2 Corinthians 6:11

¶ O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

O ye Corinthians {G2881}, our {G2257} mouth {G4750} is open {G455} unto {G4314} you {G5209}, our {G2257} heart {G2588} is enlarged {G4115}.

Dear friends in Corinth! We have spoken frankly to you, we have opened our hearts wide.

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.

Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.

Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV): "¶ O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged."

Context of 2 Corinthians 6:11

This verse comes in the midst of Paul's impassioned defense of his apostolic ministry and his sincere relationship with the Corinthian church. In the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 6:3-10), Paul details the hardships, sufferings, and various ways he and his fellow ministers have commendably served the Lord, enduring all things "by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned." He contrasts their genuine ministry with any perceived insincerity or self-interest. Verse 11 serves as a direct, heartfelt appeal, revealing the depth of his affection and the transparency of his communication with them, setting the stage for his plea for their reciprocal love and separation from unbelievers in the verses that follow.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sincere Communication: Paul declares that his "mouth is open" to the Corinthians. This signifies a lack of hidden motives, a frankness, and a willingness to speak plainly and truthfully, holding nothing back. It speaks to his transparency and honesty in his dealings with them.
  • Profound Affection: His "heart is enlarged" indicates a deep, boundless love and affection for the Corinthians. It suggests a generous and unrestricted emotional capacity towards them, free from any narrowness or reservation. This is the heart of a spiritual father who cares deeply for his children, much like he describes his relationship in 1 Corinthians 4:15.
  • Apostolic Love and Openness: This verse beautifully illustrates the nature of genuine apostolic ministry – one characterized by vulnerability, deep care, and open communication, not manipulation or self-interest. Paul's heart is not just open, but expanded, reflecting the expansive nature of God's love.

Linguistic Insights

  • "open" (ἀνοίγω - *anoigō*): The Greek word *anoigō* means "to open, unclose." In this context, it emphasizes Paul's frankness and willingness to speak freely and without reservation. His communication is not guarded or deceptive; it is direct and honest.
  • "enlarged" (πλατύνω - *platynō*): The term *platynō* means "to broaden, to make wide, to enlarge." When applied to the heart, it conveys the idea of a spacious, unconfined, and generous disposition. Paul's affection for the Corinthians is not cramped or limited but expansive and overflowing. This contrasts sharply with the "straitened" condition he alludes to in the next verse (2 Corinthians 6:12), where he suggests their affections might be restricted towards him.

Practical Application

Paul's heartfelt declaration in 2 Corinthians 6:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Sincerity in Relationships: We are called to cultivate relationships marked by openness and honesty, especially within the Christian community. Hiding true feelings or motives can hinder genuine connection and spiritual growth.
  • Generous Love: Our hearts should be "enlarged" towards others, reflecting the boundless love of Christ. This means extending grace, forgiveness, and understanding, even when others are imperfect or challenging. It speaks to a love that is not easily offended or quick to withdraw.
  • Authentic Ministry: For those in leadership or ministry, this verse underscores the importance of authenticity and genuine affection for those they serve. True spiritual leadership flows from a heart of love and is characterized by transparent communication, rather than pretense or self-promotion.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Paul's deep commitment and love for the Corinthian believers, urging them to respond with similar affection and open hearts.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 7:3

    I speak not [this] to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with [you].

  • 2 Corinthians 7:4

    Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

  • Philippians 1:8

    For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

  • Psalms 119:32

    I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:15

    And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:4

    For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

  • Galatians 3:1

    ¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
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