2 Corinthians 6:14
Verse
Context
Do Not Be Unequally Yoked
13As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also.14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers - This is a military term: keep in your own ranks; do not leave the Christian community to join in that of the heathens. The verb ἑτεροζυγειν signifies to leave one's own rank, place, or order, and go into another; and here it must signify not only that they should not associate with the Gentiles in their idolatrous feasts, but that they should not apostatize from Christianity; and the questions which follow show that there was a sort of fellowship that some of the Christians had formed with the heathens which was both wicked and absurd, and if not speedily checked would infallibly lead to final apostasy. Some apply this exhortation to pious persons marrying with those who are not decidedly religious, and converted to God. That the exhortation may be thus applied I grant; but it is certainly not the meaning of the apostle in this place. Nevertheless, common sense and true piety show the absurdity of two such persons pretending to walk together in a way in which they are not agreed. A very wise and very holy man has given his judgment on this point: "A man who is truly pious, marrying with an unconverted woman, will either draw back to perdition, or have a cross during life." The same may be said of a pious woman marrying an unconverted man. Such persons cannot say this petition of the Lord's prayer, Lead us not into temptation. They plunge into it of their own accord. For what fellowship, etc. - As righteousness cannot have communion with unrighteousness, and light cannot dwell with darkness; so Christ can have no concord with Belial, nor can he that believeth have any with an infidel. All these points were self-evident; how then could they keep up the profession of Christianity, or pretend to be under its influence, while they associated with the unrighteous, had communion with darkness, concord with Belial, and partook with infidels?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be not--Greek, "Become not." unequally yoked--"yoked with one alien in spirit." The image is from the symbolical precept of the law (Lev 19:19), "Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind"; or the precept (Deu 22:10), "Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together." Compare Deu 7:3, forbidding marriages with the heathen; also Co1 7:39. The believer and unbeliever are utterly heterogeneous. Too close intercourse with unbelievers in other relations also is included (Co2 6:16; Co1 8:10; Co1 10:14). fellowship--literally, "share," or "participation." righteousness--the state of the believer, justified by faith. unrighteousness--rather, as always translated elsewhere, "iniquity"; the state of the unbeliever, the fruit of unbelief. light--of which believers are the children (Th1 5:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And what concord hath Christ with Belial?.... The word "Belial" is an Hebrew word, and is only used in this place in the New Testament, but often in the Old; this word is differently read and pronounced, some copies read it "Beliar", and accordingly in the Ethiopic version it is "Belhor", and by Jerom read (i) Belvir"; but he observes, that it is more rightly called Belial": in some copies it is "Belias", and so Tertullian (k) read it; and Jerom (l) says, that most corruptly read it "Belias", for "Belial": some derive it from "Beli", and "Alah", and signifies "without ascent"; one in a very low condition, of low life, that never rises up, and comes to any thing; to which Kimchi's etymology of the word seems to agree, who says (m), that Belial is a wicked man, , "who does not succeed, and does not prosper": others say it signifies (n) one that is , "Beli Ol, without a yoke", without the yoke of the law; so Jarchi explains children of Belial, in Deu 13:13 without yoke, who break off the yoke of God; and so say (o) the Talmudists, "children of Belial, are children that break off , "the yoke of heaven" (i.e. the law) from their necks;'' lawless persons, who are under no subjection to God or man: others (p) derive it from "Jaal", and "Beli", and so it signifies one that is unprofitable, does no good, and is good for nothing; and it is applied in Scripture to any wicked person, or thing; it is commonly rendered by the Chaldee paraphrast, a "wicked man"; and by Aquila and Suidas it is interpreted, "an apostate", and so it is rendered here in the Arabic version; sometimes the corruption of nature is called "Belial" by the Jews (q), than which nothing can be more contrary to Christ; it is also a name of the devil; by Hesychius, "Beliar" is interpreted "a dragon", by which name the devil is sometimes called; and here the Syriac version is, "what concord hath Christ with Satan?" most interpreters by Belial understand the devil, who has cast off the yoke of obedience to God, and is unprofitable, yea, noxious and hurtful to men; between whom and Christ there is no concord, but a perpetual enmity; and as there is no concord between Christ personal, and Belial the devil, so what can there be between Christ mystical the church, which goes by the name of Christ, Co1 12:12 and wicked men, the sons of Belial; who have cast away the law of the Lord, are not subject to the law of God, nor can they be, and are become unprofitable to themselves, and others? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? such have no part, and shall have no part or portion in one and the same thing; the believer's part and portion are God, Christ, and an eternal inheritance; the unbeliever's part and portion will be in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone; and therefore what part, society, or communion, can they have with one another? (i) De Nominibus Hebraicis, fol. 106. K. (k) De Corona, c. 10. (l) Comment. in Ephes. iv. 27. (m) Sepher Shorashim, rad. (n) Hieronym Quaestasive Trad. Heb. in Lib. Reg. fol. 74. I. Tom. 3. & in Ephes. iv. 27. R. Abraham Seba in Tzeror Hammor, fol. 141. 4. & 142. 2. (o) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 111. 2. (p) Philip Aquinas, Schindler, Cocceius, &c. (q) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 148. 3. & 149. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:14–7:1 The connection between 6:13 and 7:2 has led many scholars to conclude that 6:14–7:1 is an inserted fragment from another letter (perhaps the one mentioned in 1 Cor 5:9). However, this section might just as well be a digression in Paul’s writing, a suitable challenge to the Corinthians to forsake their opposition to Paul and his message. Paul was anxious to see relationships restored; here, Paul draws a picture of believers in Christ forming a holy temple. Believers’ identity as the temple of God motivates the need for harmony among them as well as separation from the impurity of unbelieving attitudes and behaviors. Paul therefore draws the contrast between Christian and pagan morality with quotations from the Old Testament. 6:14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers: This instruction alludes to the Jewish prohibition of certain mixtures (Lev 19:19; Deut 22:10). Paul was probably referring to how the Corinthians had been involving themselves in idolatrous practices (see 1 Cor 8–10; cp. 1 Cor 10:14-22).
2 Corinthians 6:14
Do Not Be Unequally Yoked
13As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also.14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Best, Not the Good
By Vance Havner11K41:03PerfectionROM 1:211CO 15:101CO 15:332CO 6:14PHP 3:131TI 4:13REV 3:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we could have had the best. The speaker also warns against complacency and the need for revival, even among good people. He encourages listeners to press on towards the ideal and not let lesser goals hinder their progress.
You Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson11K1:18:56MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:1ACT 19:12CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Steve who was a rock star and wanted to use his fame to spread the message of Jesus. However, he was confronted by young people who saw no difference in him and questioned why they should believe in Jesus if he was just like them. The preacher tells Steve that he needs to be baptized with the Holy Ghost and surrender his life completely to Jesus. Steve eventually makes a total surrender and decides to become a missionary instead of a rock star. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to be filled with the Holy Ghost and to live a life that reflects the power of God.
(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God
By David Ravenhill6.6K1:21:22GEN 8:13EXO 25:8ISA 6:3MAL 3:62CO 6:14EPH 1:17REV 4:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves on to discuss the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on chapter 4. He explains that John, the author of Revelation, was in the Spirit on the Lord's day on the island of Patmos when he heard a voice like a trumpet calling him to come up to heaven. The speaker emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and highlights the continuous worship of the heavenly beings who proclaim the holiness of God day and night.
(Blood Covenant) 3 - Our Covenant With Christ
By Milton Green6.1K1:01:27Blood Covenant2CO 6:14JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive nature of sin and its opposition to the covenant and love of God. Sin is described as self-centeredness, selfishness, and self-exalting, and is attributed to the ministry of Satan, the power of darkness, and the nature of the flesh. The preacher warns against being deceived and encourages practicing righteousness. The sermon also references Ephesians 4, highlighting the importance of walking in accordance with God's Word and challenging listeners to examine their beliefs and traditions in light of the Scriptures.
How to Tell When a Thing Is From God
By A.W. Tozer5.8K49:19Will Of GodMAT 22:37JHN 14:21ROM 12:22CO 6:141TH 5:212TI 3:161JN 4:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of testing whether something is from God or not. He references two Bible verses, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4, which encourage believers to prove all things and try the spirits. The speaker shares a spiritual treasure that was given to him, which helps discern whether something is from God or not. He emphasizes the need for believers to be discerning and not easily accepting everything they hear, especially when it comes to their spiritual lives.
God Is Trying to Get at That Thing in You
By David Wilkerson5.6K1:01:32JudgmentDEU 11:18DAN 9:10MAT 6:332CO 6:14EPH 5:11JAS 4:41JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher, inspired by the Spirit of God, reveals the reason for the ruin of the city. He explains that sin was the cause, specifically the mixing of the holy seed with the world and its system. The preacher then shares his personal journey of searching his heart and realizing that God is going after something in him. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin, particularly the sin of being tied to the world. The preacher believes that God is giving America a little time and space to repent, but expresses concern over the nation's failure to address issues like abortion.
(2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk
By Keith Daniel5.0K1:51:06SinglenessPRO 13:20PRO 22:24MAT 6:1MAT 6:61CO 5:61CO 15:332CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then mentions a visit to a beautiful garden where royalty from around the world come to see a president. The sermon takes a personal turn as the preacher reflects on a conversation with his father and a meeting with a woman named Jeannie. The preacher then shifts to discussing the importance of friends and warns against having bad friends. He emphasizes the need for discernment and quotes a proverb about the influence of evil communication. The sermon concludes with a story about a young man who became a millionaire but had personal struggles, highlighting the importance of seeking God and avoiding negative influences.
Bondage Breaker - Part 3
By Neil T. Anderson4.4K39:16MAT 5:9MAT 12:302CO 6:14EPH 4:29EPH 6:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and how everyone experiences it. He uses the analogy of a movie called Sand Pebbles to illustrate the challenges faced by missionaries in China. The speaker emphasizes the importance of staying under authority and fixing our eyes on Jesus as we navigate through the temptations of the world. He also mentions the need to put on the armor of God to protect ourselves from vulnerability. The sermon includes a personal story of a missionary struggling with mental health issues and the importance of seeking help.
We Need More Troublemakers in the Church
By David Wilkerson4.1K1:18:30ISA 47:3ISA 47:7MAT 6:33ACT 8:51CO 6:192CO 6:141PE 1:15In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who reached out for help because his wife claimed to be a prophetess and had a vision of going to heaven and skydiving with Jesus. The preacher warns against becoming too introspective and self-focused in our spiritual experiences. He emphasizes the importance of taking the message of Jesus to the marketplace and being like a nurse to the sick and a father to children. The preacher also encourages the congregation to become troublemakers for God, stirring up the city with the power of the Holy Spirit, just like Paul and his companions did in Philippi.
Have You Seen the Father Yet
By David Wilkerson3.9K54:36Heavenly FatherJHN 5:19JHN 5:212CO 6:142CO 6:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions and words of Jesus are a reflection of the Father's love and compassion for His children. He reminds the audience of the miracles Jesus performed, such as feeding the 4,000 and the 5,000, to demonstrate the Father's care for His people. The preacher encourages the listeners to trust in the Father's love and to put their lives in His hands, finding rest and victory over sin. He concludes by affirming that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us unconditionally and desires to give us good things.
Better Late Than Never
By Jim Cymbala3.3K30:07ConsequencesGEN 39:71KI 22:48PSA 34:17PSA 101:3PSA 121:11CO 6:192CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of decisions and the consequences that come with them. He shares a story of a Christian brother who made a series of bad decisions, starting with using drugs and eventually leading to a violent crime. The preacher highlights the importance of recognizing our blind spots and praying for God's guidance and deliverance from temptation. He also emphasizes God's grace and willingness to help us even when we make mistakes. The sermon serves as a reminder to be mindful of our choices and to seek God's wisdom in all aspects of our lives.
(Exodus) Exodus 32:26-28
By J. Vernon McGee3.3K04:53ExpositionalEXO 32:26MAT 6:332CO 6:141TI 4:12TI 4:3In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of liberalism infiltrating the church and causing a decline in its influence. He recalls a personal experience of witnessing a young man from a liberal seminary who lacked faith and knowledge of the Bible. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and upholding the great doctrines of the faith. He then references a passage from the Bible where Moses calls for those on the Lord's side to gather, highlighting the need for believers to stand firm against evil. The speaker also criticizes the soft-hearted and soft-headed approach to law enforcement, attributing the increase in lawlessness to this leniency.
Do People Get You Down?
By Jim Cymbala2.6K43:38DiscouragementMAT 6:331CO 10:122CO 6:14PHP 2:12PHP 2:152TI 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of people turning away from their faith and the dangers of being influenced by the world. He uses the example of Demis, a trusted minister who abandoned Paul and the teachings of Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of staying focused on Jesus and not being distracted by the actions of others. He encourages the audience to be the true representatives of Christianity through their attitudes and interactions with others. The sermon concludes with a reminder that each individual is responsible for their own salvation and should not be swayed by the actions of others.
Why Do Some Battles Never Go Away?
By Carter Conlon2.6K49:32Victory1CO 10:112CO 6:142CO 12:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the fallen nature of humanity is defeated by the power of Christ within believers. The devil tries to convince people that their battles are greater than the strength of Christ, leading them to captivity. The preacher references 2 Corinthians 6:14 to highlight the importance of not aligning with unrighteousness and darkness. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize their freedom in Christ, to fight against their fallen nature, and to obey God.
Godliness in the Home
By Keith Daniel2.5K1:26:53FamilyGEN 2:24MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 8:291CO 6:172CO 6:14EPH 5:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of clear guidance for young people in these end times. He expresses a deep desire for God to visit and meet the needs of every individual, regardless of age or spiritual state. The preacher prays for the presence and voice of God to be equally experienced by all, and for hearts to be washed in the blood of Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. The sermon then focuses on a passage from Ephesians 5, highlighting the concept of two becoming one in marriage and drawing a parallel to Christ and the Church being one.
God Cannot Please Sinners
By Charles Finney2.4K27:18Audio BooksMAT 5:44LUK 13:3ACT 17:30ROM 2:4ROM 6:23ROM 8:72CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the long-suffering nature of God in sparing sinners despite their constant rebellion and fault-finding. The preacher emphasizes that nothing God does can please sinners because their hearts and consciences are opposed to Him. The sermon also highlights the torment that sinners will experience in hell, with their hearts unchanged and in enmity against God. The preacher calls for a change of heart, as it is evident that the consciences and hearts of sinners are in conflict with each other. The necessity of this change is universal, as every person has violated their conscience in following the inclinations of their hearts.
How to Be Fruitful
By Devern Fromke2.3K1:09:04FruitfulnessHOS 6:6HOS 10:1HOS 10:12MAT 9:132CO 6:142CO 6:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of dissipation, which refers to getting caught up in worldly distractions and losing focus on what is truly important. The speaker emphasizes the need to prioritize and walk with the Lord in order to avoid being consumed by these distractions. The sermon also highlights the danger of being like Ephraim, who fell short in their relationship with God. The speaker urges the audience to be discerning and not to be swayed by the ways and trends of the world. Additionally, the sermon references the story of Abraham and Lot, illustrating the importance of avoiding quarrels and conflicts that can arise from worldly desires. The speaker concludes by urging the audience to be cautious of strangers, both in a literal sense and in terms of being influenced by worldly influences.
The Divine Purpose and Principles of the Christian Life
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K58:44Principles Of Christian LifePRO 4:23JHN 3:31CO 13:22CO 6:14EPH 4:3COL 1:181TH 5:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance and energy of life. He compares life to an incredible energy that opens up new worlds for those who experience it. The Christian life is described as a large and expansive journey, filled with liberty and release. The preacher also highlights the idea that life often requires difficulty to truly demonstrate its energy. Overall, the sermon focuses on the significance and vastness of the Christian life.
The Failure of Modern Christianity - 1
By Zacharias Tanee Fomum2.2K1:23:46Modern ChristianityJHN 3:16ROM 8:14ROM 12:22CO 5:172CO 6:14EPH 2:81JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. He warns that it will be too late to acknowledge Jesus as Lord if one waits until the end. The speaker also criticizes modern Christianity, stating that those with divided hearts will not go to heaven, but rather those who do God's work. He discusses the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in transforming sinners and imparting the nature of God. The speaker also mentions a research conducted by Billy Graham, which found that only a small percentage of those who come forward in evangelistic crusades continue in their faith after a certain period of time. The sermon concludes with a reminder that true freedom from sin comes through the blood of Jesus Christ and the pursuit of holiness.
Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K33:44Holy SpiritJHN 14:26ACT 1:52CO 6:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a simple story to illustrate the importance of maintaining spiritual life and avoiding hypocrisy. The story involves two students who confess their secret drinking and seek forgiveness from God. The entire college comes together in prayer and fasting, and God honors their faith by providing them with financial provision. The speaker emphasizes that Satan's objective is to make a link with his unholy kingdom, and warns against compromising with evil. The sermon also highlights the principle that material needs can serve as a spiritual barometer, indicating the need for repentance and confession of sin.
(Genesis) - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:00:04GenesisGEN 1:4PSA 119:130MAT 6:33JHN 1:12CO 6:14HEB 5:141JN 1:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of God's declaration that His creation is good. He points out that there is one day in the creation account where God does not say it is good, which is the end of the second day. The speaker then highlights the first message given by the Apostle John, which emphasizes that God is light and there is no darkness in Him. The sermon also emphasizes the theme of separation between light and darkness, both in the physical creation and in the spiritual realm.
Abandoning Ourselves
By Robert B. Thompson2.0K1:17:57ISA 66:6ROM 8:292CO 6:14JAS 5:171JN 3:14In this sermon, the preacher uses the illustration of the Washington Monument to explain the difference between fear and reverence. He emphasizes that we should not purify ourselves out of reverence for God, but out of fear, just like Noah feared God. The preacher then talks about the importance of making a decision to abandon oneself to God and His program, as this is necessary to have the strength to save oneself and others in the last days. He also highlights the significance of the day of the Lord and how it demands a response from us, stating that it will not be business as usual until the Lord comes. The preacher concludes by discussing the criteria for eternal life, emphasizing that loving the brothers is a key indicator, while murder and failure to crucify the sinful nature disqualify one from belonging to Christ.
(2 Corinthians) ch.5:10-6:2
By Zac Poonen2.0K44:332CO 5:102CO 5:172CO 6:12CO 6:32CO 6:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ and being rewarded for our deeds. He emphasizes the importance of realizing this truth and living in the fear of the Lord. The speaker uses the example of the apostle Paul to illustrate the qualities of a true servant of God, such as patience and endurance in difficult circumstances. The sermon also highlights the possibility of experiencing personal revival in our lives right now, through faith and confession of our beliefs.
(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ
By Zac Poonen2.0K54:23MAT 7:1JHN 7:24ROM 1:302CO 6:14GAL 1:41TI 6:102TI 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how the church and the world used to be far apart. The preacher emphasizes that the church should not align itself with the ways of the world, as they lead to eternal death. He also highlights the importance of living in a way that condemns the world, just as Noah did. Additionally, the preacher warns against being consumed by worldly pleasures, money, and self, as these distractions can prevent us from being ready for the coming of the Lord.
Vessels Fit for the Masters Use
By Aaron Hurst1.9K1:16:07Surrender2CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being vessels that are transparent before God. He encourages the audience to have a purpose and motivation in life, to be sold out to God, and to be used by Him for His glory. The preacher highlights that God wants to glorify Himself through us, and that He has entrusted us with the task of preaching His gospel to the world. The sermon also emphasizes the need to be separate from unbelievers and to be fully committed to God, even in the face of trials and challenges.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers - This is a military term: keep in your own ranks; do not leave the Christian community to join in that of the heathens. The verb ἑτεροζυγειν signifies to leave one's own rank, place, or order, and go into another; and here it must signify not only that they should not associate with the Gentiles in their idolatrous feasts, but that they should not apostatize from Christianity; and the questions which follow show that there was a sort of fellowship that some of the Christians had formed with the heathens which was both wicked and absurd, and if not speedily checked would infallibly lead to final apostasy. Some apply this exhortation to pious persons marrying with those who are not decidedly religious, and converted to God. That the exhortation may be thus applied I grant; but it is certainly not the meaning of the apostle in this place. Nevertheless, common sense and true piety show the absurdity of two such persons pretending to walk together in a way in which they are not agreed. A very wise and very holy man has given his judgment on this point: "A man who is truly pious, marrying with an unconverted woman, will either draw back to perdition, or have a cross during life." The same may be said of a pious woman marrying an unconverted man. Such persons cannot say this petition of the Lord's prayer, Lead us not into temptation. They plunge into it of their own accord. For what fellowship, etc. - As righteousness cannot have communion with unrighteousness, and light cannot dwell with darkness; so Christ can have no concord with Belial, nor can he that believeth have any with an infidel. All these points were self-evident; how then could they keep up the profession of Christianity, or pretend to be under its influence, while they associated with the unrighteous, had communion with darkness, concord with Belial, and partook with infidels?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be not--Greek, "Become not." unequally yoked--"yoked with one alien in spirit." The image is from the symbolical precept of the law (Lev 19:19), "Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind"; or the precept (Deu 22:10), "Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together." Compare Deu 7:3, forbidding marriages with the heathen; also Co1 7:39. The believer and unbeliever are utterly heterogeneous. Too close intercourse with unbelievers in other relations also is included (Co2 6:16; Co1 8:10; Co1 10:14). fellowship--literally, "share," or "participation." righteousness--the state of the believer, justified by faith. unrighteousness--rather, as always translated elsewhere, "iniquity"; the state of the unbeliever, the fruit of unbelief. light--of which believers are the children (Th1 5:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And what concord hath Christ with Belial?.... The word "Belial" is an Hebrew word, and is only used in this place in the New Testament, but often in the Old; this word is differently read and pronounced, some copies read it "Beliar", and accordingly in the Ethiopic version it is "Belhor", and by Jerom read (i) Belvir"; but he observes, that it is more rightly called Belial": in some copies it is "Belias", and so Tertullian (k) read it; and Jerom (l) says, that most corruptly read it "Belias", for "Belial": some derive it from "Beli", and "Alah", and signifies "without ascent"; one in a very low condition, of low life, that never rises up, and comes to any thing; to which Kimchi's etymology of the word seems to agree, who says (m), that Belial is a wicked man, , "who does not succeed, and does not prosper": others say it signifies (n) one that is , "Beli Ol, without a yoke", without the yoke of the law; so Jarchi explains children of Belial, in Deu 13:13 without yoke, who break off the yoke of God; and so say (o) the Talmudists, "children of Belial, are children that break off , "the yoke of heaven" (i.e. the law) from their necks;'' lawless persons, who are under no subjection to God or man: others (p) derive it from "Jaal", and "Beli", and so it signifies one that is unprofitable, does no good, and is good for nothing; and it is applied in Scripture to any wicked person, or thing; it is commonly rendered by the Chaldee paraphrast, a "wicked man"; and by Aquila and Suidas it is interpreted, "an apostate", and so it is rendered here in the Arabic version; sometimes the corruption of nature is called "Belial" by the Jews (q), than which nothing can be more contrary to Christ; it is also a name of the devil; by Hesychius, "Beliar" is interpreted "a dragon", by which name the devil is sometimes called; and here the Syriac version is, "what concord hath Christ with Satan?" most interpreters by Belial understand the devil, who has cast off the yoke of obedience to God, and is unprofitable, yea, noxious and hurtful to men; between whom and Christ there is no concord, but a perpetual enmity; and as there is no concord between Christ personal, and Belial the devil, so what can there be between Christ mystical the church, which goes by the name of Christ, Co1 12:12 and wicked men, the sons of Belial; who have cast away the law of the Lord, are not subject to the law of God, nor can they be, and are become unprofitable to themselves, and others? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? such have no part, and shall have no part or portion in one and the same thing; the believer's part and portion are God, Christ, and an eternal inheritance; the unbeliever's part and portion will be in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone; and therefore what part, society, or communion, can they have with one another? (i) De Nominibus Hebraicis, fol. 106. K. (k) De Corona, c. 10. (l) Comment. in Ephes. iv. 27. (m) Sepher Shorashim, rad. (n) Hieronym Quaestasive Trad. Heb. in Lib. Reg. fol. 74. I. Tom. 3. & in Ephes. iv. 27. R. Abraham Seba in Tzeror Hammor, fol. 141. 4. & 142. 2. (o) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 111. 2. (p) Philip Aquinas, Schindler, Cocceius, &c. (q) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 148. 3. & 149. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:14–7:1 The connection between 6:13 and 7:2 has led many scholars to conclude that 6:14–7:1 is an inserted fragment from another letter (perhaps the one mentioned in 1 Cor 5:9). However, this section might just as well be a digression in Paul’s writing, a suitable challenge to the Corinthians to forsake their opposition to Paul and his message. Paul was anxious to see relationships restored; here, Paul draws a picture of believers in Christ forming a holy temple. Believers’ identity as the temple of God motivates the need for harmony among them as well as separation from the impurity of unbelieving attitudes and behaviors. Paul therefore draws the contrast between Christian and pagan morality with quotations from the Old Testament. 6:14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers: This instruction alludes to the Jewish prohibition of certain mixtures (Lev 19:19; Deut 22:10). Paul was probably referring to how the Corinthians had been involving themselves in idolatrous practices (see 1 Cor 8–10; cp. 1 Cor 10:14-22).