Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17KJV
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2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean?

2 Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone who belongs to Christ becomes a completely new person, with their old life and ways left behind and everything about them made new. This verse highlights a total transformation for those who are "in Christ," not just a small change or improvement.

Paul, the writer, is speaking to the church in Corinth, explaining what it means to truly follow Jesus. He is encouraging believers to see themselves and others differently, not by their past or outward appearance, but by the new identity they have because of Christ. This verse comes in a section where Paul is describing the deep change that happens when someone trusts in Jesus.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 5:17

  • "in Christ" (ἐν Χριστῷ, en Christō): This phrase means being joined to Christ or belonging to him, not just believing about him. It points to a close, ongoing relationship.
  • "new" (καινός, kainos): This word means new in kind or quality, not just new in time. Paul is saying believers become a different kind of person, not just a cleaned-up version of their old self.
  • "creature" (κτίσις, ktisis): This word can mean creation or creature. Here, it suggests that being in Christ is like being made all over again, as if God is creating something entirely fresh.
  • "old things" (τὰ ἀρχαῖα, ta archaia): This refers to everything from a person's previous way of life—habits, values, and identity—before knowing Christ.

Why 2 Corinthians 5:17 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that following Jesus is just about self-improvement; Paul is describing a complete, God-given transformation.
  • It emphasizes that a person's past does not define them once they are "in Christ," which would have been especially meaningful to people in Corinth with complicated backgrounds.
  • The verse ties into Paul's larger message in this chapter about reconciliation and new beginnings, showing that God's work in people is radical and all-encompassing.

Where else these words appear

“things” Greek G744 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Luke 9:8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
  • Acts 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

“creature” Greek G2937 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
  • Romans 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
  • Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

“away” Greek G3928 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
  • Luke 21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

“new” Greek G2537 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
  • Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.