2 Corinthians 6:12
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2 Corinthians 6:12
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 6 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, judgment, discipleship. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 6:12
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
Analysis
Ye are not straitened in us (οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, ou stenochōreisthe en hēmin)—Stenochōreō means to be constricted, cramped, or restricted (from stenos, 'narrow,' and chōra, 'space'). Paul insists the problem isn't on his side—he hasn't withdrawn affection or narrowed his heart toward the Corinthians. His love provides ample space for them. The present tense indicates an ongoing state: you are not (and continue not to be) restricted by us.
But ye are straitened in your own bowels (στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν, stenochōreisthe de en tois splanchnois hymōn)—Splanchna literally means intestines or inner organs, metaphorically the seat of emotions and affections (translated 'bowels' in KJV, better rendered 'hearts' or 'affections' in modern English). The constriction exists in their hearts, not Paul's. They have narrowed their affections toward him, withdrawing emotionally due to criticism, misunderstanding, or wounded pride.
Paul diagnoses the relational problem with surgical precision: the Corinthians experience emotional constriction, but they've misidentified the source. They blame Paul for distance they themselves have created. This is the psychology of projection—attributing one's own attitudes to another. Paul's appeal invites them to recognize and remedy their own hardness of heart.
Historical Context
The Corinthians had been influenced by Paul's opponents to view him suspiciously. They questioned his motives, criticized his ministry style, and compared him unfavorably to more polished speakers. This created emotional distance. Paul addresses the root issue: they've constricted their own hearts while imagining Paul has withdrawn his affection first.
Reflection
- In what relationships might you be experiencing constriction that you've wrongly blamed on the other person rather than examining your own heart?
- How does Paul's gentle diagnosis of the Corinthians' 'straitened bowels' model addressing relational problems with both honesty and grace?
- What causes your heart to become constricted toward others—criticism, wounded pride, suspicion, unforgiveness—and how can you cultivate enlargement instead?