And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
The new man. [Here neon (G3501) means 'the recently-put-on nature at regeneration (note, Ephesians 4:23-24).]
Which is renewed, х anakainoumenon (G341)] - 'which is being renewed;' namely, its development into a perfectly renewed nature continually progressing, by the Spirit's working (2 Corinthians 4:16; Titus 3:5).
In knowledge - rather х epignoosin (G1922)], 'unto perfect knowledge' (notes, Ephesians 1:17; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:6; Colossians 1:9-10; Colossians 2:2). Perfect knowledge of God excludes sin (John 17:3).
After the image of him that creates him - namely, created the new man (Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:23-24). The new creation is analogous to the first (2 Corinthians 4:6). As man was made in the image of God naturally, so is he now spiritually. But the image of God formed in us by the Spirit is as much more glorious than that borne by Adam, as the Second Man, the Lord from heaven, is more glorious than the first (Genesis 1:26). Holiness constitutes our chief likeness to God, as originally. Adam, when fallen, begat a son in his own fallen likeness and image (Genesis 5:3). The "image" is claimed for man, 1 Corinthians 11:7; the "likeness," James 3:9. Origen ('Principia,' 3: 6) taught the image was something in which all were created, and which continued to man after the fall (Genesis 9:6). The likeness was something toward which man was created, that he might strive after and attain it. Trench thinks God in the double statement in Genesis 1:26 contemplates both man's first creation and attain it. Trench thinks God in the double statement in Genesis 1:26 contemplates both man's first creation and his being "renewed ... after the image of Him that created him."