New Testament
2 Corinthians 6:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God invites us to step away from influences that lead us away from Him.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 56
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
That's why the Lord says, "Come out from among them and be separate. Don't touch anything unclean, and I will receive you.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God invites us to step away from influences that lead us away from Him. He calls us to be distinct, to live in a way that reflects His values. This separation isn’t about isolation but about choosing what aligns with His truth. By avoiding what is considered unclean or harmful, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God. He promises that if we make this choice, He will welcome us with open arms. This is an invitation to embrace a life that honors Him and reflects His love. It’s about making conscious decisions that lead us closer to Him and away from distractions that pull us down. Ultimately, it’s a call to live authentically and purposefully, guided by His principles and love. When we choose to be separate, we find a sense of belonging in His family, where we are truly accepted and valued. This journey of separation is not just about rules; it’s about a loving relationship with our Creator who desires the best for us and wants us to thrive.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Corinthians 6:17 to your life
Consider the influences in your life. Are there relationships or habits that pull you away from your values? Take a step back and evaluate what you engage with daily. Choose to surround yourself with positivity and support that aligns with your beliefs. This will help you grow closer to God and live authentically.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Corinthians Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Corinthians 6:17 mean?
2 Corinthians 6:17 means that God is calling us to separate ourselves from influences that lead us away from Him. It emphasizes living in a way that reflects His values and avoiding anything considered unclean or harmful.
What is the meaning of 'come out from among them' in 2 Corinthians 6:17?
'Come out from among them' means to distance ourselves from people or influences that do not align with God's teachings. It encourages us to choose relationships and environments that support our faith.
How can I apply 2 Corinthians 6:17 in my life?
To apply 2 Corinthians 6:17, evaluate your relationships and habits. Identify anything that pulls you away from your values and choose to surround yourself with positive influences that align with your beliefs.
What does 'touch not the unclean thing' mean in 2 Corinthians 6:17?
'Touch not the unclean thing' means to avoid engaging with anything that is morally or spiritually harmful. It encourages us to be mindful of our choices and their impact on our relationship with God.

The Book of 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 1: God of All Comfort and Paul's Sincerity
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, greet the church of God at Corinth and all the saints in Achaia. Paul blesses God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, saying He comforts them in their troubles so they can comfort others. He describes suffering in Asia where he feels pressed beyond strength and expects death, but he says this teaches him to rely on God who raises the dead. He explains that God delivers them and continues to deliver them, and he asks the believers to pray for them.
Unlock the full 2 Corinthians summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Corinthians — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 13 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Corinthians summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.