Keraia
2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked · 2 Corinthians 6:14–18
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Translations

Modern
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
Traditional
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Literal
Do not become unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Latin
Nolite jugum ducere cum infidelibus. Quæ enim participatio justitiæ cum iniquitate? aut quæ societas luci ad tenebras?

Original

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

Notes

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers: This advice refers to the Jewish rule against certain mixtures (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:10). Paul likely referred to the Corinthians' involvement in idol worship (see 1 Corinthians 8–10; compare 1 Corinthians 10:14–22).

2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1

The connection between 6:13 and 7:2 has led many scholars to think that 6:14–7:1 might be an inserted fragment from another letter, possibly the one mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9. However, this section could also be a digression in Paul's writing, challenging the Corinthians to stop opposing him and his message. Paul wanted to restore relationships, and here he describes believers in Christ as forming a holy temple. Believers' identity as the temple of God encourages harmony among them and separation from the impurity of unbelieving attitudes and behaviors. Paul contrasts Christian and pagan morality using quotations from the Old Testament.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Haggai, Book of Hosea, Book of Idols, Idolatry Marriage, Marriage Customs Mixed Marriage Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Forbidden Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Unbecoming in Those Called Saints Bad Company Being Equally Yoked Being Evenly Yoked Being Unequally Yoked Boundaries Business Partnerships Christian Dating Christian Lifestyles Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Communion of Saints Communion of Saints: Opposed to Communion with the Wicked Communion with God: Holiness Essential To Company: Evil Cultural Differences Darkness of Spiritual Blindness Dating Dating a Married Man Dating a Muslim Dating Age Dating An Unbeliever Dating and Relationships Dating Non Believers Divorcing An Unbeliever Emotional Abuse Fellowship with the Wicked Forbidden Finding a Spouse Getting Married Girlfriend and Boyfriend Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Jealousy Keeping Company with Sinners Marriage: Wives Among the Israelites Must be Israelites Mixed Marriages Non Believers Not Fitting In Physical Abuse in Marriage Relationships Righteousness: Has No Fellowship with Unrighteousness