Menu

2 Corinthians 6:14

2 Corinthians 6:14 in Multiple Translations

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

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

Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?

Do not keep company with those who have not faith: for what is there in common between righteousness and evil, or between light and dark?

Don't join together with people who don't believe—for what connection does goodness have with wickedness? What do light and darkness have in common?

Be not vnequally yoked with the infidels: for what fellowship hath righteousnesse with vnrighteousnesse? and what communion hath light with darkenesse?

Become not yoked with others — unbelievers, for what partaking [is there] to righteousness and lawlessness?

Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

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

Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness?

Do not ◄team up/have a close relationship► with anyone who does not trust in Christ. I say this because we who trust in Christ and do what is right should not [RHQ] want to do things with wicked people. Or to say it in another way, just like light and darkness never join together, so those who belong to Christ and those who belong to Satan should never join together [RHQ].

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 6:14

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK μη γινεσθε ετεροζυγουντες απιστοις τις γαρ μετοχη δικαιοσυνη και ανομια τις δε κοινωνια φωτι προς σκοτος
μη G3361 not Particle-N
γινεσθε ginomai G1096 to be Verb-PNM-2P
ετεροζυγουντες heterozugeō G2086 to yoke a mismatch Verb-PAP-NPM
απιστοις apistos G571 unbelieving Adj-DPM
τις tis G5101 which? Interrog-NSF
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
μετοχη metochē G3352 participation Noun-NSF
δικαιοσυνη dikaiosunē G1343 righteousness Noun-DSF
και kai G2532 and Conj
ανομια anomia G458 lawlessness Noun-DSF
τις tis G5101 which? Interrog-NSF
δε de G1161 then Conj
κοινωνια koinōnia G2842 participation Noun-NSF
φωτι phōs G5457 light Noun-DSN
προς pros G4314 to/with Prep
σκοτος skotos G4655 darkness Noun-ASN
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 6:14

μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
γινεσθε ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-PNM-2P
A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.
Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.
ετεροζυγουντες heterozugeō G2086 "to yoke a mismatch" Verb-PAP-NPM
This phrase means to be mismatched or unequally yoked with someone, like in 2 Corinthians 6:14 where it warns against being in a relationship with someone who doesn't share your beliefs.
Definition: ἑτερο-ζυγέω, -ῶ [in LXX cf. ἑτερόζυγος, Lev.19:19 (יְקַמְעָם)* ;] to be unequally yoked: metaphorically, with dative of person(s), 2Co.6:14.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: unequally yoke together with See also: 2 Corinthians 6:14.
απιστοις apistos G571 "unbelieving" Adj-DPM
Unbelieving describes someone who does not have faith or trust in God, like the people in Matthew 17:17 and Mark 9:19. It can also describe something that is hard to believe, like in Acts 26:8.
Definition: ἄ-πιστος, -ον (ἀ- neg., πιστός) [in LXX: Pro.17:6 28:25, Isa.17:10 * ;] __(a) of things, incredible: Act.26:8; __(b) of persons, without faith or trust, unbelieving: Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Luk.9:41 12:46, Jhn.20:27, Tit.1:15, Rev.21:8; specif., of unbelievers as opposite to Christians: 1Co.6:6 7:12-15 10:27 14:22-24, 2Co.4:4 6:14-15, 1Ti.5:8 (cf. Lft., Notes, 265; Cremer, 491).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever(-ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:6; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 21:8.
τις tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-NSF
This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.
Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
μετοχη metochē G3352 "participation" Noun-NSF
Participation or fellowship, like the kind described in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where Paul warns against unequal partnerships. It means sharing or having a part in something, often in a spiritual sense.
Definition: μετοχή, -ῆς, ἡ (μετέχω), [in LXX: Psa.122:3 א R (חָבַר pu.) * ;] sharing, fellowship: 2Co.6:14.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: fellowship See also: 2 Corinthians 6:14.
δικαιοσυνη dikaiosunē G1343 "righteousness" Noun-DSF
Righteousness is about living according to God's will, as seen in Matthew 5:6 and Romans 4:3, where it's about being in right relationship with God.
Definition: δικαιοσύνη, -ης, ἡ (δίκαιος), [in LXX chiefly for צֶדֶק, and cognates, Gen.15:6, al., rarely for חֶסֶד, Gen.19:19 ;] the character of ὁ δίκαιος (which see) __1. in broad sense, righteousness, conformity to the Divine will in purpose, thought and action: Mat.5:6, Jhn.16:8, Act.13:10, Rom.4:3; λόγος δικαιοσύνης, teaching of r., Heb.5:13; βασιλεὺς δ. (cf. FlJ, BJ, vi, 10, β. δίκαιος), Heb.7:2; ὅπλα δ., Rom.6:13; ὁδὸς δ., Mat.21:32; θώραξ τῆς δ., Eph.6:14; διὰκονοι δ., 2Co.11:15; ὁσιότης καὶ δ., Luk.1:75, cf. Eph.4:24; ἀγαθωσύνῃ καὶ δ., Eph.5:9; δ. κ. εἰρήνη κ. χαρά, Rom.14:17; δ. κ. ἁγιασμός, 1Co.1:30; opposite to ἁμαρτία, Rom.8:10; ἀνομία, 2Co.6:14; άδικία, Rom.3:5; ποιεῖν τὴν δ., 1Jn.2:29 Jn 3:7; id. as an inclusive term for the active duties of the religious life (ICC, in l; Abbott, Essays, 73 ff), Mat.6:1; ἐργάζεσθαι δ., Act.10:35; διώκειν δ., 1Ti.6:11; πληροῦν πᾶσαν δ., Mat.3:15; ζῆν τῇ δ., 1Pe.2:24; δ. θεοῦ, a righteousness divine in its character and origin, Mat.6:33, Jas.1:20, (where it also includes the idea of God's personal r.; see ICC, on Rom.1:17) Rom.1:17 3:5, 21-26 10:3, 2Co.5:21, Php.3:9; ἡ δ. τ. πίσιεως, Rom.4:11; ἡ ἐκ π. δ., Rom.9:30; ἡ κατὰ π. δ., Heb.11:7; opposite to this is ἡ ἐκ νόμου δ., Rom.10:5; ἡ δ. ἐν ν., Php.3:6; ἡ ἰδία δ., Rom.10:3, cf. Php.3:9 __2. In narrower sense (cf. δίκαιος), justice: Act.17:31, 2Pe.1:1, Rev.19:11 (DCG, ii, 529 ff.; Cremer, 190, 690). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: righteousness See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Luke 1:75; 1 Peter 2:24.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ανομια anomia G458 "lawlessness" Noun-DSF
Lawlessness refers to breaking the law or acting wickedly, as mentioned in Matthew 7:23 and 13:41. It involves doing wrong and disobeying rules.
Definition: ἀνομία, -ας, ἡ (ἄνομος), [in LXX for עָוֺן, פָּשַׁע, פֶּשַׁע, תּוֹעֵבַה, רֶשַׁע, etc. ;] lawlessness, iniquity: Mat.7:23 13:41 23:28 24:12, Rom.6:19, 2Co.6:14, 2Th.2:3 2:7, Tit.2:14, Heb.1:9, 1Jn.3:4; in pl. (as LXX, Psa.31:1, al.; see 131., § 32, 6; Swete, Mk., 153), of acts or manifestations of lawlessness: Rom.4:7 (LXX), Heb.10:17.† SYN.: see: ἁμάρτημα, ἄνομος (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: iniquity, X transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness See also: 1 John 3:4; Matthew 7:23; Hebrews 1:9.
τις tis G5101 "which?" Interrog-NSF
This interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions like who, which, or what, as seen in Matthew 3:7 and Mark 11:28. It seeks information about a person or thing. This term is essential in direct and indirect questions.
Definition: τίς, neut., τί, genitive, τίνος, interrog. pron., [in LXX for מָה ,מִי ;] in masc. and fem., who, which, what?; in neut., which, what?, used both in direct and in indirect questions. __I. I. As subst., __1. 1. masc., fem.: τίς; who, what?, Mat.3:7 26:68; Mrk.11:28, Luk.9:9, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Act.7:52, Heb.1:5, al; before ἐκ (= genitive partit.), Mat.6:27, Luk.14:28, Jhn.8:46; = ποῖος, Mrk.4:41 6:2, Luk.19:3, Act.17:19, al.; = πότερος (M, Pr., 77), Mat.21:31 27:17, Luk.22:27, al.; = ὅς or ὅστις (rare in cl.; cf. Bl., §50, 5; M, Pr., 93), Act.13:25. __2. Neut.: τί; what?, Mat.5:47 11:7, Mrk.10:3, al.; χάριν τίνος, 1Jn.3:12; διὰ τί, Mat.9:11, al.; εἰς τί, Mat.14:31, al.; elliptically, ἵνα τί (sc. γένηται), why, Mat.9:5, al.; τί οὖν, Rom.3:9 6:1, 15 1Co.14:15, al.; τί γάρ, Rom.3:3, Phi 1:18; τί ἐμοὶ (ὑμῖν) καὶ σοί, see: ἔγω. __II. As adj.: who? what? which?, Mat.5:46, Luk.14:31, Jhn.2:18, al. __III. As adv.: = διὰ τι (τί ὅτι), why, Mat.6:28, Mrk.4:40, Luk.6:46, Jhn.18:23, al.; in rhet. questions, = a negation, Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, 23 1Co.5:12 7:16, al. in exclamations (like Heb. מָה), how (2Ki.6:20, Psa.3:2, al.), Luk.12:49. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 514 NT verses. KJV: every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:11.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
κοινωνια koinōnia G2842 "participation" Noun-NSF
A partnership or fellowship, like the communion of believers in Acts 2:42. It can also refer to a financial contribution, as in 2 Corinthians 13:13 where Paul thanks the Philippians for their support.
Definition: κοινωνία, -ας, ἡ (κοινωνός), [in LXX: Lev.6:2 (יָד תְּשׂוּמֶת), Wis.8:18, 3Ma.4:6 * ;] __1. fellowship, communion: Act.2:42, 2Co.6:14, Php.1:5; τ. υἱοῦ, 1Co.1:9; τ. αἵματος, σώματος Χρ., 1Co.10:10 : παθημάτων αὐτσῦ, Php.3:10; τ. πνεύματος, 2Co.13:13, Php.2:1; δεξιὰς κοινωνίας, Gal.2:9; τ. πίστεώς σου, Phm 6; before μετὰ: τ. πατρός, 1Jn.1:3 Jn 1:6; ἡμῶν, ἀλλήλων, 1Jn.1:3 Jn 1:7. __2. contribution (as outcome of fellowship): Rom.15:26, 2Co.8:4 9:13, Heb.13:6 (cf. Art. Communion, DB, i, 460 ff.; MM, Exp., xv).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: (to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 13:16.
φωτι phōs G5457 "light" Noun-DSN
Light refers to any kind of luminousness, natural or artificial, and is used in the Bible to describe the light of the sun or a lamp. In Matthew 17:2 and John 11:9-10, it describes Jesus shining like the sun.
Definition: φῶς (Att.. contr. from φάος; φάω), genitive, φωτός, τό, [in LXX chiefly for אוֹר ;] light (opposite to τὸ σκότος, ἡ σκοτία): Mat.17:2, 5, Jhn.11:9-10, 2Co.4:6; ἡλίου, Rev.22:5; of a lamp, Luk.8:16 11:33, Jhn.5:35, Rev.18:23; of a supernatural heavenly light, Act.9:3 12:7 22:6, 9 22:11 26:13; hence, ἄγγελος φωτός, 2Co.11:14; ὁ κλήρος τ. ἁγίων ἐν τ. φ., Col.1:12; of the divine glory, Rev.21:24; by meton., of that which gives light: of fire, Mrk.14:54, Luk.22:56 (cl.; 1Ma.12:29; cf. DCG, i, 595; pl., of a lamp or torch, Act.16:29; of heavenly bodies, Jas.1:17. Metaphorical, __(a) of God: 1Jn.1:5 Jn 1:7; φῶς οἰκῶν ἀπρόσιτον, 1Ti.6:16; __(b) of spiritual truth and its effects on the lives of men: Mat.4:16 5:16, Jhn.1:4-5 3:19-21, Act.26:18, 23, 2Co.6:14, Eph.5:13, 1Pe.2:9, 1Jn.2:8; τ. φ. τ. ζωῆς, Jhn.8:12; τ. ὅπλα τοῦ φ., Rom.13:12; καρπὸς τοῦ φ., Eph.5:9; έν τ. φ. περιπατεῖν (εἶναι, μένειν), 1Jn.1:7 Jn 2:9-10; υἱοὶ (τέκνα) τοῦ φ., Luk.16:8, Jhn.12:36, Eph.5:8, 1Th.5:5; by meton., of one from whom truth shines forth: Act.13:47 (LXX), Rom.2:19; esp. of Christ, Luk.2:32, Jhn.1:7-8 12:35-36, 46; τ. φ. τ. κόσμου, Jhn.8:12 9:5;τ. φ. τ. ἀληθινόν, Jhn.1:9; of Christians, Mat.5:14, Eph.5:8; __(with) of the spiritual under­standing: τ. φ. τὸ ἐν σοί, Mat.6:23, Luk.11:35; __(d) adverbially, of that which is open to view (opposite to ἐν τ. σκοτίᾳ): ἐν τ. φ., Mat.10:27, Luk.12:3.† SYN.: see: φέγγος (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: fire, light See also: 1 John 1:5; John 1:9; 1 Peter 2:9.
προς pros G4314 "to/with" Prep
A preposition showing direction or relationship, like towards or with something, as seen in Mark 5:11 and John 18:16. This means indicating movement or direction. It's about showing proximity or connection.
Definition: πρός, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative __I. I. C. genitive, of motion from a place, from the side of, hence metaphorically, in the interests of, Act.27:34 (cf. Page, in l.). __II. II. C. dative, of local proximity, hard by, near, at: Mrk.5:11, Luk.19:37, Jhn.18:16 20:11, 12 Rev.1:13. __III. C. accusative, of motion or direction towards a place or object, to, towards. __1. Of place, __(a) after verbs of motion or of speaking and other words with the idea of direction: ἔρχομαι, ἀναβαίνω, πορεύομαι, λέγω, ἐπιστολή, etc., Mat.3:14, Mrk.6:51, Luk.11:5, Jhn.2:3, Act.9:2, al. mult.; metaphorically, of mental direction, hostile or otherwise, Luk.23:12, Jhn.6:52, 2Co.7:4, Eph.6:12, Col.3:13, al.; of the issue or end, Luk.14:32, Jhn.11:4, al.; of purpose, Mat.26:12, Rom.3:26, 1Co.6:5, al.; πρὸς τό, with inf., denoting purpose (cf. M, Pr., 218, 220; Lft., Notes, 131), Mat.5:28, Mrk.13:22, Eph.6:11, 1Th.2:9, al.; __(b) of close proximity, at, by, with: Mat.3:10, Mrk.11:4, Luk.4:11, Act.3:2, al.; after εἶναι, Mat.13:56, Mrk.6:3, Jhn.1:1, al. __2. 2. Of time, __(a) towards (Plat., Xen., LXX: Gen.8:11, al.): Luk.24:29; __(b) for: πρὸς καιρόν, Luk.8:13, 1Co.7:5; πρὸς ὥραν, Jhn.5:35, al.; πρὸς ὀλίγον, Jas.4:14. __3. Of relation __(a) toward, with: Rom.5:1, 2Co.1:12, Col.4:5, 1Th.4:12, al.; __(b) with regard to: Mat.19:8, Mrk.12:12, Rom.8:31, al.; __(with) pertaining to, to: Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; __(d) according to: Luk.12:47, 2Co.5:10, Gal.2:14, Eph.3:4 4:14; __(e) in comparison with: Rom.8:18. __IV. In composition: towards (προσέρχομαι), to (προσάγω), against (προσκόπτω), besides (προσδαπανάω) . (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 655 NT verses. KJV: about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:4.
σκοτος skotos G4655 "darkness" Noun-ASN
Darkness refers to the absence of light, either physical or spiritual, as described in Hebrews 12:18.
Definition: σκότος, -ου, ὁ the more usual cl. form (cf.σ., τό), darkness: Heb.12:18, Rec.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: darkness See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 12:18; 1 Peter 2:9.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 6:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
2 1 Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.
3 James 4:4 You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.
4 Ephesians 5:6–14 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Test and prove what pleases the Lord. Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
5 Leviticus 19:19 You are to keep My statutes. You shall not crossbreed two different kinds of livestock; you shall not sow your fields with two kinds of seed; and you shall not wear clothing made of two kinds of material.
6 1 Peter 2:9–10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
7 Psalms 26:4–5 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.
8 Deuteronomy 22:9–11 Do not plant your vineyard with two types of seed; if you do, the entire harvest will be defiled —both the crop you plant and the fruit of your vineyard. Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together. Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.
9 Psalms 139:21–22 Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies.
10 Ephesians 4:17–20 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. But this is not the way you came to know Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Summary

[This verse is warning us about the dangers of being in a close relationship with someone who does not share our faith in Jesus Christ, as it can lead to spiritual compromise and harm. As seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14, being unequally yoked with unbelievers can be like trying to mix light and darkness, which just doesn't work. We are called to be separate from the world and to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Romans 12:2. By being mindful of our relationships and seeking God's wisdom, we can avoid being unequally yoked and stay focused on our walk with Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be unequally yoked with unbelievers?

Being unequally yoked with unbelievers means to be in a close relationship or partnership with someone who does not share the same faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which can lead to spiritual compromise and hinder our walk with God, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33.

Does this verse mean I should not have any friends who are unbelievers?

While 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, it does not mean we should not have any relationships with them, as Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors in Matthew 22:39, but rather we should be cautious about the depth and nature of those relationships to avoid spiritual harm.

How can I know if I am being unequally yoked with an unbeliever?

You can know if you are being unequally yoked with an unbeliever if you find yourself compromising your faith or values to maintain the relationship, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14, or if the relationship is causing you to stumble or turn away from God, as warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12.

What is the difference between righteousness and wickedness in this verse?

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, righteousness refers to living a life that is pleasing to God and in accordance with His will, as seen in Psalm 119:172, while wickedness refers to living a life that is opposed to God's will and characterized by sin, as seen in Psalm 51:4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be unequally yoked with unbelievers, and how can I begin to make changes to align myself with God's will?
  2. How can I maintain a balance between loving and reaching out to unbelievers, while also protecting my own faith and spiritual well-being?
  3. What are some potential consequences of being unequally yoked with unbelievers, and how can I avoid them?
  4. How can I discern whether a particular relationship or partnership is unequal yoking, and what steps can I take to seek God's wisdom and guidance in this area?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers,.... This seems to be an allusion to the law in Deuteronomy 22:10 and to be a mystical explanation of it; and is to be understood not as forbidding

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 6:14

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: they too much restrain the sense of this general precept, who either limit it to religious communion with idolaters, or to civil communion in marriages. The precept is delivered in a term of more general significancy, than to be limited by either of these, though both of them, questionless, be comprehended in it: mh ginesye eterozugountev, do not become such as in the same yoke draw another way. It is a metaphor drawn from horses or oxen; which should draw together, being in the same yoke, neither standing still, nor yet holding back. It is a general precept, prohibitive of all unnecessary communion and intimate fellowship with such, as either in matters of faith or worship, or in their lives and conversations, declare themselves to be unbelievers; for why we should expound apistoiv of infidels merely, I cannot tell, especially considering that the apostle, , seems to allow a further communion with a heathen, than with a notoriously scandalous Christian. So as this precept may reasonably be interpreted by those in the former Epistle, of marrying with such, eating with them at idol feasts, or at the Lord’ s table, maintaining intimate communion with them, &c. For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? The reason he giveth, is, because they could have no comfortable communion with such; they were righteousness, those persons were unrighteousness; they were light, such persons were darkness, that is, full of the darkness of sin and ignorance. In the mean time, this precept ought not to be extended to a total avoiding of commerce with, or being in the company of, either heathens, or scandalous persons; for as to that, the same apostle had before determined it lawful, . Whatever communion with such persons is either necessary from the law of God or nature, or for the support and upholding of human life and society, is lawful even with such persons; but all other is unlawful.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:14

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Ver. 14. Be not unequally yoked] Dare not saith Mr Ward, to yoke thyself with any untamed heifer that bears not Christ’ s yoke. Quam male inaequales veniunt ad aratra iuvenci? (Ovid. Epist.) An ox and an ass might not be coupled together in the law; and hereunto the apostle seems to allude. The doctors of Douay upon Leviticus 19:19 : Here all participation, say they, with heretics and schismatics is forbidden. Philip king of Spain said, He had rather have no subjects than subjects of various religions. And out of a bloody zeal, suffered his eldest son Charles to be murdered by the bloody Inquisition, because he seemed to favour our profession.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:14

(14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.—We seem at first to enter, by an abrupt transition, upon a new line of exhortation. The under-current of thought is, however, not difficult to trace. There was a false latitude as well as a true. The baser party at Corinth might think it a matter of indifference whether they married a heathen or a Christian, whether they chose their intimate friends among the worshippers of Aphrodite or of Christ. Against that “enlargement” the Apostle feels bound to protest. The Greek word for “unequally yoked together” is not found elsewhere, and was probably coined by St. Paul to give expression to his thoughts. Its meaning is, however, determined by the use of the cognate noun in Leviticus 19:19 (“Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind”). Cattle were unequally yoked together when ox and ass were drawing the same plough (Deuteronomy 22:10). Men and women are so when they have no common bond of faith in God. Another explanation refers the image to the yoke of a balance, or pair of scales, and so sees in the precept a warning against partiality in judgment; but this rests on very slender ground, or rather, no ground at all.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:14

Verse 14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers] This is a military term: keep in your own ranks; do not leave the Christian community to join in that of the heathens. The verb ετεροζυγειν signifies to leave one's own rank, place, or order, and go into another; and here it must signify not only that they should not associate with the Gentiles in their idolatrous feasts, but that they should not apostatize from Christianity; and the questions which follow show that there was a sort of fellowship that some of the Christians had formed with the heathens which was both wicked and absurd, and if not speedily checked would infallibly lead to final apostasy. Some apply this exhortation to pious persons marrying with those who are not decidedly religious, and converted to God. That the exhortation may be thus applied I grant; but it is certainly not the meaning of the apostle in this place. Nevertheless, common sense and true piety show the absurdity of two such persons pretending to walk together in a way in which they are not agreed. A very wise and very holy man has given his judgment on this point: "A man who is truly pious, marrying with an unconverted woman, will either draw back to perdition, or have a cross during life." The same may be said of a pious woman marrying an unconverted man. Such persons cannot say this petition of the Lord's prayer, Lead us not into temptation. They plunge into it of their own accord. For what fellowship, c.] As righteousness cannot have communion with unrighteousness, and light cannot dwell with darkness so Christ can have no concord with Belial, nor can he that believeth have any with an infidel. All these points were self-evident; how then could they keep up the profession of Christianity, or pretend to be under its influence, while they associated with the unrighteous, had communion with darkness, concord with Belial, and partook with infidels?

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 6:14

14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers] Dean Stanley observes on the “remarkable dislocation of the argument here.” But the connection of thought is not difficult to trace. The only reward (see last verse) St Paul sought from the Corinthians was conduct in accordance with the Gospel of Christ. This was the best form their sympathy with him could take. Therefore he touches on some of the points on which they were in the habit of doing most violence to their Christian profession. They did not keep sufficiently aloof from unbelievers, but even went so far as to ‘sit at meat’ with them ‘in the idol-temple’ (see 1 Corinthians 8, 10, and notes) and thus become partakers with them in their idolatry, whereby they were the cause of infinite mischief to the souls of their brethren. The reference in the words ‘unequally yoked together’ is to the precept in Deuteronomy 22:10, a precept, like many similar ones in the same chapter (2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Corinthians 6:11-12) and elsewhere in the Mosaic laws, manifestly figurative in its character. The Apostle’s words must not be confined to intermarriages with the heathen, though of course it includes them in the prohibition. It refers to all kinds of close and intimate relations. “They are yoked together with unbelievers, who enter into close companionship with them.” Estius.what fellowship] The word thus rendered here is not the same as that rendered communion below, a word which (see notes on 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:16) is itself rendered indifferently by communion and fellowship in the N. T., but is derived from the word signifying to partake (partynge, Wiclif), e.g. in 1 Corinthians 10:17. See Ephesians 5:7; also 1Ma 1:13-15 and 2 John 1:11.unrighteousness] Literally, lawlessness, the normal condition of the heathen man, Romans 6:19, while the Christian is endowed with ‘God’s righteousness,’ ch. 2 Corinthians 5:21.light with darkness] Cf. John 1:5; John 3:19, the one signifying the condition of man in Christ, the other his condition without Christ. See also Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; and ch. 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers - This is closely connected in sense with the previous verse.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:14

14. St. Paul trusts now, by warming the affections of his Corinthians, first to draw them into separation from sin, 2 Corinthians 6:14 to 2 Corinthians 7:1, and to bring them to an acceptance of himself, 2 Corinthians 7:2.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 6:14

SermonDescription
Vance Havner The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c
David Wilkerson You Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Steve who was a rock star and wanted to use his fame to spread the message of Jesus. However, he was confronted by you
David Ravenhill (Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God by David Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves o
Milton Green (Blood Covenant) 3 - Our Covenant With Christ by Milton Green In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive nature of sin and its opposition to the covenant and love of God. Sin is described as self-centeredness, selfishness, and se
A.W. Tozer How to Tell When a Thing Is From God by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encou
David Wilkerson God Is Trying to Get at That Thing in You by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher, inspired by the Spirit of God, reveals the reason for the ruin of the city. He explains that sin was the cause, specifically the mixing of the holy se
Keith Daniel (2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then men

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate