What does 2 Corinthians 6:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse 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?" serves as an exhortation to believers within the Corinthian church to avoid forming close bonds with non-believers that could lead them away from their Christian commitments.

The metaphor of being "unequally yoked" is agricultural in nature, referring to the practice of yoking two different kinds of animals together, which would be inefficient and could cause harm, suggesting a mismatch.

In a deeper spiritual context, the verse implies that there is a fundamental difference between believers and unbelievers which should caution Christians against forming partnerships that could jeopardize their moral and spiritual integrity.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul the Apostle's second letter to the Corinthians, written around 55-57 AD.

The city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan center with a diverse population and a wide array of religious practices.

In this environment, the young Christian community faced many challenges, including the influence of pagan idolatry and immorality.

Paul's letter provides guidance to the Corinthians, urging them to separate themselves from the corrupt practices surrounding them and to maintain their distinctiveness as followers of Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret this verse to address varying aspects of Christian life.

From a conservative perspective, this verse might be seen as a prohibition against marrying non-believers or forming close partnerships in business with those who do not share Christian values.

A more liberal interpretation might understand the admonishment as a call to spiritual discernment in relationships, rather than a strict separation from all non-believers.

Some see it as establishing a principle of avoiding any entanglement that could compromise one's faith, while others believe it speaks specifically to idolatry and practices that were prevalent at the time.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as guidance for Christians to exercise wisdom in their relationships and partnerships.

It can apply to marriage, business associations, friendships, and any situation where significant influence could corrupt one's beliefs or behaviors.

Believers are encouraged to evaluate their alliances to ensure they do not lead to moral compromise or spiritual decline, while still showing Christ-like love and being a witness to those outside their faith.

Cross-References

• Amos 3:3 "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
• Ephesians 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
• James 4:4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

Language Study

The phrase "unequally yoked" is derived from the Greek "ἑτεροζυγοῦντες" (heterozygountes), meaning "yoked with a different kind." This is the only occurrence of this term in the New Testament.

The metaphor is agricultural, coming from the practice of farming where animals are physically yoked together to perform labor.

If the animals are mismatched, this can hinder the work they are meant to do together.

Applying it to relationships, it suggests that such mismatches can be damaging or at least counterproductive.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Throughout history, many cultures have emphasized marrying within one's own group, whether that's a religious, ethnic, or social affiliation.

In ancient Israel, for example, marrying outside of the Israelite community was generally discouraged to maintain religious and cultural purity. This notion is similar to other ancient cultures which also practiced endogamy as a way to preserve family lines and beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not have a direct scientific interpretation, science does explore the importance of compatibility in relationships, whether it's between animals in an ecosystem or humans in social settings.

The concept of being "unequally yoked" could be likened to the scientific principle of symbiosis, if the relationship between two entities is not mutualistic, it may not be sustainable in the long term and can even be harmful.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on 2 Corinthians 6:14:

• John Wesley viewed it as a prohibition against forming intimate connections with non-believers which could weaken Christians' faith.
• Matthew Henry's commentary suggested that the verse calls for strict religious separation in all relationships for the purpose of preserving Christian holiness.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges perceives the verse as indicating common ground between Christianity and Stoicism in their mutual recognition of a Law of Life.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament suggests that Paul is providing guidance to the Corinthians who were easily influenced by various elements of their cosmopolitan environment, calling them back to a more pure form of Christian fellowship.