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

2 CORINTHIANS 6:13KJV
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2 Corinthians 6:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:13 mean?

2 Corinthians 6:13 is Paul’s appeal to the Corinthian believers, asking them to open their hearts to him just as he has done for them. Paul speaks to them with the affection of a parent, urging them to respond with the same openness and love.

Paul, writing as a spiritual father to the church in Corinth, has just described how he and his companions have been completely honest and loving toward the believers. Now, he asks for a “recompence”—a fair return—for this openness. He wants the Corinthians to “be enlarged,” meaning to widen their hearts and show him the same warmth and sincerity he has shown them.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:13

  • ἀντιμισθία (antimisthia, “recompence”): This word means a repayment or return. Paul is not asking for material payback, but for a mutual exchange of affection and openness.
  • πλατύνεσθε (platynesthe, “be ye enlarged”): This verb means to widen or expand. In this context, it carries the sense of opening up emotionally—Paul wants the Corinthians to make room in their hearts for him, just as he has for them.
  • τέκνοις (teknois, “children”): Paul uses this word to highlight his loving, parental relationship with the Corinthians, making his request more personal and heartfelt.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:13 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians was distant or formal; he is deeply invested in them and wants a genuine, two-way relationship.
  • The verse emphasizes that spiritual leadership is not just about teaching or authority, but about mutual love and honest connection.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing that Paul’s appeals for holiness and separation from the world are rooted in a loving, open-hearted relationship, not harshness or cold commands.

Where else these words appear

“recompence” Greek G489 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

“be” 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 6:11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

“children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;