2 Corinthians 6:14; Be Ye Not Unequally Yoked

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Calling to mind the injunction in Deuteronomy 22:10 “Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together“, the Apostle Paul urges the Corinthian believers to be constantly alert not to go into partnership with unbelievers. He contrasted it here clearly between righteousness which means the right way with God and unrighteousness which means lawlessness. And between light and darkness. Clearly, the ox was a clean animal and the donkey unclean, and their step and pull are unequal. [MacDonald]

Swindoll said well, “Oxen and donkeys pulled differently, so plowing a straight line would have been nearly impossible. Drawing a spiritual principle from the literal command, Paul argues that it is a mistake to hitch together a believer and an unbeliever in a close relationship that requires pulling together in a unified direction—whether marriage, business, or any other formal, longer-term contractual or covenant relationship. Why? Because believers and unbelievers have different goals, different worldviews, different methods, and different rules.” ¹ [Swindoll]

Hendriksen further observed, “This context speaks about a separation of the Christian religion from pagan religions. “For to be yoked with unbelievers means nothing less than to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness and to hold out a hand to unbelievers to signify fellowship with them.” The passage (v14–18) conveys the message not to form any covenant relationships with unbelievers that violate the covenant obligations a Christian has with God. The Greek text reveals that being unevenly yoked means having a connection with a person who is entirely different. In this text, it relates to an individual who is not a member of the household of faith and who can cause a believer to break covenant with God.”²

May the Lord protect His people from ungodly relationships. Amen.

¹ Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary – Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary – 1 & 2 Corinthians.

² Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 19, p. 228). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.