2 Corinthians 6:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Any constraint you feel has not been imposed by us, but by your own inner selves.

Berean Standard Bible:

It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained.

American Standard Version:

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Ye are^{G4729} not^{G3756} straitened^{G4729} in^{G1722} us^{G2254}, but^{G1161} ye are straitened^{G4729} in^{G1722} your own^{G5216} bowels^{G4698}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 2 Corinthians 6:12

2 Corinthians 6:12, "Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels," is a verse where the Apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian church. The language of the King James Version can be somewhat opaque to modern readers, but the essence of the message is about spiritual openness and the capacity for relationships.

In this verse, Paul is expressing his concern that the Corinthians may feel constrained or limited in their relationship with him and his fellow workers. The term "straitened" means to be confined, restricted, or narrowed. Paul insists that any such limitation is not from his side; he and his companions have been open and expansive in their love and dealings with the Corinthians. Instead, he suggests that the constraint lies within the Corinthians themselves—in their "bowels," which in biblical language often refers to the innermost affections and compassion.

The historical context of this verse is important. Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church was complex and sometimes strained. In his letters, he addresses various issues and conflicts within the community, including divisions, moral laxity, and doctrinal errors. In 2 Corinthians, he defends his apostolic authority and encourages the church to remain faithful to the gospel.

The themes of 2 Corinthians 6:12 include the importance of open, reciprocal relationships within the church and the need for believers to examine their own hearts for any barriers to love and fellowship. Paul is calling the Corinthians to self-reflection and to widen their capacity for relationship, both with God and with one another. This self-examination is crucial for the health and unity of the church, as it allows for the free flow of God's love and grace among His people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G4729
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: στενοχωρέω
   Transliteration: stenochōréō
   Pronunciation: sten-okh-o-reh'-o
   Description: from the same as στενοχωρία; to hem in closely, i.e. (figuratively) cramp:--distress, straiten.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2254
   There are 167 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἡμῖν
   Transliteration: hēmîn
   Pronunciation: hay-meen'
   Description: dative case plural of ἐγώ; to (or for, with, by) us:--our, (for) us, we.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
6. Strong's Number: G5216
   There are 503 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑμῶν
   Transliteration: hymōn
   Pronunciation: hoo-mone'
   Description: genitive case of ὑμεῖς; of (from or concerning) you:--ye, you, your (own, -selves).
   
7. Strong's Number: G4698
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σπλάγχνον
   Transliteration: splánchnon
   Pronunciation: splangkh'-non
   Description: probably strengthened from (the "spleen"); an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy:--bowels, inward affection, + tender mercy.