2 Corinthians 6:14

KJV

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

KJV (with Strong's)

Be ye {G1096} not {G3361} unequally yoked together {G2086} with unbelievers {G571}: for {G1063} what {G5101} fellowship {G3352} hath righteousness {G1343} with {G2532} unrighteousness {G458}? and {G1161} what {G5101} communion {G2842} hath light {G5457} with {G4314} darkness {G4655}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not yoke yourselves together in a team with unbelievers. For how can righteousness and lawlessness be partners? What fellowship does light have with darkness?

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 6:14 delivers a profound exhortation to believers, urging them to maintain spiritual distinctiveness and avoid entangling alliances with unbelievers. Through a powerful agricultural metaphor and a series of rhetorical questions, the Apostle Paul underscores the fundamental incompatibility between the kingdom of God and the ways of the world, emphasizing that righteousness cannot truly fellowship with unrighteousness, nor can light share communion with darkness. This verse serves as a foundational call to holiness, purity, and unwavering allegiance to Christ in all areas of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial exhortation that extends through [2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Completing Holiness"). It follows Paul's profound discussion of his apostolic ministry and suffering for the sake of the gospel, where he presented himself as an example of faithfulness and endurance (cf. [2 Corinthians 6:3-10](/2_corinthians/6-3-10 "2 Corinthians 6:3-10 - Paul's Ministry and Suffering")). The preceding verses emphasize the Corinthians' need to open their hearts to Paul, suggesting there might have been some hesitancy or compromise within the community. The call to "not be unequally yoked" thus serves as a direct, practical application of the principles of separation and holiness that underpin a genuine walk with Christ, preparing the way for Paul's appeal for repentance and sanctification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a major Roman port city, a bustling commercial and cultural hub known for its religious pluralism and moral decadence. Its strategic location fostered a diverse population, including many pagan cults and philosophical schools. Christians in Corinth, often converts from pagan backgrounds, would have faced immense pressure to maintain social and economic ties with their non-believing neighbors, which frequently involved participation in idolatrous feasts, immoral practices, or business dealings that compromised their faith. The Old Testament prohibition against yoking an ox and a donkey together ([Deuteronomy 22:10](/deuteronomy/22-10 "Deuteronomy 22:10 - Do Not Yoke Differently")) would have been familiar to Jewish converts and served as a powerful metaphor for the dangers of incompatible partnerships. Paul's warning directly addresses the practical challenges of living a holy life amidst such pervasive pagan influence, urging believers to safeguard their spiritual integrity.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked") and the broader passage is **Separation and Holiness**. Paul underscores the fundamental incompatibility between the believer's new identity in Christ and the values, practices, and spiritual allegiances of the unbelieving world. This theme is reinforced by the concept of **Divine Ownership and Indwelling**, as believers are described as the "temple of the living God" ([2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). This status demands a distinct lifestyle, free from defilement. The passage also highlights **God's Covenant Promises**, drawing parallels to Old Testament covenants where God promised to dwell among His people if they remained faithful and separate ([Leviticus 26:11-12](/leviticus/26-11-12 "Leviticus 26:11-12 - God's Presence Among His People")). Ultimately, these themes converge on the imperative for **Spiritual Purity and Integrity**, calling believers to live consistently with their calling as God's children, set apart for His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unequally yoked together (Greek, _heterozygéō_):** From a compound of _heteros_ (different) and _zygos_ (yoke), this verb literally means "to yoke up differently." Figuratively, it denotes "to associate discordantly." This powerful agricultural metaphor, rooted in Old Testament law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 22:10](/deuteronomy/22-10 "Deuteronomy 22:10 - Prohibition Against Mixed Yoking")), vividly portrays a partnership where fundamental differences in nature, purpose, or strength create disharmony, inefficiency, and potential harm. It implies a joining that is unnatural, unproductive, and ultimately detrimental to the spiritual well-being and progress of the believer.
* **fellowship (Greek, _metochḗ_):** This noun, derived from _metechō_ (to partake, share), signifies participation or shared involvement. Paul's rhetorical question, "what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?", challenges the very notion of common ground or shared activity between two fundamentally opposing spiritual realities. It suggests that true participation or partnership is impossible where the core nature and allegiance are antithetical.
* **communion (Greek, _koinōnía_):** This term is a rich theological word, often translated as "fellowship," "partnership," or "sharing." It denotes a deep, intimate bond, a shared life, or a common purpose. While _metochḗ_ can refer to a more general sharing, _koinōnía_ implies a profound, mutual participation, often used in the New Testament for the shared life of believers in Christ (e.g., [Philippians 2:1](/philippians/2-1 "Philippians 2:1 - The Fellowship of the Spirit")). Here, Paul uses it to emphasize the absolute impossibility of such an intimate spiritual bond between light and darkness, highlighting their inherent and irreconcilable opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers":** This is a direct imperative, a command to the Corinthian believers. The agricultural metaphor of "unequally yoked" vividly warns against forming binding partnerships or alliances with those who do not share the Christian faith. This prohibition extends to any intimate association—whether in marriage, business, or deep personal friendships—where the fundamental spiritual disparity would create disharmony, compromise, or hinder the believer's walk with God.
* **"for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?":** Paul introduces the first of several rhetorical questions, designed to highlight the inherent incompatibility between opposing spiritual realities. "Righteousness" here refers to the moral and spiritual uprightness that characterizes those who are in Christ, while "unrighteousness" denotes wickedness, lawlessness, or moral depravity. The question implies that there is no true common ground, no shared participation, between these two antithetical states.
* **"and what communion hath light with darkness?":** This second rhetorical question continues the theme of irreconcilable opposition, using the powerful biblical imagery of "light" and "darkness." "Light" symbolizes truth, purity, God's presence, and spiritual understanding, characteristic of believers who are "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light")). "Darkness" represents sin, ignorance, evil, and the realm of Satan. The question asserts that these two cannot genuinely share intimacy or common purpose, as their very natures are diametrically opposed.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey his urgent message in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"). The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the agricultural image of being "unequally yoked." This vivid imagery, familiar from Old Testament law, immediately communicates the idea of an unnatural, unproductive, and potentially harmful partnership between disparate entities. Following this, Paul utilizes a series of **Rhetorical Questions** (which continue into the subsequent verses). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic point, forcing the reader to acknowledge the obvious and undeniable incompatibility between the pairs presented: righteousness and unrighteousness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, a believer and an infidel, and the temple of God and idols. This technique powerfully reinforces the absolute dichotomy Paul is establishing. Finally, the verse is built upon **Antithesis**, the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or terms. By placing "righteousness" against "unrighteousness" and "light" against "darkness," Paul highlights the irreconcilable nature of these spiritual realities, underscoring the impossibility of their true fellowship or communion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological thrust of [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked") is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's holiness and His call for His people to reflect His character. Just as God is utterly separate from sin and darkness, so too are His children called to live lives marked by purity and distinction from the world's systems. This principle of separation is not about isolation from unbelievers, but about maintaining spiritual integrity and avoiding entanglements that compromise one's faith or allegiance to Christ. It underscores the profound transformation that occurs in conversion, where believers are transferred from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of light, making true spiritual partnership with those still in darkness impossible. This call to holiness is not merely prohibitive but prescriptive, inviting believers into a deeper, exclusive communion with God Himself, as the subsequent verses promise His dwelling among them.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Called to Holiness")
* [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World is Enmity with God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless warning of [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked") compels believers to critically examine the nature and depth of their most significant relationships and commitments. While Christians are called to be salt and light in the world, engaging with and influencing non-believers, this verse cautions against forming intimate, binding unions that could compromise one's spiritual walk, dilute one's convictions, or draw one away from God's purposes. This principle applies most acutely to marriage, where a spiritual disparity can create profound disharmony in shared values, child-rearing, and ultimate life goals. However, it also extends to business partnerships, deep friendships, and even affiliations with organizations or movements whose core values or ethical frameworks are antithetical to biblical truth. The challenge is to discern wisely, prioritizing spiritual integrity and God's glory above all else, ensuring that our closest allegiances align with our identity as Christ's own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "unequally yoked" in a way that compromises my spiritual walk or witness?**
* **How does my identity as a "temple of the living God" (2 Corinthians 6:16) inform my choices about relationships and commitments?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate relationships that build up my faith and align with God's purposes, while still being a light to the world?**

### FAQ
**Does "unequally yoked" mean Christians should never interact with non-believers?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. The Bible clearly calls believers to be "salt and light" in the world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light of the World")). This requires interaction and engagement with non-believers, sharing the gospel and demonstrating Christ's love. The warning in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked") is specifically against forming *intimate, binding partnerships* (like marriage, deep business ventures, or close associations that could lead to spiritual compromise) where fundamental spiritual differences create discord and pull a believer away from God. It's about discerning the *nature* and *depth* of relationships, not avoiding all contact.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The warning in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect righteousness and the "Light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), who perfectly fulfilled the Father's will and lived a life utterly separated from sin. His very nature is antithetical to unrighteousness and darkness. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only redeems us from the dominion of darkness ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")) but also imputes His righteousness to us, making us "the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Therefore, the call to not be unequally yoked is a call to live out our new identity *in Christ*, reflecting His holy character and maintaining the distinctiveness of His kingdom. Our union with Christ, the perfect yoke-fellow, empowers us to walk in the light and avoid partnerships that would dishonor Him or obscure the radiant truth of the gospel. He is the one who enables us to be truly separate unto God, for He Himself is the ultimate separation of light from darkness, reconciling us to the Father while setting us apart for His divine purposes.

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

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

1 Corinthians 10:21

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Ephesians 5:6

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Leviticus 19:19

¶ Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: