Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:18

What does 2 Corinthians 6:18 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 6:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 6:18 means

God crowns the call to separation with a filial promise: He will be a Father to His people, and they will be His sons and daughters. This is the heart of covenant intimacy, now fully enjoyed in Christ, through whom believers are brought into God’s family. The title “the Lord Almighty” underscores that the One offering fatherly nearness is the sovereign ruler of all. The promise answers any fear that separation means loneliness or loss; instead, it leads to richer belonging. The ultimate reward of holiness is not mere moral distinction but the warmth and security of God’s paternal embrace and the shared identity of His children.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And will be a Father to you; and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord, the Ruler of all.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I will be to you for a Father, and ye--ye shall be to Me for sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and I will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be to me for sons and daughters, saith [the] Lord Almighty.

Context

The chapter concludes by grounding the ethical call in relational promise. Having urged the Corinthians not to receive grace in vain (vv. 1–2) and demonstrated true ministry’s integrity (vv. 3–10), Paul appealed for open hearts (vv. 11–13) and demanded clear separation (vv. 14–17). Now he seals those commands with adoption language, revealing God’s motive—to dwell with, receive, and father His people. This prepares the way for the next call to holiness, but within this chapter it provides the final, gracious foundation for obedience.

v.17Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you,

v.18This passage

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 17:1

    And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

  • Hosea 1:9

    And Jehovah said, Call his name Lo-ammi; for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.

  • Revelation 1:8

    I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

  • Ephesians 1:5

    having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

  • John 1:12

    But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:

  • Psalms 22:30

    A seed shall serve him; It shall be told of the Lord unto the next generation.

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