Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:15

What does 2 Corinthians 6:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 6:15 means

Paul deepens the contrast by naming ultimate allegiances: Christ versus Belial—a term associated with worthlessness and, by extension, Satanic opposition. There can be no harmony between them. Likewise, a believer and an unbeliever do not share the same spiritual inheritance or aims. The point is not disdain for unbelievers but recognition that union with Christ defines direction, worship, and hope. Where Christ is Lord, His word governs; where He is not, other powers and values prevail. Binding unity cannot exist across those irreconcilable centers. Paul’s argument calls the Corinthians to live out the implications of belonging to Christ, whose lordship excludes rival masters.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And what agreement is there between Christ and the Evil One? or what part has one who has faith with one who has not?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and what fellowship to light with darkness? and what concord to Christ with Belial? or what part to a believer with an unbeliever?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and what consent of Christ with Beliar, or what part for a believer along with an unbeliever?

Context

This verse continues the rhetorical questions of verse 14, sharpening the issue by invoking Christ’s name. It sets the stage for the decisive identity statement of verse 16: believers are God’s temple. The sequence moves from general incompatibilities to the deepest one—lordship—and then to covenant identity and promises. Understanding this flow helps readers see that separation is not fear-driven but allegiance-driven, grounded in who God is to His people in Christ.

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

v.15This passage

v.16And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 10:20

    But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons.

  • 1 Kings 18:21

    And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

  • Acts 8:20

    But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • 1 John 5:11

    And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

  • Mark 16:16

    He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.

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