2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
The Oneness Pentacostal Modalists assert that this passage unambiguously proves that Jesus is the Holy Spirit. However, this passage is far from unambiguous. As a matter of fact. this passage is actually a Trinitarian passage. There is no contextual necessity to interpret “The Lord” as referring to Jesus. In fact, the closest reference Paul makes is to Exodus 34:34 in 2 Cor 3:15-16:
15 But even to this day, when Moses (Μωϋσῆς) is read, a veil (κάλυμμα) lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns tothe Lord (Κύριον), the veil (κάλυμμα) is taken away (περιαιρεῖται). LXX
34 But whenever Moses (Μωυσῆς) went in before the Lord (κυρίου) to speak with Him, he would take off (περιῃρεῖτο) the veil (κάλυμμα) until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel whatever he had been commanded.
What the context is actually doing is equating the word “Lord” with the name “Jehovah”, not the name person of Jesus. This is clearly seen from Paul’s unambiguous reference to Exodus 34:34 where “YHWH” is substituted for “Lord” (κυριος) in the LXX. So the verse is actually saying “Now Jehovah is that Spirit…” which perfectly aligns with trinitarian understanding. The verse continues to say “…and where the Spirit of the Lord is…” which would be equivalent to “…and where the Spirit of Jehovah is…”. This again perfectly comforts with Trinitarianism.
This is how other translations understand the text:
The Complete Jewish Bible – Now, “ADONAI” in this text means the Spirit. And where the Spirit of ADONAI is, there is freedom.
Good News Translation – Now, “the Lord” in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.
Gods Word translation – This Lord is the Spirit. Wherever the Lord’s Spirit is, there is freedom.
Weymouth New Testament – Now by “the Lord” is meant the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, freedom is enjoyed.
ESV Footnotes – 2 Corinthians 3:17 Or this Lord
Though this is not explicit is the Greek (οὗτος (nms) – “this”), it is assumed by the context.
Another significant point to mention is that “the Spirit of the Lord” is a common expression in the Old Testament (Jud 14:19, Is 11:2, & Ez 11:5) and Paul would’ve been very familiar with this. This point as well as his reference to Exodus 34 makes it unambiguous Paul was talking about the LORD, Jehovah, rather than the Lord Jesus. This is important because the name Jehovah is applied to 3 distinct Persons who share the same nature which is “Jehovah”. Therefore this verse proves the full Deity of the Holy Spirit: He is “the LORD” Himself and yet distinct from “the LORD” at the same time. Just as Eve is “Adam” (Gen 5:2) and yet distinct from “Adam” at the same time, who are made in God’s image.