O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

2 CORINTHIANS 6:11KJV
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2 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:11 mean?

2 Corinthians 6:11 shows Paul openly expressing his feelings to the Corinthian believers, telling them that he has spoken freely to them and that his heart is wide open toward them. Paul is making it clear that there are no barriers or reservations in his affection or communication with the Corinthians.

Paul, as the writer, is addressing the church in Corinth, a group he has a close but sometimes strained relationship with. In this verse, Paul is reassuring them of his genuine care and transparency, especially after sharing difficult truths earlier in the letter. The verse sets a tone of honesty and emotional openness, inviting the Corinthians to respond in kind.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:11

  • στόμα (stoma; "mouth"): This word refers to speech or communication. Paul saying his "mouth is open" means he is speaking frankly and holding nothing back.
  • ἐνέπλατύνθη (eneplatynthē; "enlarged"): This word is often understood as "made wide" or "opened up." Paul is describing his heart as being expanded, meaning he has great affection and room for the Corinthians in his feelings.
  • καρδία (kardia; "heart"): In Greek thought, the "heart" is the center of emotion and will, not just feelings. Paul is saying his deepest self is open to them.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:11 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul is being distant or cold; he is emphasizing his vulnerability and love for the Corinthians.
  • The verse highlights the importance of honest, heartfelt communication in relationships, especially between leaders and those they care for.
  • In the wider context, this openness is meant to encourage the Corinthians to respond with the same openness, setting the stage for the appeal that follows in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“enlarged” Greek G4115 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
  • 2 Corinthians 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same,(I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

“Corinthians” Greek G2881 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“open” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;