2 Corinthians 6:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 6:12, the Apostle Paul expresses his profound, unrestricted affection for the Corinthian believers, asserting that any perceived distance or limitation in their relationship does not originate from him. Instead, he poignantly attributes the constriction to their own internal disposition, specifically their "bowels," a term signifying their inner affections, compassion, or capacity for love and openness. This verse serves as a tender yet direct plea for reciprocity in spiritual communion, highlighting Paul's pastoral heart and his desire for the Corinthians to reciprocate his expansive love and trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within a deeply personal and impassioned section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where he defends his apostolic ministry and appeals for reconciliation and genuine fellowship. Immediately preceding this verse, in [2 Corinthians 6:11](/2_corinthians/6-11 "2 Corinthians 6:11 - Paul's Open Heart"), Paul declares, "O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged." This sets up a powerful contrast: Paul's heart is wide open, but he senses a constriction on their part. The very next verse, [2 Corinthians 6:13](/2_corinthians/6-13 "2 Corinthians 6:13 - Paul's Plea for Reciprocity"), acts as a direct appeal for them to reciprocate: "Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged." The entire passage from [2 Corinthians 6:11-13](/2_corinthians/6-11-13 "2 Corinthians 6:11-13 - Paul's Plea for Open Hearts") forms a cohesive unit, emphasizing Paul's vulnerability and his longing for an unhindered relationship with the church he founded. This appeal for open hearts then transitions into a strong warning against unequal yoking with unbelievers in [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14-18 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Warning Against Unequal Yoking"), suggesting that their "straitened bowels" might be linked to external influences or divided loyalties.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex and often challenging congregation for Paul. Located in a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, it was exposed to diverse philosophical ideas, pagan religious practices, and moral laxity. Paul had faced significant opposition and slander from false apostles and factions within the church who questioned his authority, sincerity, and even his personal character. This letter, particularly this section, reflects Paul's ongoing struggle to maintain his pastoral relationship with them amidst these challenges. In ancient Greco-Roman thought, the "bowels" (or inner organs) were often considered the seat of emotions, particularly deep affection, compassion, and tenderness, much like the "heart" in modern Western thought. Therefore, Paul's reference to their "bowels" would have been readily understood as a reference to their innermost feelings and capacity for love and empathy, rather than a literal physiological condition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Authentic Apostolic Ministry**, as Paul consistently presents himself as transparent, vulnerable, and deeply committed to the Corinthians, contrasting his genuine care with the superficiality of his detractors. It underscores the importance of **Reciprocity in Spiritual Relationships**, emphasizing that true fellowship requires mutual openness, trust, and affection, not just one-sided devotion. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Spiritual Freedom vs. Internal Bondage**, suggesting that while Paul offers unrestricted love and truth, the Corinthians' own internal issues—perhaps pride, prejudice, or worldly entanglements—are hindering their ability to receive and respond. This internal constriction prevents them from experiencing the full spiritual enlargement Paul desires for them, a concept also seen in Paul's desire for them to be "enlarged" in [2 Corinthians 10:15](/2_corinthians/10-15 "2 Corinthians 10:15 - Paul's Hope for Growth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straitened (Greek, _stenochōréō_):** From the same root as _stenochōría_ (distress, anguish), this verb means "to hem in closely," "to be in a narrow place," or "to cramp." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of being restricted, confined, or distressed. Paul uses it here to assert that there is no restriction or narrowness on his side concerning his affection, willingness to serve, or capacity to embrace the Corinthians. The limitation is not in his "space" for them.
* **bowels (Greek, _splánchnon_):** Literally referring to the intestines or inner organs (like the heart, liver, lungs, etc.), this word is used figuratively in ancient Greek and Hebrew thought to denote the seat of deep emotions, particularly tender affections, compassion, pity, and mercy. When Paul says they are "straitened in your own bowels," he means that their own inner capacity for love, empathy, and openness—their deepest affections—are restricted or closed off, preventing them from fully receiving his love and ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye are not straitened in us,"**: Paul emphatically states that the source of any perceived constraint or lack of intimacy in their relationship does not lie with him or his ministry. His heart, as declared in the preceding verse, is "enlarged" and open to them without reservation. There is no lack of space, affection, or willingness on his part to embrace them fully. He is ready to pour out his love and spiritual gifts without hindrance.
* **"but ye are straitened in your own bowels."**: This clause presents a sharp contrast, pinpointing the true source of the problem. The limitation is internal to the Corinthians themselves. Their "bowels," representing their deepest affections, capacity for compassion, and emotional openness, are "straitened" or constricted. This implies that their own prejudices, suspicions, worldly attachments, or perhaps a lack of reciprocal love and trust are preventing them from fully embracing Paul and his message. It is a tender yet direct accusation, revealing Paul's insight into their spiritual condition.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Antithesis**, where a stark contrast is drawn between Paul's expansive love ("not straitened in us") and the Corinthians' restricted affections ("straitened in your own bowels"). This juxtaposition highlights the core issue in their relationship and serves to underscore Paul's blamelessness in the matter. Furthermore, the use of **Metonymy** is evident in "bowels," where the physical organs are used to represent the abstract concept of deep emotions, compassion, and tender affections. This is a common biblical idiom that conveys a profound sense of inner feeling. Paul also uses **Pathos**, appealing to the Corinthians' emotions by expressing his genuine, unhindered love and lamenting their reciprocal lack of openness, aiming to evoke a sympathetic response and a change of heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the divine principle that genuine spiritual communion and growth require an open and receptive heart. Paul's unrestricted love for the Corinthians mirrors God's own boundless love for humanity, which is never limited on His part, but often constrained by human unresponsiveness. The "straitening" in their "bowels" signifies a spiritual condition where internal barriers—such as pride, suspicion, or worldly attachments—hinder the free flow of divine love and truth. This concept aligns with the biblical emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of life and the primary locus of spiritual transformation, highlighting that true fellowship with God and others necessitates an inner posture of openness and vulnerability.

* [Philippians 1:8](/philippians/1-8 "Paul's Affection for the Philippians")
* [Colossians 3:12](/colossians/3-12 "Clothe Yourselves with Compassion")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's poignant words in 2 Corinthians 6:12 serve as a profound invitation for self-examination in our own relationships, both with God and with others. Are we, like the Corinthians, "straitened in our own bowels"? Do we harbor prejudices, past hurts, or a lack of forgiveness that prevents us from fully receiving love, grace, or truth from those who genuinely offer it? This verse challenges us to consider if our hearts are truly open to God's expansive love, to the messages He sends through His servants, and to the needs and affections of those around us. A closed heart, whether due to cynicism, pride, fear, or unresolved bitterness, creates a spiritual bottleneck, hindering not only our capacity to give love but also to receive it fully. Just as Paul longed for the Corinthians to "be enlarged" in their affections, we are called to cultivate an expansive, tender heart, ready to embrace, forgive, and love without reservation, allowing the Spirit of God to flow freely through us and into our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "bowels" (my inner affections and capacity for love) be straitened towards God, family, friends, or even those I find difficult?**
* **What internal barriers (e.g., past hurts, unforgiveness, pride, fear) might be preventing me from fully receiving love or spiritual truth from others?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a more "enlarged heart" that is open to giving and receiving love, compassion, and grace without reservation?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "straitened in your own bowels"?**

Answer: When Paul says, "Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels," he is using a vivid metaphor to explain the source of the relational distance between himself and the Corinthian church. "Straitened" (Greek: _stenochōréō_) means to be restricted, confined, or in a narrow place. Paul asserts that there is no restriction or lack of space in his heart or affection for them. The problem, he says, lies within *their* "bowels" (Greek: _splánchnon_). In ancient thought, the "bowels" referred to the inner organs and were considered the seat of deep emotions, particularly tender affections, compassion, and empathy. Therefore, "straitened in your own bowels" means that their own inner capacity for love, openness, and reciprocal affection was constricted or closed off. It implies that their own internal issues—perhaps suspicion, prejudice, or a lack of trust—were preventing them from fully embracing Paul's love and ministry. Paul’s desire was for them to "be enlarged" in their hearts, as he states in [2 Corinthians 6:13](/2_corinthians/6-13 "2 Corinthians 6:13 - Paul's Plea for Reciprocity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of 2 Corinthians 6:12—Paul's open heart contrasting with the Corinthians' constricted affections—finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ's love for humanity is never "straitened"; it is boundless, unconditional, and offered without reservation. His "bowels of mercies" (a phrase used elsewhere, as in [Colossians 3:12](/colossians/3-12 "Colossians 3:12 - Clothe Yourselves with Compassion")) were perfectly open, leading Him to the cross to reconcile a world that was "straitened" by sin and rebellion. Humanity, in its fallen state, is inherently "straitened in its own bowels," unable to fully receive or reciprocate God's love due to pride, self-sufficiency, and spiritual blindness. Yet, Christ's sacrifice on the cross broke down these internal barriers, offering a new covenant where hearts of stone are replaced with hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to have "the love of God shed abroad in their hearts" ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - The Love of God Poured Out")), enabling them to love God and one another with an enlarged, unhindered affection, reflecting the very heart of Christ, who "loved us and gave himself for us" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 2:7

O [thou that art] named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? [are] these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?

2 Corinthians 7:2

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Philippians 1:8

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

Job 36:16

Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait [into] a broad place, where [there is] no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table [should be] full of fatness.

Ecclesiastes 6:9

Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this [is] also vanity and vexation of spirit.

Proverbs 4:12

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.