2 Corinthians 6:17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

From Isaiah 52:11. Paul, as inspired, gives variations sanctioned by the Holy Spirit.

Be ye separate - `be separated' (Hosea 4:17).

Touch not the (rather, any) unclean thing (2 Corinthians 7:1; Micah 2:10). Touching is more polluting, as implying participation, than seeing.

I will receive you - `to myself' х eisdexomai (G1523)], as persons heretofore out of doors, but now admitted within (2 Corinthians 5:1-10). Or, as persons heretofore among the enemy, but now received among the Lord's people. With this accords, "come out from among them" - namely, to me. So Ezekiel 20:41; Zephaniah 3:19. In Isaiah 52:12, literally, The Lord will gather you up, as a general brings up the rear of his army, not suffering one straggler to be lost (cf. note there; John 18:9). 'The contact of believers with the world should resemble that of angels, who, when sent from heaven, discharge their errand with the utmost promptness, and joyfully fly back home to the presence of God' (1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 7:31).

2 Corinthians 6:17

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,