“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
My Notes
What Does 2 Corinthians 6:16 Mean?
Paul asks a rhetorical question — what agreement does God's temple have with idols? — and then makes the staggering claim: ye are the temple of the living God. Not a temple. The temple. God's own dwelling place.
The Old Testament promise follows: I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. God's presence is not located in a building. It is in you. He dwells and walks — living, active, moving inside his people.
The temple image carries weight: in the Old Testament, the temple was the single most sacred space on earth — the place where God's presence resided. Paul says that space has moved. It now resides in believers.
The practical implication is the verse's context: do not partner with what contradicts God's nature. If you are God's temple, certain alliances are incompatible. You cannot house God and idols in the same building.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does it change to see yourself as God's temple rather than just a person who believes in God?
- 2.What 'idols' are you housing alongside God's presence?
- 3.How does God 'dwelling and walking' in you make his presence active rather than passive?
- 4.What would you change about your daily life if you truly believed you were God's dwelling place?
Devotional
Ye are the temple of the living God. You. Not a building made of stone. Not a cathedral with stained glass. You — your body, your life, your daily existence — are the place where God lives.
I will dwell in them, and walk in them. God does not just visit. He dwells — takes up permanent residence. And he walks — moves with you, goes where you go, is present in every space you occupy.
I will be their God, and they shall be my people. The oldest promise in the Bible, now located not in a nation or a building but in you. The covenant relationship that was once national is now personal.
What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? If you are God's dwelling place, then what you bring into your life matters. You cannot house the living God and simultaneously welcome what contradicts him. Not because he is fragile, but because the incompatibility is structural.
You are the temple. That is not a metaphor to admire. It is a reality to live. The living God has taken up residence in you. What are you inviting into his house?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Wherefore come out from among them,.... Since they were the temple of the living God, built up an habitation for the…
And what agreement - (συγκατάθεσις sugkatathesis). Assent, accord, agreement. what putting or laying down together is…
What agreement hath the temple of God with idols - Nothing could appear more abominable to a Jew than an idol in the…
The apostle proceeds to address himself more particularly to the Corinthians, and cautions them against mingling with…
what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?] Cf. 1Co 3:16-17; 1Co 6:19-20; 1Co 8:10; 1Co 10:14-21. St Paul does…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture