King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 7:1 Mean?

2 Corinthians 7:1 in the King James Version says “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, p... — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

2 Corinthians 7:1 · KJV


Context

1

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.

2

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3

I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit—The Greek katharisōmen (καθαρίσωμεν, "let us cleanse") is a hortatory subjunctive, calling for decisive moral action. Paul links this to the promises of 6:16-18 (divine indwelling and father-child relationship). Molysmos (μολυσμός, "filthiness/defilement") refers to ritual and moral contamination—both bodily sarx (σάρξ, "flesh") and spiritual pneuma (πνεῦμα, "spirit") dimensions require purification.

Perfecting holiness in the fear of GodEpiteleō (ἐπιτελέω, "perfecting/completing") suggests ongoing sanctification, not instantaneous perfection. Hagiōsynē (ἁγιωσύνη, "holiness") is the state of being set apart for God. The motivation is phobos Theou (φόβος θεοῦ, "fear of God")—reverential awe that drives moral transformation. This verse bridges separation from idolatry (ch. 6) with reconciliation in relationships (ch. 7), showing holiness encompasses both vertical and horizontal dimensions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians around AD 55-56 from Macedonia, following his 'severe letter' and Titus's mission to Corinth. The Corinthian church struggled with pagan culture's pervasive immorality and philosophical syncretism. Temple prostitution, civic idolatry, and Greco-Roman sexual ethics created constant pressure toward compromise. Paul's call for cleansing addressed both cultic contamination and everyday ethical compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'defilements of flesh and spirit' am I tolerating that compromise my witness for Christ?
  2. How does 'fear of God' differ from worldly fear, and how should it motivate my pursuit of holiness?
  3. In what ways do I compartmentalize holiness (treating it as private piety) rather than integrating it into all relationships?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ταύτας1 of 19
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οὖν2 of 19

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἔχοντες3 of 19

Having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὰς4 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπαγγελίας5 of 19

promises

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

ἀγαπητοί6 of 19

dearly beloved

G27

beloved

καθαρίσωμεν7 of 19

let us cleanse

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτοὺς8 of 19

ourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀπὸ9 of 19

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

παντὸς10 of 19

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μολυσμοῦ11 of 19

filthiness

G3436

a stain; i.e., (figuratively) immorality

σαρκὸς12 of 19

of the flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

καὶ13 of 19

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πνεύματος14 of 19

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἐπιτελοῦντες15 of 19

perfecting

G2005

to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo

ἁγιωσύνην16 of 19

holiness

G42

sacredness (i.e., properly, the quality)

ἐν17 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

φόβῳ18 of 19

the fear

G5401

alarm or fright

θεοῦ19 of 19

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

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 7:1 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 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study