Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:12

What does 2 Corinthians 6:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 6:12 means

Paul clarifies that any relational tightness does not come from him or his coworkers. They are not narrowing the Corinthians. Instead, the Corinthians’ own “affections” are constricting them. Competing loyalties, misplaced attachments, or suspicion toward Paul have cramped their capacity to receive and respond. The bottleneck is within their hearts. By diagnosing the true problem, Paul frees them from blaming others and invites them to examine what affections are shaping their reception of the gospel and its ministers. He wants them to enjoy the spaciousness of God’s love rather than remain squeezed by influences that diminish their zeal and trust.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

It is not our feelings to you which are narrow, but yours to us.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

ye are not straitened in us, and ye are straitened in your <FI>own<Fi> bowels,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

You are not straitened in us: but in your own bowels you are straitened.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your affections;

Context

This diagnosis follows Paul’s declaration of love in verse 11 and prepares for his direct appeal in verse 13. It also anticipates the later command not to be unequally yoked (vv. 14–18): constricted affections often flow from entangling relationships with unbelief and idolatry. Seeing the inner cause allows the Corinthians to understand why Paul will call for separation. The flow moves from affection, to its blockage, to a request for reciprocal openness, then to the practical outworking of undivided loyalty.

v.11Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.

v.12This passage

v.13Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 1:8

    For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:2

    Open your hearts to us: we wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we took advantage of no man.

  • Job 36:16

    Yea, he would have allured thee out of distress Into a broad place, where there is no straitness; And that which is set on thy table would be full of fatness.

  • 1 John 3:17

    But whoso hath the world’s goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?

  • Proverbs 4:12

    When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

  • Micah 2:7

    Shall it be said, O house of Jacob, Is the Spirit of Jehovah straitened? are these his doings? Do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?

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