, evidently signifies the Gospel; so called because it points ...

Now the Lord is that Spirit - In 2Co 3:6, 2Co 3:8, the word το πνευμα, spirit, evidently signifies the Gospel; so called because it points out the spiritual nature and meaning of the law; because it produces spiritual effects; and because it is especially the dispensation of the Spirit of God. Here Jesus Christ is represented as that Spirit, because he is the end of the law for justification to every one that believes; and because the residue of the Spirit is with him, and he is the dispenser of all its gifts, graces, and influences

Clarke: 2Co 3:17 - -- And where the Spirit of the Lord is - Wherever this Gospel is received, there the Spirit of the Lord is given; and wherever that Spirit lives and wo...

And where the Spirit of the Lord is - Wherever this Gospel is received, there the Spirit of the Lord is given; and wherever that Spirit lives and works, there is liberty, not only from Jewish bondage, but from the slavery of sin - from its power, its guilt, and its pollution. See Joh 8:33-36 (note), and the notes there.

Calvin: 2Co 3:17 - -- 17.The Lord is the Spirit This passage, also, has been misinterpreted, as if Paul had meant to say, that Christ is of a spiritual essence, for they c...

17.The Lord is the Spirit This passage, also, has been misinterpreted, as if Paul had meant to say, that Christ is of a spiritual essence, for they connect it with that statement in Joh 4:24, God is a Spirit. The statement before us, however, has nothing to do with Christ’s essence, but simply points out his office, for it is connected with what goes before, where we found it stated, that the doctrine of the law is literal, and not merely dead, but even an occasion of death. He now, on the other hand, calls Christ its spirit, 411 meaning by this, that it will be living and life-giving, only if it is breathed into by Christ. Let the soul be connected with the body, and then there is a living man, endowed with intelligence and perception, fit for all vital functions. 412 Let the soul be removed from the body, and there will remain nothing but a useless carcase, totally devoid of feeling.

The passage is deserving of particular notice, 413 as teaching us, in what way we are to reconcile those encomiums which David pronounces upon the law — (Psa 19:7) — “the law of the Lord converteth souls, enlighteneth the eyes, imparteth wisdom to babes,” and passages of a like nature, with those statements of Paul, which at first view are at variance with them — that it is the ministry of sin and death — the letter that does nothing but kill. (2Co 3:6.) For when it is animated by Christ, 414 those things that David makes mention of are justly applicable to it. If Christ is taken away, it is altogether such as Paul describes. Hence Christ is the life of the law. 415

Where the Spirit of the Lord He now describes the manner, in which Christ gives life to the law — by giving us his Spirit. The term Spirit here has a different signification from what it had in the preceding verse. There, it denoted the soul, and was ascribed metaphorically to Christ. Here, on the other hand, it means the Holy Spirit, that Christ himself confers upon his people. Christ, however, by regenerating us, gives life to the law, and shows himself to be the fountain of life, as all vital functions proceed from man’s soul. Christ, then, is to all (so to speak) the universal soul, not in respect of essence, but in respect of grace. Or, if you prefer it, Christ is the Spirit, because he quickens us by the life-giving influence of his Spirit. 416

He makes mention, also, of the blessing that we obtain from that source. “ There, ” says he, “ is liberty. ” By the term liberty I do not understand merely emancipation from the servitude of sin, and of the flesh, but also that confidence, which we acquire from His bearing witness as to our adoption. For it is in accordance with that statement —

We have not again received the spirit of bondage, to fear, etc. (Rom 8:15.)

In that passage, the Apostle makes mention of two things — bondage, and fear. The opposites of these are liberty and confidence. Thus I acknowledge, that the inference drawn from this passage by Augustine is correct — that we are by nature the slaves of sin, and are made free by the grace of regeneration. For, where there is nothing but the bare letter of the law, there will be only the dominion of sin, but the term Liberty, as I have said, I take in a more extensive sense. The grace of the Spirit might, also, be restricted more particularly to ministers, so as to make this statement correspond with the commencement of the chapter, for ministers require to have another grace of the Spirit, and another liberty from what others have. The former signification, however, pleases me better, though at the same time I have no objection, that this should be applied to every one according to the measure of his gift. It is enough, if we observe, that Paul here points out the efficacy of the Spirit, which we experience for our salvation — as many of us, as have been regenerated by his grace.

TSK: 2Co 3:17 - -- the Lord : 2Co 3:6; Joh 6:63; 1Co 15:45 where : Psa 51:12; Isa 61:1; Rom 8:2, Rom 8:15, Rom 8:16; Gal 4:6; 2Ti 1:7

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 2Co 3:17 - -- Now the Lord is that Spirit - The word "Lord"here evidently refers to the Lord Jesus; see 2Co 3:16. It may be observed in general in regard to ...

Now the Lord is that Spirit - The word "Lord"here evidently refers to the Lord Jesus; see 2Co 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 Joh 20:13; Joh 21:7, Joh 21:12; Eph 4:1, Eph 4:5. The design of Paul in this verse seems to be to account for the "liberty"which he and the other apostles had, or for the boldness, openness, and plainness 2Co 3:12 which they evinced in contradistinction from the Jews. who so little understood the nature of their institutions. He had said 2Co 3:6, that he was a minister "not of the letter, but of the Spirit;"and he had stated that the Old Testament was not understood by the Jews who adhered to the literal interpretation of the Scriptures. He here says, that the Lord Jesus was "the Spirit"to which he referred, and by which he was enabled to understand the Old Testament so as to speak plainly, and without obscurity. The sense is, that Christ was the Spirit; that is, the sum, the substance of the Old Testament. The figures, types, prophecies, etc. all centered in him, and he was the end of all those institutions. If contemplated as having reference to him, it was easy to understand them. This I take to be the sentiment of the pas sage, though expositors have been greatly divided in regard to its meaning. Thus explained, it does not mean absolutely and abstractly that the Lord Jesus was "a Spirit,"but that he was the sum, the essence, the end, and the purport of the Mosaic rites, the spirit of which Paul had spoken in 2Co 3:6, as contradistinguished from the letter of the Law.

And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty - This is a general truth designed to illustrate the particular sentiment which he had just advanced. The word "liberty"here ( ἐλευθερία eleutheria ) refers, I think, to freedom in speaking; the power of speaking openly, and freely, as in 2Co 3:12. It states the general truth, that the effect of the Spirit of God was to give light and clearness of view; to remove obscurity from a subject, and to enable one to see it plainly. This would be a truth that could not be denied by the Jews, who held to the doctrine that the Spirit of God revealed truth, and it must be admitted by all. Under the influence of that Spirit, therefore, Paul says, that he was able to speak with openness, and boldness; that he had a clear view of truth, which the mass of the Jews had not; and that the system of religion which he preached was open, plain, and clear. The word "freedom,"would perhaps, better convey the idea. "There is freedom from the dark and obscure views of the Jews; freedom from their prejudices, and their superstitions; freedom from the slavery and bondage of sin; the freedom of the children of God, who have clear views of him as their Father and Redeemer and who are enabled to express those views openly and boldly to the world."

Poole: 2Co 3:17 - -- The Lord Christ was a man, but not a mere man; but one who had the Divine nature personally united to his human nature, which is called the Spirit ...

The Lord Christ was a man, but not a mere man; but one who had the Divine nature personally united to his human nature, which is called the

Spirit Mar 2:8 . But some think, that the article here is not merely prepositive, but emphatical; and so referreth to 2Co 3:6 , where the gospel (the substance of which is Christ) was called the Spirit. So it is judged by some, that the apostle preventeth a question which some might have propounded, viz. how the veil should be taken away by men’ s turning unto the Lord? Saith the apostle:

The Lord is that Spirit or he is that Spirit mentioned 2Co 3:18 ; he is a Spirit, and he gives out of the Spirit unto his people, the Spirit of holiness and sanctification.

And where the Spirit of the Lord is ( that holy, sanctifying Spirit, which is often called the Spirit of Christ),

there is liberty for our Saviour told the Jews, Joh 8:36 : If the Son make you free, then shall ye be free indeed: a liberty from the yoke of the law, from sin, death, hell; but the liberty which seemeth here to be chiefly intended, is a liberty from that blindness and hardness which is upon men’ s hearts, until they have received the Holy Spirit.

PBC: 2Co 3:17 - -- See Philpot: THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY

See Philpot: THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY

Haydock: 2Co 3:17 - -- Now the Lord is a Spirit. Many expound it, the Spirit is the Lord. And where this Lord and this Spirit is, there is liberty; i.e. by this Spir...

Now the Lord is a Spirit. Many expound it, the Spirit is the Lord. And where this Lord and this Spirit is, there is liberty; i.e. by this Spirit, they who are sanctified are freed from the slavery of sin and the devil. (Witham) ---

We must recollect what he had said before, that the letter killeth and that the Spirit giveth life; that by the Spirit was meant the gospel, and by the letter was meant the law of Moses. Here he says that God is the Spirit, in opposition to the law of Moses; that he is the Author of the liberty of the children of God, in the new law; that in the new law are found the true adorers in spirit and truth, in opposition to the spirit of servitude which animated the Jews. (Calmet)

Gill: 2Co 3:17 - -- Now the Lord is that Spirit,.... "The Lord", to whom the heart is turned, when the veil is removed, is Jesus Christ; and he is "that Spirit", or "the ...

Now the Lord is that Spirit,.... "The Lord", to whom the heart is turned, when the veil is removed, is Jesus Christ; and he is "that Spirit", or "the Spirit": he, as God, is of a spiritual nature and essence; he is a spirit, as God is said to be, Joh 4:24 he is the giver of the Spirit of God, and the very life and spirit of the law, without whom as the end of it, it is a mere dead letter: or rather as by Moses in 2Co 3:15 is meant, the law of Moses, so by the "Lord" here may be meant the Gospel of Christ: and this is that Spirit, of which the apostles were made ministers, and is said to give life, 2Co 3:6.

And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; which may be understood of the third person in the Godhead; where he is as a spirit of illumination, there is freedom from former blindness and darkness; where he is as a spirit of regeneration and sanctification, there is freedom from the bondage of sin, and captivity of Satan; where he is as a comforter, there is freedom from the fear of hell, wrath, and damnation: where he is as a spirit of adoption, there is the freedom of children with a father; where he is as a spirit of prayer and supplication, there is liberty of access to God with boldness, Though rather the Gospel as attended with the Spirit of God, in opposition to the law, is here designed; and which points out another difference between the law and the Gospel; where the law is, there is bondage, it genders to it; it has a natural tendency to it: quite contrary is this to what the Jews i say, who call the law, חירות, "liberty": and say,

"that he that studies in the law, hath חירו מכלא, "freedom from everything":''

whereas it gives freedom in nothing, but leads into, and brings on persons a spirit of bondage; it exacts rigorous obedience, where there is no strength to perform; it holds men guilty, curses and condemns for non-obedience; so that such as are under it, and of the works of it, are always under a spirit of bondage; they obey not from love, but fear, as servants or slaves for wages, and derive all their peace and comfort from their obedience: but where the Gospel takes place under the influence of the Spirit of God, there is liberty; not to sin, which is contrary to the Gospel, to the Spirit of God in believers, and to the principle of grace wrought in their souls; but a liberty from the bondage and servitude of it: a liberty from the law's rigorous exaction, curse, and condemnation, and from the veil of former blindness and ignorance.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 2Co 3:17 Grk “where the Spirit of the Lord is”; the word “present” is supplied to specify that the presence of the Lord’s Spirit ...

Geneva Bible: 2Co 3:17 Now the ( n ) Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. ( n ) Christ is that Spirit who takes away that coverin...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 2Co 3:1-18 - --1 Lest their false teachers should charge him with vain glory, he shows the faith and graces of the Corinthians to be a sufficient commendation of his...

MHCC: 2Co 3:12-18 - --It is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to use great plainness, or clearness, of speech. The Old Testament believers had only cloudy and passing...

Matthew Henry: 2Co 3:12-18 - -- In these verses the apostle draws two inferences from what he had said about the Old and New Testament: - I. Concerning the duty of the ministers o...

Barclay: 2Co 3:12-18 - --All the pictures in this passage emerge directly from the passage which goes before. Paul begins from the thought that when Moses came down from the ...

Constable: 2Co 1:12--8:1 - --II. ANSWERS TO INSINUATIONS ABOUT THE SINCERITY OF PAUL'S COMMITMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS AND TO THE MINISTRY 1:12--7:16 ...

Constable: 2Co 3:1--6:11 - --B. Exposition of Paul's view of the ministry 3:1-6:10 The apostle proceeded to explain his view of Chris...

Constable: 2Co 3:12--4:7 - --2. The great boldness of the new ministers 3:12-4:6 The superiority of Christian ministry should...

Constable: 2Co 3:12-18 - --The openness of Christian ministry 3:12-18 "If the keyword in vv. 7-11 is glory,' the keyword for vv. 12-18, of which vv. 12-15 form the first part, i...

College: 2Co 3:1-18 - --2 CORINTHIANS 3 2. A Living Letter of Recommendation Sent (3:1-3) 3:1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Paul asks this question tongue-...

McGarvey: 2Co 3:17 - --Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty .

Lapide: 2Co 3:1-18 - --CHAPTER III. SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER i. Paul asserts that he does not seek or need the praise of men, as the Judaising false apostles sought it: th...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) Second Corinthians From Macedonia a.d. 54 Or 55 By Way of Introduction The Pauline authorship is admitted by all real scholars, though there is ...

JFB: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) THE following reasons seem to have induced Paul to write this Second Epistle to the Corinthians: (1) That he might explain the reasons for his having ...

JFB: 2 Corinthians (Outline) THE HEADING; PAUL'S CONSOLATIONS IN RECENT TRIALS IN ASIA; HIS SINCERITY TOWARDS THE CORINTHIANS; EXPLANATION OF HIS NOT HAVING VISITED THEM AS HE HA...

TSK: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The most remarkable circumstance in this Epistle, observes Mr. Scott, is the confidence of the Apostle in the goodness of his cause, and in the power ...

TSK: 2 Corinthians 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 2Co 3:1, Lest their false teachers should charge him with vain glory, he shows the faith and graces of the Corinthians to be a sufficient...

Poole: 2 Corinthians 3 (Chapter Introduction) CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 3

MHCC: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The second epistle to the Corinthians probably was written about a year after the first. Its contents are closely connected with those of the former e...

MHCC: 2 Corinthians 3 (Chapter Introduction) (2Co 3:1-11) The preference of the gospel to the law given by Moses. (2Co 3:12-18) The preaching of the apostle was suitable to the excellency and ev...

Matthew Henry: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians In his former epistle the apostle had signified his i...

Matthew Henry: 2 Corinthians 3 (Chapter Introduction) The apostle makes an apology for his seeming to commend himself, and is careful not to assume too much to himself, but to ascribe all praise unto G...

Barclay: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS The Greatness Of Corinth A glance at the map will show that Corinth was made for greatness. The south...

Barclay: 2 Corinthians 3 (Chapter Introduction) Each Man A Letter Of Christ (2Co_3:1-3) The Surpassing Glory (2Co_3:4-11) The Veil Which Hides The Truth (2Co_3:12-18)

Constable: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background First Corinthians did not dispel the problems in th...

Constable: 2 Corinthians (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-11 A. Salutation 1:1-2 B. Thanksgiving for c...

Constable: 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Bibliography Alford, Henry. The Greek Testament. 4 vols. Reprint ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book Hou...

Haydock: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE CORINTHIANS. INTRODUCTION. The subject and design of this second Epistle to the Corinthian...

Gill: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS This epistle, according to the subscription at the end of it, was written from Philippi of Macedonia; and though the ...

Gill: 2 Corinthians 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS 3 In this chapter the apostle clears himself from the charge of arrogance and self-commendation, and ascribes both th...

College: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION Studying 2 Corinthians plunges the modern reader back to the real, tumultuous world of early Christianity. The simple ideals of sharing ...

College: 2 Corinthians (Outline) OUTLINE I. OPENING - 1:1-2 II. THANKSGIVING - 1:3-11 A. GOD COMFORTS - 1:3-7 B. GOD DELIVERS - 1:8-11 III. DEFENSE OF INTEGRITY - 1:12...

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