2 Corinthians 6:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
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?
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 6 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, wisdom, holiness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
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?
Analysis
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (Μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες ἀπίστοις, Mē ginesthe heterozygountes apistois)—Heterozygountes (present participle of heterozygeō) appears only here in the New Testament. It literally means 'being yoked with a different kind' or 'mismatched yoking,' alluding to Deuteronomy 22:10: 'Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.' Apistos (unbeliever) doesn't necessarily mean atheist but anyone who hasn't trusted Christ for salvation. The present imperative with mē means 'stop becoming' or 'do not continue to be' unequally yoked.
For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? (τίς γὰρ μετοχὴ δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἀνομίᾳ; tis gar metochē dikaiosynē kai anomia?)—Paul begins five rapid-fire rhetorical questions proving the incompatibility of believers with unbelievers. Metochē means partnership, sharing, or participation. Dikaiosynē (righteousness) versus anomia (lawlessness, unrighteousness) represents fundamental moral incompatibility. The expected answer: 'None!'
And what communion hath light with darkness? (τίς δὲ κοινωνία φωτὶ πρὸς σκότος; tis de koinōnia phōti pros skotos?)—Koinōnia (fellowship, communion, partnership) asks about shared life and intimate association. Phōs (light) versus skotos (darkness) expresses absolute spiritual antithesis (cf. John 1:5; 8:12; Eph 5:8; 1 John 1:5-7). Light and darkness cannot coexist or cooperate.
This abrupt section (vv.14-7:1) addresses the Corinthians' compromising entanglements with paganism. While Paul isn't commanding social isolation (1 Cor 5:9-10), he prohibits binding partnerships that compromise Christian distinctiveness. The 'unequal yoke' applies to marriage, business partnerships, religious syncretism, and any covenant relationship requiring shared convictions.
Historical Context
Corinth was a notoriously immoral pagan city with temples to multiple deities, including Aphrodite's temple with its cult prostitution. The Corinthian church struggled with maintaining separation from pagan practices (1 Cor 8-10 addresses meat offered to idols; 1 Cor 5-6 addresses sexual immorality). Paul calls them to maintain spiritual distinctiveness without becoming isolationist.
Reflection
- In what relationships or partnerships might you be 'unequally yoked' in ways that compromise your Christian convictions or testimony?
- How do you balance Paul's call to be separate with Jesus's command to be 'in the world' as salt and light?
- What specific entanglements with 'unrighteousness' or 'darkness' is the Holy Spirit convicting you to sever?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: ἀνομία (Anomia) G458 - Lawlessness, iniquity
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Proverbs 29:27
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 19:19, 1 Kings 18:21, Psalms 106:35, Proverbs 22:24, Malachi 2:11, 1 Corinthians 5:9