2 Corinthians 6:18

KJV

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} will be {G2071}{G1519} a Father {G3962} unto you {G5213}, and {G2532} ye {G5210} shall be {G2071} my {G3427} sons {G5207}{G1519} and {G2532} daughters {G2364}, saith {G3004} the Lord {G2962} Almighty {G3841}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In fact, I will be your Father,
and you will be my sons and daughters.’

says Adonai-Tzva’ot.”

Berean Standard Bible

And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

American Standard Version

And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's urgent appeal for believers to live lives of separation and holiness culminates in the promise of an intimate, familial relationship with God as a direct consequence of their obedience. This verse assures believers of their adoption into God's household, granting them the privileged status of sons and daughters, a promise guaranteed by the absolute power and authority of "the Lord Almighty." It underscores the profound identity and security found in this divine relationship, contingent upon a consecrated walk.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the glorious conclusion to a powerful and challenging exhortation in [2 Corinthians 6:14-17](/2_corinthians/6-14-17 "2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"). Paul passionately warns the Corinthian believers against being "unequally yoked with unbelievers," emphasizing the fundamental incompatibility between righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, and the temple of God and idols. He appeals to their identity as the "temple of the living God," echoing Old Testament promises of God's indwelling presence among His people. Verse 18 then presents the ultimate blessing and privilege that awaits those who heed this call to separation and purity, framing it as God's reciprocal promise to those who choose to live set apart for Him. It transitions directly into the call for perfecting holiness in [2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Perfecting Holiness").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality. Its culture was deeply syncretistic, with numerous pagan temples and practices. For the early Christian community, living in such an environment posed significant challenges to maintaining spiritual purity and distinctiveness. Paul's warnings against being "unequally yoked" and his call to "come out from among them" (a direct quote from [Isaiah 52:11](/isaiah/52-11 "Isaiah 52:11 - Depart from Babylon")) were not abstract theological points but practical instructions for survival and flourishing in a morally compromising world. The concept of adoption, while present in Jewish thought (e.g., God adopting Israel as His son in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, My Firstborn Son")), also had a strong legal and social significance in the Roman world, where it conferred full rights and inheritance upon the adopted individual.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God's Promise of Sonship") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness and Reciprocity**: God's promise to be a Father and to receive believers as His children is directly linked to their obedience to His call for separation, echoing the conditional blessings of the Old Covenant where God promised to "dwell in them, and walk in them" if they walked in His statutes ([Leviticus 26:12](/leviticus/26-12 "Leviticus 26:12 - God's Promise to Walk Among His People")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Adoption and Identity in Christ**: The verse establishes the believer's profound new identity not merely as servants, but as cherished sons and daughters, a theme central to Paul's understanding of salvation and new creation ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption") and [Galatians 4:5-7](/galatians/4-5-7 "Galatians 4:5-7 - Adoption as Sons")). Finally, the declaration "saith the Lord Almighty" reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, assuring the Corinthians that the God who makes this magnificent promise is fully capable and authoritative to bring it to pass, providing ultimate security for their new identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Father (Greek, _patḗr'_):** This word, apparently a primary word, signifies a "father" literally or figuratively, encompassing both immediate and more remote relationships. In this context, it speaks to God's role as the benevolent, authoritative, and loving head of the spiritual family into which believers are adopted. It implies provision, protection, and intimate relationship, moving beyond a mere creator-creature dynamic to one of familial bond.
* **sons (Greek, _huiós'_):** Apparently a primary word, "huiós" refers to a "son," used widely to denote immediate, remote, or figurative kinship. Here, it signifies the privileged status granted to believers, conferring full rights, inheritance, and identity within God's family. Together with "daughters," it emphasizes the inclusivity of God's adoption, extending to all who believe, regardless of gender.
* **Almighty (Greek, _pantokrátōr'_):** Derived from "pâs" (all) and "krátos" (strength, power), this term means "the all-ruling" or "omnipotent." It is a majestic title for God, emphasizing His absolute and universal sovereignty. Its inclusion here underscores the absolute certainty and divine authority behind the promise of adoption and fellowship, emphasizing that the God who makes this promise is fully capable of bringing it to pass, guaranteeing its fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And will be a Father unto you":** This clause presents God's gracious initiative and commitment. It signifies a profound relational transformation where the Creator of the universe condescends to enter into an intimate, familial bond with His people. This relationship is characterized by love, care, authority, and provision, mirroring the ideal human father-child relationship but on a divine scale. It is a promise of divine paternity, establishing a new covenant reality.
* **"and ye shall be my sons and daughters":** This is the reciprocal promise, defining the new identity and status of believers. It signifies adoption into God's family, conferring full rights, privileges, and inheritance. The inclusion of "sons and daughters" emphasizes the universality of this adoption, extending to all believers without distinction, and highlighting the deep, personal intimacy of this relationship, where believers are truly part of God's household.
* **"saith the Lord Almighty":** This concluding phrase serves as a divine seal and guarantee. "The Lord" (Greek: _kýrios_) denotes supreme authority and mastery, while "Almighty" (Greek: _pantokrátōr_) emphasizes God's omnipotence and universal sovereignty. This declaration underscores that the promise is not a mere human wish or aspiration, but an unbreakable, divinely ordained reality, spoken by the One who has all power to bring it to pass. It instills absolute confidence in the truth and certainty of the preceding promise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is evident in God being presented as a "Father," a relational term that humanizes the divine and invites intimacy, contrasting with the more abstract or distant conceptions of deity. The use of **Covenant Language** or **Allusion** is paramount, as the entire passage, and this verse in particular, echoes Old Testament covenant promises (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:14](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14 - I will be his father, and he shall be my son")). This connection establishes continuity between God's ancient promises to Israel and their fulfillment in the new covenant for believers in Christ. Finally, the concluding phrase, "saith the Lord Almighty," functions as a powerful **Affirmation** and **Emphasis**, lending absolute weight and authority to the preceding promise. The majestic title "Almighty" (Pantokrator) acts as a **Divine Epithet**, underscoring God's supreme power and ability to fulfill His word, thus reinforcing the certainty of the believer's adopted status.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God's Promise of Sonship") stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology regarding the believer's identity and relationship with God. It articulates the profound truth of divine adoption, where through Christ, individuals are brought into the very family of God, sharing in the intimate relationship that Jesus Himself has with the Father. This is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative spiritual reality, empowering believers with the Spirit of sonship to cry out "Abba, Father!" This promise of familial intimacy is presented as the glorious outcome of a life consecrated to God, demonstrating that holiness is not an end in itself but a pathway to deeper communion and the full experience of God's fatherly love and provision. It underscores God's desire for a personal, loving relationship with His people, a relationship secured by His omnipotent word.

* [Romans 8:14-17](/romans/8-14-17 "Romans 8:14-17 - Spirit of Adoption and Heirship")
* [Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption and Sonship through Christ")
* [1 John 3:1-2](/1_john/3-1-2 "1 John 3:1-2 - Behold What Manner of Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God's Promise of Sonship") offers profound comfort and a powerful call to action for believers today. The assurance that God is our Father and we are His sons and daughters provides an unshakable foundation for our identity and worth. In a world that constantly seeks to define us by our achievements, possessions, or social status, this verse reminds us that our primary identity is rooted in our divine parentage. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of belonging, security, and belovedness, freeing us from the need to strive for acceptance elsewhere. Furthermore, this elevated status is inextricably linked to the call for holy living articulated in the preceding verses. Our identity as God's children should not lead to complacency but to a fervent desire to honor our Father in all aspects of our lives, living in a manner worthy of His name and our new family. It empowers us to pursue purity, knowing that our separation from worldly defilement brings us closer to the heart of our Almighty Father, who delights in His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of being God's "sons and daughters" impact your daily sense of identity and self-worth?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be "unequally yoked" or compromising with the world, and how does the promise of [2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God's Promise of Sonship") motivate you to pursue greater separation and holiness?**
* **How does knowing God as "the Lord Almighty" strengthen your confidence in His ability to fulfill His promises in your life, particularly the promise of intimate relationship?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully as a beloved son or daughter of God, reflecting His character to the world?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for God to be "a Father unto you" and for us to be "sons and daughters"?**

Answer: This signifies a profound and intimate familial relationship. It means that God, the Creator of the universe, graciously adopts believers into His own family. As a Father, He provides, protects, guides, and loves His children unconditionally. As "sons and daughters," believers receive a new identity, full inheritance rights, and the privilege of direct access to God, moving beyond a mere servant-master dynamic to one of deep, personal affection and belonging. This concept is central to the New Testament understanding of salvation and our new life in Christ, enabling us to approach God with confidence and intimacy, as seen in [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption").

**Why is the title "the Lord Almighty" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The title "the Lord Almighty" (Greek: _Kyrios Pantokrator_) is highly significant because it emphasizes God's absolute power, sovereignty, and authority. "Pantokrator" means "all-ruling" or "omnipotent." By declaring this promise with such a majestic title, Paul assures the Corinthians (and us) that the God who makes this promise is fully capable of fulfilling it. It underscores the divine guarantee behind the promise of adoption and fellowship, instilling confidence that God's word is unbreakable and His ability to bring His promises to pass is unquestionable, a theme often found in the Book of Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - I am the Alpha and the Omega")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God's Promise of Sonship") finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that humanity gains access to this intimate, familial relationship with God. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, perfectly models what it means to be a Son, living in complete obedience and communion with the Father. He came to redeem us from the curse of the law and the bondage of sin, so that "we might receive the adoption as sons" ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Adoption as Sons")). Our adoption as "sons and daughters" is not based on our own merit or works, but on the finished work of Christ, who reconciled us to God. By faith in Him, we are brought into His family, becoming co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and receiving the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father!" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, the promise of [2 Corinthians 6:18](/2_corinthians/6-18 "2 Corinthians 6:18 - God's Promise of Sonship") is not merely a conditional offer but a reality made possible and secured by the person and work of Jesus, the beloved Son, who invites us into His own relationship with the Father.

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

Revelation 21:7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

2 Samuel 7:14

I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

Galatians 4:5

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Galatians 4:7

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.