2 Corinthians 6:14

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Μὴ
G3361
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#2
γίνεσθε
G1096
Be ye
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#3
ἑτεροζυγοῦντες
G2086
unequally yoked together
to yoke up differently, i.e., (figuratively) to associate discordantly
#4
ἀπίστοις·
G571
with unbelievers
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
#5
τίς
G5101
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#6
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#7
μετοχὴ
G3352
fellowship
participation, i.e., intercourse
#8
δικαιοσύνῃ
G1343
hath righteousness
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
#9
καὶ
G2532
with
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἀνομίᾳ
G458
unrighteousness
illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness
#11
τίς
G5101
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#12
δὲ
G1161
and
but, and, etc
#13
κοινωνία
G2842
communion
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
#14
φωτὶ
G5457
hath light
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
#15
πρὸς
G4314
with
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#16
σκότος
G4655
darkness
shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

Cross References

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Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection