Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:13

What does 2 Corinthians 6:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 6:13 means

Speaking as a spiritual father, Paul gently asks for “a recompense in like kind”: that they widen their hearts toward him as he has toward them. This is not a demand for flattery but a call for mutual trust and warmth. He longs for a restored, unhindered fellowship, where his words are heard and his motives not suspected. Enlarged hearts reflect the largeness of God’s grace and enable the community to receive correction, pursue holiness, and maintain unity. By appealing as to his “children,” Paul signals tenderness and authority together, inviting a family response of love that will prepare them to heed the stronger exhortations that follow.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now to give me back payment of the same sort (I am talking as to my children), let your hearts be wide open to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and <FI>as<Fi> a recompense of the same kind, (as to children I say <FI>it<Fi> ,) be ye enlarged--also ye!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But having the same recompense (I speak as to my children): be you also enlarged.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but for an answering recompense, (I speak as to children,) let your heart also expand itself.

Context

This verse completes the brief relational section (vv. 11–13) and acts as a hinge into the command of verse 14. The openness Paul seeks will be hindered if the Corinthians remain bound to partnerships that pull them away from apostolic teaching and holy living. Thus, mutual affection must be joined to moral clarity. The next verses will instruct them to avoid mismatched yokes with unbelievers and idolatry, grounding the call in sharp contrasts and covenant promises.

v.12Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections.

v.13This passage

v.14Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?

Cross references

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

  • 2 Kings 13:14

    Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over him, and said, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof!

  • 1 John 2:1

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

  • Galatians 4:12

    I beseech you, brethren, become as I am, for I also am become as ye are. Ye did me no wrong:

  • Mark 6:4

    And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

  • Hebrews 12:5

    and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him;

  • 1 John 5:14

    And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:

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