2 Corinthians 6:11

Translation
King James Version
¶ O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
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KJV (with Strong's)
O ye Corinthians G2881, our G2257 mouth G4750 is open G455 unto G4314 you G5209, our G2257 heart G2588 is enlarged G4115.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Dear friends in Corinth! We have spoken frankly to you, we have opened our hearts wide.
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Berean Standard Bible
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.
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American Standard Version
Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.
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World English Bible Messianic
Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
O Corinthians, our mouth is open vnto you: our heart is made large.
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Young's Literal Translation
Our mouth hath been open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart hath been enlarged!
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See also
2 Corinthians 7:32 Corinthians 7:4Philippians 1:8Psalms 119:322 Corinthians 12:152 Corinthians 2:4Galatians 3:1
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In the KJVVerse 28,910 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

In 2 Corinthians 6:11, the Apostle Paul makes a deeply personal and impassioned appeal to the Corinthian believers, revealing the profound transparency and boundless affection that characterizes his relationship with them. He declares that his communication is unreservedly open and his emotional capacity towards them is expansive, contrasting his genuine love and sincere ministry with any perceived coldness or reservation on their part. This verse serves as a heartfelt invitation for the Corinthians to reciprocate his open-hearted love and embrace the full scope of his apostolic care.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is a pivotal emotional outburst within Paul's broader defense of his apostolic ministry and integrity, which spans from 2 Corinthians 2:14 through 2 Corinthians 7:16. Immediately preceding 2 Corinthians 6:11, Paul lists a litany of hardships and trials he and his fellow ministers have endured, demonstrating their authenticity and endurance "by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned" (2 Corinthians 6:6). This catalogue of suffering and steadfastness serves to commend their ministry to the Corinthians, setting the stage for Paul's direct, emotional appeal for their reciprocal affection. The verse also acts as a bridge to his subsequent plea for the Corinthians to "be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14), emphasizing that his openness and love for them should inspire them to live in purity and separation from the world.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city known for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality. The Corinthian church, though gifted, was plagued by internal divisions, moral laxity, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. False apostles or rival teachers had likely sowed seeds of doubt regarding Paul's motives and legitimacy, leading to a strained relationship. Paul's letters to Corinth are characterized by a deep, complex, and often painful pastoral relationship. His declaration in 2 Corinthians 6:11 is a direct response to these challenges, an attempt to cut through misunderstandings and re-establish the genuine, loving bond he felt for them. He is not merely defending his ministry but pleading for the restoration of their mutual affection and trust, which had been damaged by external influences and internal strife.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Apostolic Authenticity and Integrity. Paul's transparent communication and unreserved love are presented as hallmarks of genuine ministry, contrasting with the deceptive practices of those who sought to undermine him. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Reconciliation and Restoration, as Paul earnestly desires to mend the fractured relationship with the Corinthians, urging them to respond to his open heart with their own. This echoes the broader theme of the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies Pastoral Love and Affection, revealing Paul's deep, fatherly care for the church, a sentiment he often articulates, as seen in his earlier letter where he refers to himself as their spiritual father (1 Corinthians 4:15). His "enlarged heart" is a testament to the expansive nature of divine love that should characterize all Christian relationships.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Corinthians (Greek, Korínthios', G2881): From Κόρινθος; a Corinthian, i.e. inhabitant of Corinth. Paul's direct address to "Corinthians" underscores the personal nature of his appeal. It is not a general statement but a specific, intimate communication directed at the very people with whom he has such a complex and challenging relationship. This immediate address highlights the urgency and sincerity of his plea for their attention and affection.
  • mouth (Greek, stóma', G4750): Probably strengthened from a presumed derivative of the base of τομώτερος; the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or edge (of a weapon). In this context, "mouth" refers to Paul's speech and communication. His "mouth is open" signifies not just the act of speaking, but speaking freely, frankly, and without reservation. There is no hidden agenda, no veiled meaning; his words are direct and transparent, conveying his true feelings and intentions.
  • open (Greek, anoígō', G455): From ἀνά and (to open); to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications). Applied to the mouth, "open" means to speak without hindrance or concealment. It implies a readiness to communicate fully and sincerely, holding nothing back. Paul is declaring his complete transparency and honesty in his dealings with the Corinthians, inviting them into a relationship built on trust and directness.
  • heart (Greek, kardía', G2588): Prolonged from a primary (Latin cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle. The "heart" here represents the seat of Paul's emotions, affections, will, and inner being. It is the core of his person. His "heart is enlarged" speaks to the depth and breadth of his emotional capacity and love for the Corinthians, indicating an expansive, unconfined affection.
  • enlarged (Greek, platýnō', G4115): From πλατύς; to widen (literally or figuratively). When applied to the heart, "enlarged" conveys the idea of a spacious, unconfined, and generous disposition. Paul's affection for the Corinthians is not cramped, limited, or conditional but overflowing and boundless. This stands in stark contrast to the "straitened" condition of the Corinthians' affections, which he alludes to in the very next verse (2 Corinthians 6:12).

Verse Breakdown

  • "O ye Corinthians": Paul's direct address, using the vocative "O," immediately signals a deeply personal and emotional appeal. It is a passionate cry from the heart of an apostle to the specific church he loves and for whom he has labored so intensely, highlighting the intimacy and urgency of his message.
  • "our mouth is open unto you": This declaration signifies Paul's complete transparency and lack of hidden motives in his communication. He is not guarded or deceptive; his words flow freely and honestly, expressing his true sentiments and intentions without reservation. It's an invitation to a relationship of trust and directness.
  • "our heart is enlarged": This powerful metaphor reveals the boundless nature of Paul's affection and love for the Corinthians. His heart is not restricted or limited but has expanded to encompass them fully. It speaks of a generous, unconfined, and overflowing love that is ready to embrace them, despite their imperfections and the challenges they have posed to his ministry.

Literary Devices

Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise declaration. The most prominent is Apostrophe, a direct address to an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction. By directly addressing "O ye Corinthians," Paul creates an immediate, intimate connection, drawing his audience into the emotional intensity of his plea. This direct address is amplified by Metaphor, specifically in the phrases "our mouth is open" and "our heart is enlarged." The "open mouth" is a metaphor for unreserved, transparent communication, while the "enlarged heart" is a vivid metaphor for boundless, expansive affection and love. These metaphors convey abstract emotional states in concrete, relatable terms. Furthermore, there is an implicit Antithesis or Contrast at play, setting Paul's open and enlarged heart against the Corinthians' potentially "straitened" affections, which he explicitly addresses in the subsequent verse (2 Corinthians 6:12). This contrast serves to highlight the depth of Paul's love and to gently challenge the Corinthians to respond in kind.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Paul's heartfelt declaration in 2 Corinthians 6:11 is a profound expression of authentic Christian love and ministry. It reveals that genuine spiritual leadership is not characterized by manipulation or self-interest, but by vulnerability, transparency, and a boundless, selfless affection for God's people. This "enlarged heart" reflects the very nature of God's love, which is expansive, inclusive, and unreserved, seeking reconciliation and communion even with those who have been distant or challenging. Paul's appeal is a call for reciprocal love, urging the Corinthians to open their hearts to him as he has opened his to them, thereby fostering a deeper, more unified fellowship rooted in mutual trust and affection. This divine love, flowing through the apostle, becomes the foundation for healthy spiritual relationships and effective ministry.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 6:11 offer a powerful model for our own relationships, both within the church and in our daily lives. His "open mouth" challenges us to cultivate sincerity and transparency in our communication, speaking truth in love without hidden agendas or guardedness. This means being willing to be vulnerable, to share our true selves, and to address issues directly but with grace. His "enlarged heart" calls us to an expansive, unconditional love that mirrors Christ's own. This kind of love is not easily offended, quick to judge, or limited by others' imperfections. Instead, it seeks to understand, forgive, and embrace, extending grace and compassion even when relationships are difficult. For leaders, this verse underscores the necessity of authentic pastoral care, flowing from a genuine affection for those served, rather than from duty or position alone. It reminds us that true influence is built on trust, vulnerability, and a love that is willing to be fully present and unreserved.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life or relationships do I tend to be guarded or hold back my true feelings?
  • How can I intentionally cultivate a more "enlarged heart" towards those I find challenging to love?
  • What does "open communication" look like in my closest relationships, and how can I practice it more effectively?
  • How does Paul's example of vulnerability and love inform my understanding of authentic Christian leadership or discipleship?

FAQ

What does Paul mean by "our mouth is open unto you"?

Answer: When Paul says "our mouth is open unto you," he is declaring his complete transparency and lack of hidden motives in his communication with the Corinthians. It means he speaks freely, frankly, and without reservation. He is not holding anything back, nor is he being deceptive or manipulative. His words are a direct and honest expression of his true feelings, intentions, and the genuine nature of his apostolic ministry. This phrase emphasizes his desire for an open and trusting relationship, where there are no secrets or veiled messages between him and the church in Corinth. It's an invitation for them to receive his words as coming from a place of sincerity and truth, contrasting with any accusations of insincerity that may have been leveled against him.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Paul's declaration of an "open mouth" and an "enlarged heart" finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the embodiment of transparent love and boundless affection. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by an "open mouth," speaking truth with unparalleled authority and grace, revealing the very heart of God the Father (John 1:18). He held nothing back from His disciples, even when the truth was difficult (John 6:60-69). More profoundly, Christ's "enlarged heart" is seen in His willingness to embrace humanity in its brokenness, extending boundless love even to His enemies (Romans 5:8). His heart was so enlarged that He willingly laid down His life on the cross, making a way for reconciliation between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16). Paul, as an apostle, sought to mirror this divine love and openness, becoming an instrument through whom Christ's own expansive love could flow to the Corinthians, calling them into a fellowship defined by the same open-hearted, reconciling love that originates in God through Jesus Christ.

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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6 verses 11–18

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

The apostle proceeds to address himself more particularly to the Corinthians, and cautions them against mingling with unbelievers. Here observe,

I. How the caution is introduced with a profession, in a very pathetic manner, of the most tender affection to them, even like that of a father to his children, Co2 6:11-13. Though the apostle was happy in a great fluency of expressions, yet he seemed to want words to express the warm affections he had for these Corinthians. As if he had said, "O ye Corinthians, to whom I am now writing, I would fain convince you how well I love you: we are desirous to promote the spiritual and eternal welfare of all to whom we preach, yet our mouth is open unto you, and our heart is enlarged unto you, in a special manner." And, because his heart was thus enlarged with love to them, therefore he opened his mouth so freely to them in kind admonitions and exhortations: "You are not," says he, "straitened in us; we would gladly do you all the service we can, and promote your comfort, as helpers of your faith and your joy; and, if it be otherwise, the fault is in yourselves; it is because you are straitened in yourselves, and fail in suitable returns to us, through some misapprehensions concerning us; and all we desire as a recompense is only that you would be proportionably affected towards us, as children should love their father." Note, It is desirable that there should be a mutual good affection between ministers and their people, and this would greatly tend to their mutual comfort and advantage.

II. The caution or exhortation itself, not to mingle with unbelievers, not to be unequally yoked with them, Co2 6:14. Either,

1.In stated relations. It is wrong for good people to join in affinity with the wicked and profane; these will draw different ways, and that will be galling and grievous. Those relations that are our choice must be chosen by rule; and it is good for those who are themselves the children of God to join with those who are so likewise; for there is more danger that the bad will damage the good than hope that the good will benefit the bad.

2.In common conversation. We should not yoke ourselves in friendship and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing, and hearing, and being with such, yet we should never choose them for our bosom-friends.

3.Much less should we join in religious communion with them; we must not join with them in their idolatrous services, nor concur with them in their false worship, nor any abominations; we must not confound together the table of the Lord and the table of devils, the house of God and the house of Rimmon. The apostle gives several good reasons against this corrupt mixture. (1.) It is a very great absurdity, Co2 6:14, Co2 6:15. It is an unequal yoking of things together that will not agree together; as bad as for the Jews to have ploughed with an ox and an ass or to have sown divers sorts of grain intermixed. What an absurdity is it to think of joining righteousness and unrighteousness, or mingling light and darkness, fire and water, together! Believers are, and should be, righteous; but unbelievers are unrighteous. Believers are made light in the Lord, but unbelievers are in darkness; and what comfortable communion can these have together? Christ and Belial are contrary one to the other; they have opposite interests and designs, so that it is impossible there should be any concord or agreement between them. It is absurd, therefore, to think of enlisting under both; and, if the believer has part with an infidel, he does what in him lies to bring Christ and Belial together. (2.) It is a dishonour to the Christian's profession (Co2 6:16); for Christians are by profession, and should be in reality, the temples of the living God - dedicated to, and employed for, the service of God, who has promised to reside in them, to dwell and walk in them, to stand in a special relation to them, and take a special care of them, that he will be their God and they shall be his people. Now there can be no agreement between the temple of God and idols. Idols are rivals with God for his honour, and God is a jealous God, and will not give his glory to another. (3.) There is a great deal of danger in communicating with unbelievers and idolators, danger of being defiled and of being rejected; therefore the exhortation is (Co2 6:17) to come out from among them, and keep at a due distance, to be separate, as one would avoid the society of those who have the leprosy or the plague, for fear of taking infection, and not to touch the unclean thing, lest we be defiled. Who can touch pitch, and not be defiled by it? We must take care not to defile ourselves by converse with those who defile themselves with sin; so is the will of God, as we ever hope to be received, and not rejected, by him. (4.) It is base ingratitude to God for all the favours he has bestowed upon believers and promised to them, Co2 6:18. God has promised to be a Father to them, and that they shall be his sons and his daughters; and is there a greater honour or happiness than this? How ungrateful a thing then must it be if those who have this dignity and felicity should degrade and debase themselves by mingling with unbelievers! Do we thus requite the Lord, O foolish and unwise?

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–18. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul is saying this because of the freedom he enjoyed in a pure conscience. A mind with a bad conscience is afraid to speak, loses its train of thought and makes verbal slips. People whose heart is enlarged are happy with themselves because they are confident that they have behaved well.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians
"Our mouth is open unto you, O ye Corinthians." And what kind of sign of love is this? or what meaning even have the words at all? 'We cannot endured' he says, 'to be silent towards you, but are always desiring and longing to speak to and converse with you;' which is the wont of those who love. For what grasping of the hands is to the body, that is interchange of language to the soul. And along with this he implies another thing also. Of what kind then is this? That 'we discourse unto nothing.' For since afterwards he proposes to rebuke, he asks forgiveness, using the rebuking them with freedom as itself a proof of his loving them exceedingly. Moreover the addition of their name is a mark of great love and warmth and affection; for we are accustomed to be repeating continually the bare names of those we love.

"Our heart is enlarged." For as that which warmeth is wont to dilate; so also to enlarge is the work of love. For virtue is warm and fervent. This both opened the mouth of Paul and enlarged his heart. For, 'neither do I love with the mouth only,' saith he, 'but I have also a heart in union. Therefore I speak with openness, with my whole mouth, with my whole mind.' For nothing is wider than was Paul's heart which loved all the faithful with all the vehemence that one might bear towards the object of his affection; this his love not being full entireness with each.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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