King James Version
What Does 2 Corinthians 5:17 Mean?
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. he is: or, let him be”
Context
15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. he is: or, let him be
18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. committed: Gr. put in us
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **Therefore if any man be in Christ.**—To be in Christ, in St. Paul’s language, is for a man to be united with him by faith and by baptism (Romans 6:3-4), to claim personally what had been secured to him as a member of the race for whom Christ died. In such a case the man is born again (Titus 3:5)—there is a new creation; the man, as the result of that work, is a new creature. The old things of his life, Jewish expectations of a Jewish kingdom, chiliastic dreams, heathen philosophies, lower aims, earthly standards—these things, in idea at least, passed away from him at the time when he was united with Christ. We may trace an echo of words of Isaiah’s that may have floated in the Apostle’s memory: “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider *the things of old.* Behold I make *new* things” (Isaiah 43:18-19). The words in italics are in the LXX. the same as those which St. Paul uses here.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Corinthians 5:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Corinthians 5:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge