2 Corinthians 6:14 (NASB)

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?

Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:14 is a popular Bible verse from the New Testament that helps guide Christians on how to choose a spouse.

This is interesting terminology: Do not be bound together with unbelievers… You might be more familiar with the KJV version which says, “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”

So what does this mean? We know that Jesus did not keep Himself from unbelievers. He ate with them and preached to them. He came to save those who were lost (Luke 19:10). Aren’t we supposed to follow what Jesus did?

A Closer Look

Let’s look closer at the words “bound together.” The word “bound” in Webster’s is defined like this: tied; closely connected; obliged. Yes, Jesus spoke to, and ate with unbelievers but He was not tied to them or closely connected to them. He was closely connected with His Father and with His disciples.

“Obliged” means: to make indebted for a favor; moral, legal or physical force.

Jesus was in no way obliged to unbelievers. He spoke the truth to them, ministered to them and then moved on His way. Their choice to believe or not was up to them. Their choice to follow Him (or not) was up to them.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the Apostle Paul is warning us not to be bound—united—with unbelievers. We can speak the truth to them, visit them, even eat with them, but we are warned not to be closely connected to them.

The Timing of God

“Unbelievers” in the Greek means: disbelieving, without faith, and untrustworthy.

Let’s look at the whole passage carefully to understand the full meaning.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,

“I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. ¹⁷“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. ¹⁸“And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.

7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

God’s timing is perfect. Maybe He has us in a place where we are tied to unbelievers—possibly in the workplace or in another kind of relationship. We know He led us to that place and it was His will.

Unlocking the Truth – Jesus is the Way

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” There is a time to stay and there is a time to move. God is Lord of our life, and He is Lord of the timing of the events of our lives. As we walk with Christ, His salvation is ongoing. We are sanctified as we follow Him and serve Him. “Sanctified” means: make holy, purify.

Notice 2 Corinthians 7:1 that the result of coming out and being separate from unbelievers is that it cleanses us from all defilement of flesh and spirit.

“Defilement” means: filthy, stain, immorality. We need to be cleansed in our flesh and spirit.

The blood of Christ cleanses us in the supernatural, but it is our responsibility to participate in cleansing ourselves from things in the natural. He shows us the way. 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

As we pursue Christ, we are continually being sanctified and prepared for every good work. Maybe this is what we’ve been praying for, waiting for and hoping for. So if He is calling you to separate yourself from someone or something, don’t be afraid to let them (or it) go. He will replace it with more of Himself and a greater work in His Kingdom. This is what He has been preparing you for.

Promotion.

Rejoice! Move forward unafraid by faith. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”

Lay hold on the territory He promised you and take that which belongs to you in Christ. He will be glorified in it, and in you. Study the Bible verse of 2 Corinthians 6:14 and be prepared to move in Jesus Christ.