2 Corinthians 6:11
What does 2 Corinthians 6:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 6:11 means
Paul assures the Corinthians of his complete openness and deep affection. His “mouth is open,” meaning he speaks to them candidly and without reserve; his “heart is enlarged,” meaning his love for them is wide and generous. This is not manipulation but transparency. He wants them to know that behind his strong words stands a pastor’s heart. By declaring his posture, he lowers defenses and invites reciprocation. He is not merely defending himself; he is seeking restored relationship, encouraging them to receive both his message and his person with the same frankness and breadth of love he extends to them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.
KJV
King James Version · 1611O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Our mouth is open to you, O Corinthians, our heart is wide.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Our mouth hath been open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart hath been enlarged!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians: our heart is enlarged.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Our mouth is opened to you, Corinthians, our heart is expanded.
Context
After proving his ministry’s integrity through trials and virtues (vv. 3–10), Paul turns to address the relational strain. Verses 11–13 function as a personal interlude before the call to separation from unbelief (vv. 14–18). Paul’s openness provides a relational frame: he is not issuing commands from a distance but appealing as one who loves them. This sets the tone so that the ensuing exhortations are heard not as cold rules but as counsel for communion with God and with their apostle.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 33:2
Behold now, I have opened my mouth; My tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
- Revelation 22:12
Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is.
- Ephesians 6:8
knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
- Philippians 1:8
For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
- Job 32:20
I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
- Habakkuk 2:5
Yea, moreover, wine is treacherous, a haughty man, that keepeth not at home; who enlargeth his desire as Sheol, and he is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all peoples.
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