Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 CORINTHIANS 6:14KJV
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2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:14 mean?

2 Corinthians 6:14 warns believers not to form binding partnerships or close associations with those who do not share their faith, using the image of being "unequally yoked." The verse explains this by asking what real connection there can be between righteousness and unrighteousness, or between light and darkness.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, urging them to be careful about their closest relationships, especially ones that deeply affect their lives and values. The language draws on the image of two animals yoked together to plow a field, which only works well if both are similar and moving in the same direction. Paul’s point is about the deep differences between those who follow Jesus and those who do not, and how these differences can create tension or conflict in close partnerships.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:14

  • ἑτεροζυγέω (heterozygeō, "unequally yoked together"): This word pictures two different kinds of animals yoked together, which would make working together difficult or even harmful. Paul uses it to describe mismatched partnerships that pull in different directions.
  • κοινωνία (koinōnia, "communion"): This word means close sharing or partnership. Paul is stressing that there is a deep, meaningful connection among believers that cannot truly exist with those who do not share the same faith.
  • δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, "righteousness") and ἀνομία (anomia, "unrighteousness"): These words highlight the moral and spiritual contrast Paul is drawing. He is not just talking about minor differences, but about fundamentally different ways of life.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:14 matters

  • This verse is often misunderstood as a call to avoid all contact with non-believers, but the focus is on close, binding partnerships that shape one’s life and values, not everyday interactions.
  • Paul’s use of strong contrasts (righteousness vs. unrighteousness, light vs. darkness) emphasizes the seriousness of the differences he is describing, helping readers see why such partnerships can be spiritually risky.
  • The verse fits into a larger section where Paul is urging the Corinthians to live distinctly as God’s people, setting the stage for his call to holiness and separation in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“unrighteousness” Greek G458 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Romans 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
  • Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

“communion” Greek G2842 · used in 18 verses

  • Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
  • Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

“unbelievers” Greek G571 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

“darkness” Greek G4655 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
  • Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.