2 Corinthians 6 13

2 Corinthians 6:13 kjv

Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

2 Corinthians 6:13 nkjv

Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

2 Corinthians 6:13 niv

As a fair exchange?I speak as to my children?open wide your hearts also.

2 Corinthians 6:13 esv

In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

2 Corinthians 6:13 nlt

I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!

2 Corinthians 6 verses

2 Corinthians 6 13 Meaning

The apostle Paul, having expressed his profound and unrestricted affection for the Corinthian believers, tenderly appeals to them as a father to his beloved children. He urges them to reciprocate his boundless love and openness by widening their own hearts towards him and, by extension, towards his divinely-sent ministry. It is a heartfelt call for mutual acceptance, trust, and unrestricted affection within the spiritual family, inviting them to lay aside any reservations, suspicions, or previous hindrances that prevented a full, reciprocal embrace of the relationship.

2 Corinthians 6 13 Context

This verse (2 Cor 6:13) immediately follows Paul's profound expression of his deep and unrestricted affection for the Corinthians in verses 11-12: "Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections." Having bared his soul and made himself vulnerable to them, Paul then issues this tender, paternal appeal. The entire chapter, 2 Corinthians 6, details Paul's genuine ministry amidst suffering, emphasizing his integrity and selflessness (vs 1-10). The passionate plea for mutual love in verses 11-13 serves as a bridge, preparing the Corinthians for the stern warning that immediately follows in verses 14-18, where Paul calls for a clear separation from unbelievers and idolatrous practices. His desire is for a full, uncompromised spiritual fellowship, both with him and with God. Historically, the Corinthian church had shown ambivalence towards Paul, influenced by false teachers and internal divisions, making this a crucial appeal for renewed loyalty and love.

2 Corinthians 6 13 Word analysis

• "In return for the same," (ἀντιμισθίας - antimisthias):
  • This Greek term, antimisthia, literally means "a recompense" or "a corresponding return." It denotes a reciprocation or an exchange of like for like.
  • Significance: Paul is not demanding a favor but requesting a natural, equitable response to the profound love and openness he has already extended to them. It underscores the reciprocal nature of healthy spiritual relationships, not as a debt but as a desired fruit of love.
• "I speak as to children—" (ὡς τέκνοις λέγω - hōs teknois legō):
  • "As to children" (hōs teknois) denotes a tender, familial, and paternal tone.
  • Significance: Paul is appealing from the spiritual father-child relationship he established (1 Cor 4:15), emphasizing his deep care and spiritual authority. This softens the appeal, presenting it not as an order from an apostle, but as an loving exhortation from a parent. It implies trust and intimate understanding.
• "widen" (πλατύνθητε - platunthēte):
  • This is an imperative verb, from platynō, meaning "to make broad, enlarge, or expand." It stands in direct contrast to the "restricted" (stenochōreisthe) in verse 12.
  • Significance: Paul is calling for an active, intentional expansion. It is an act of opening oneself, overcoming any prior hesitation, suspicion, or emotional narrowness.
• "your hearts" (τὴν καρδίαν - tēn kardian):
  • "Heart" in Greek (kardia) encompasses not only emotions but also intellect, will, conscience, and the innermost core of one's being.
  • Significance: This is a call for an expansion of their entire spiritual and emotional capacity. It means welcoming Paul, his message, and fellow believers with genuine affection, trust, and unreserved commitment.
• "also" (καὶ ὑμεῖς - kai humeis):
  • The particle kai with humeis (you) emphasizes the reciprocity and mutuality of the action.
  • Significance: It reinforces the idea that just as Paul has done it for them, they are also to do it in return, creating a two-way street of love and acceptance.

Word-groups by word-groups analysis:

• "In return for the same, I speak as to children": This phrase sets the tone and foundation for Paul's appeal. He grounds his request in the existing dynamic: his past openness, his paternal role, and the expected spiritual reciprocity. It’s an emotional invitation, not a legalistic demand, asking them to consider their response to his love.
• "widen your hearts also": This is the direct, tender, yet firm command. It's the central exhortation, urging them to move beyond any constrictions of suspicion, reservation, or past hurt. It implies actively creating space in their affections for mutual spiritual intimacy and trust, aligning their internal posture with Paul’s external display of love. It’s an act of choosing abundant grace over grudging obligation.

2 Corinthians 6 13 Bonus section

The call to "widen your hearts" is not just about human affection; it implicitly involves a deepening of their relationship with God. An open heart towards God's chosen messenger, Paul, is indicative of an open heart to God's will and message. This verse serves as a crucial lead-in to the subsequent, strong warning in 2 Cor 6:14-7:1, where Paul forbids being "unequally yoked with unbelievers." The willingness to widen their hearts for Paul and pure fellowship prepares them for the spiritual discernment required to separate from unholy alliances. A spiritually "wide" heart is one capable of distinguishing and embracing what is holy while rejecting what is defiling, ultimately aligning with God's design for His church. It implies spiritual maturity and the removal of anything that restricts the Holy Spirit's work.

2 Corinthians 6 13 Commentary

This verse encapsulates Paul's deep yearning for an unfettered and mutual relationship with the Corinthian church. Following his own heartfelt declaration of open affection, he doesn't demand, but gently and paternally asks them to respond in kind. "Widen your hearts also" is a potent command, contrasting with their previously "restricted affections." It means expanding their capacity for love, trust, and acceptance, specifically towards him as their spiritual father, but more broadly, towards God's work among them. It’s an imperative to overcome suspicion, prejudice, or any personal reservation that might be hindering full, joyous fellowship. Paul invites them to move from a place of limited or cautious love to one of generous, uninhibited spiritual embrace, ensuring that no barrier—neither his nor theirs—impedes the flow of God's love and truth between them. Practically, this calls for letting go of past grievances, extending trust to those who love and lead them in Christ, and actively cultivating a welcoming spirit within the Christian community. For individuals, it means allowing God's Spirit to expand one's capacity for compassion, understanding, and forgiveness, enabling a deeper connection with fellow believers.