2 Corinthians 6 14

2 Corinthians 6:14 kjv

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 nkjv

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 niv

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 esv

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 nlt

Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6 verses

2 Corinthians 6 14 Meaning

This verse serves as a strong prohibition against believers engaging in close fellowship or partnership with unbelievers, particularly in spiritual matters. The core idea is a fundamental incompatibility between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, or Christ and Belial. Therefore, believers are called to separate themselves from such associations to maintain their purity and distinct identity as followers of God.

2 Corinthians 6 14 Context

Second Corinthians chapter 6 deals with Paul's ministry and his credentials as an apostle. He defends his apostolic authority and pleads with the Corinthians to be reconciled to God. Verses 14-18 specifically address the need for the Corinthian believers to separate themselves from pagan practices and unbelievers within their society. This instruction is given in a cultural context where the church was a minority within a predominantly pagan Greco-Roman world, making it challenging to avoid entanglement with surrounding ungodly influences and relationships. The chapter culminates in God's promise to dwell among and be their God, emphasizing the transformation that occurs through separation and reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 6 14 Word analysis

• Mē (μὴ): "Not." A primary particle of negation.

• sun-‘istanō (συνίστην): "to stand together," "to combine," "to commend," "to unite." Here, it implies being yoked together, a metaphor from agriculture.

• terpti’ōpōtēs (terptiópōtēs): This Greek word is not standard Koine Greek and appears to be a misspelling or corruption. The common word in this context from 2 Corinthians 6:14 is hermos (ἕρμος) which is also not directly from this verse. The term Paul uses is related to being yoked together. In classical Greek, zygos (ζυγός) means "yoke." However, the construction here implies a shared relationship. Let's examine the standard wording and its parts. The intended Greek likely relates to the concept of partnership or connection. A correct understanding of this passage in English Bibles reflects a prohibitive command. The core Greek phrase translated as "unequally yoked" often comes from heterozygountes (ἑτεροζυγοῦντες), meaning "yoked differently" or "unequally yoked."

  • heteros (ἕτερος): "other," "different."
  • zygos (ζυγός): "yoke," "pair," "beam." The implication is a team of animals yoked together, suggesting equality or compatibility in the work.

• pisteu’ontēs (πιστεύοντες): "believing," "having faith." Present participle of pisteuō (πιστεύω).

• hoi (οἱ): "the." Definite article.

• apistos (ἄπιστοι): "unbeliever," "faithless," "without faith."

• ene’ōi (ἐν οἴῳ): "in what manner," "how." Or more directly translated as "what." The intended meaning is a contrast of natures or states.

• gar (γὰρ): "for," "because." Conjunction introducing a reason or explanation.

• kai (καὶ): "and." Conjunction.

• tropos (τρόπος): "manner," "way," "fashion."

• Words group by words-group analysis:

  • "Mē sun-‘istanō terpti’ōpōtēs” (likely meaning): This phrase emphatically forbids "being unequally yoked together" or entering into close, incongruous partnerships.
  • "pisteu’ontēs pisteu’onti” (believing to believing): This signifies fellowship between two believers, a legitimate and encouraged union.
  • "tereptiotetes kai tereptiotetos”(faithfulness and faithlessness): This presents the stark contrast between righteousness and unrighteousness, light and darkness, and Christ and Belial. These are antithetical states of being and allegiance.

2 Corinthians 6 14 Bonus section

The term "Belial" (often rendered "Beliar" or similar in different translations) in the subsequent verse (v. 15) further clarifies the nature of this separation. Belial is understood in Jewish literature and here in Paul's thought as a personification of wickedness, rebellion, and the antithesis of Christ. This verse strongly echoes the Old Testament commands for Israel to maintain holiness and separation from the surrounding pagan nations, a recurring theme intended to preserve their covenant relationship with God (e.g., Deuteronomy 7). The idea is not a social isolation that creates a monastic community, but a distinct identity and separation from practices and partnerships that compromise one's commitment to Christ. The emphasis is on maintaining a pure witness and undivided loyalty to God.

2 Corinthians 6 14 Commentary

The prohibition against being "unequally yoked" (heterozygountes) is a potent metaphor drawn from agriculture, where animals of different species or strengths were not yoked together for plowing or hauling, as it would be ineffective and harmful. Paul applies this to spiritual relationships, warning believers against intimate partnership or close fellowship with unbelievers. This is not about avoiding all contact but about preventing deeply shared lives and commitments that compromise one's faith. Such unions create spiritual friction and hinder spiritual growth because the foundational principles and allegiances are irreconcilably different. Righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, and Christ and Belial (a term for worthlessness or ruin, often associated with Satan) are incompatible. Therefore, believers are called to separate themselves from associations that blend these opposing spiritual forces.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • Believers are advised against marrying non-believers, as such unions create a spiritual disparity at the deepest level of household life.
  • Partnering in business ventures with those whose core values and practices are antithetical to Christian ethics can lead to compromise.
  • Engaging in close spiritual mentorship or leadership roles with those who fundamentally reject Christian truth is inadvisable.