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2 Corinthians 6:13

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Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged.

Now {G1161} for a recompence {G489} in the same {G846},(I speak {G3004} as {G5613} unto my children {G5043},) be {G4115} ye {G5210} also {G2532} enlarged {G4115}.

So, just to be “fair” (I am using the language of children), open wide your hearts too.

As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also.

Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged.

Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:13 (KJV): "Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged."

Context of 2 Corinthians 6:13

This verse concludes a heartfelt plea from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian believers. In the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 6:11-12), Paul expresses his deep affection and openness towards them, stating, "O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels." He implies that any distance or constraint in their relationship is on their part, not his. Verse 13, therefore, serves as an earnest invitation for them to reciprocate his love and openness. This passage is part of a larger section where Paul defends his ministry and appeals for genuine fellowship, urging the Corinthians to separate from idolatry and unholy alliances (which follows in 2 Corinthians 6:14 onwards).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reciprocal Love and Openness: Paul desires a mutual exchange of affection and trust. Having poured out his heart to them, he asks for the same open-heartedness in return. This highlights the importance of mutual love and respect within the Christian community.
  • Paternal Affection: Paul addresses the Corinthians as "my children," emphasizing his spiritual fatherhood and deep care for their spiritual well-being. This tender language underscores his genuine concern and authority as their spiritual guide, reminiscent of his words in 1 Corinthians 4:15.
  • Enlargement of Heart: The core exhortation is to "be ye also enlarged." This means to expand their affections, broaden their understanding, and open their hearts fully to Paul, to one another, and ultimately to God. It's a call to move beyond narrow-mindedness, suspicion, or spiritual constraint, fostering true Christian fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase here is "be ye also enlarged." The Greek word is ἐπλατύνθητε (eplatynthēte), derived from πλατύνω (platynō), meaning "to widen, to make broad, to enlarge." It's the same word Paul used in verse 11 to describe his own heart. The imagery suggests an expansion of capacity for love, acceptance, and fellowship, moving away from a constricted or narrow emotional and spiritual state. This concept of an "enlarged heart" is vital for spiritual growth.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 6:13 is a powerful reminder of the call to cultivate an open and generous heart. It challenges us to:

  1. Reciprocate Love: When others show us kindness, trust, or affection, are we willing to respond in kind? This applies to relationships within the family, church, and wider community, encouraging a spirit of reciprocal love.
  2. Overcome Prejudice and Narrowness: Just as the Corinthians were perhaps "straitened" (restricted) in their hearts, we can sometimes allow biases, past hurts, or limited perspectives to shrink our capacity for love and acceptance. This verse encourages us to be humble and open to others, especially within the body of Christ, fostering true unity.
  3. Embrace Spiritual Growth: An "enlarged" heart can also signify a greater capacity for understanding God's truth and for spiritual maturity. It's a call to grow in grace and knowledge, allowing God to expand our spiritual horizons and deepen our faith.

This verse ultimately encourages a spirit of mutual love, understanding, and unreserved fellowship among believers, reflecting the boundless love of God.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • 1 John 3:18 (4 votes)

    My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

  • 3 John 1:4 (4 votes)

    I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11 (3 votes)

    As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

  • 1 Corinthians 4:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].

  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 (3 votes)

    For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

  • 1 John 3:7 (3 votes)

    Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

  • 1 John 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: