Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. New Living Translation I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! English Standard Version In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. Berean Standard Bible As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. Berean Literal Bible Now as the same recompense, I speak as to children, be you expanded also. King James Bible Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. New King James Version Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. New American Standard Bible Now in the same way in exchange—I am speaking as to children—open wide your hearts to us, you as well. NASB 1995 Now in a like exchange— I speak as to children— open wide to us also. NASB 1977 Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also. Legacy Standard Bible Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also. Amplified Bible Now in the same way as a fair exchange [for our love toward you]—I am speaking as [I would] to children—open wide [your hearts] to us also. Christian Standard Bible I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us. Holman Christian Standard Bible I speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us. American Standard Version Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged. Contemporary English Version I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us. English Revised Version Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged. GOD'S WORD® Translation I'm talking to you as I would talk to children. Treat us the same way we've treated you. Make a place for us in your hearts too. Good News Translation I speak now as though you were my children: show us the same feelings that we have for you. Open your hearts wide! International Standard Version Do us a favor—I ask you as my children—and open wide your hearts. NET Bible Now as a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts to us also. New Heart English Bible Now in return, I speak as to my children, you also be open wide. Webster's Bible Translation Now for a recompense in the same (I speak as to my children,) be ye also enlarged. Weymouth New Testament And in just requital--I speak as to my children--let your hearts expand also. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. World English Bible Now in return—I speak as to my children—you also open your hearts. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand [as] a repayment of the same kind (as to children I say [it]), be enlarged—also you! Berean Literal Bible Now as the same recompense, I speak as to children, be you expanded also. Young's Literal Translation and as a recompense of the same kind, (as to children I say it,) be ye enlarged -- also ye! Smith's Literal Translation And for the same recompense, (I speak as to children,) be ye yourselves also enlarged. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut having the same recompense, (I speak as to my children,) be you also enlarged. Catholic Public Domain Version But since we have the same recompense, (I am speaking as if to my own sons), you, too, should be enlarged. New American Bible As recompense in kind (I speak as to my children), be open yourselves. New Revised Standard Version In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI speak as to my children, render me my reward which is with you, increase your love toward me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But I speak as to children: “Pay me my remuneration which is with you, and enlarge your love to me.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThat you may repay me in like manner, (I speak as to children,) be you also enlarged. Godbey New Testament But as I speak to children, you indeed receive this reward. Haweis New Testament Let us have a like return; I speak as unto children; be ye also enlarged. Mace New Testament I address myself to you as a parent, be not you wanting in the returns of filial respect to me. Weymouth New Testament And in just requital--I speak as to my children--let your hearts expand also. Worrell New Testament Now, for a recompense in like kind (I am speaking as to my children), be ye also enlarged. Worsley New Testament Now as a return of our love (I speak as to my children) be ye also enlarged towards us. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Hardships and God's Grace…12It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained. 13As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also. 14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?… Cross References Galatians 4:12 I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. / Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. / Therefore I urge you to imitate me. Philippians 1:8 God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. / We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. Hebrews 13:1 Continue in brotherly love. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways. Isaiah 49:15-16 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you! / Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. Treasury of Scripture Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as to my children,) be you also enlarged. I speak. 1 Corinthians 4:14,15 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you… Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 1 Thessalonians 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, be. 2 Kings 13:14-19 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof… Psalm 81:10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Matthew 9:28,29 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord… Jump to Previous Children Enlarged Exchange Expand Fair Heart Hearts Itself Kind Open Payment Recompence Recompense Requital Sort Speak Wide WidenJump to Next Children Enlarged Exchange Expand Fair Heart Hearts Itself Kind Open Payment Recompence Recompense Requital Sort Speak Wide Widen2 Corinthians 6 1. That he has approved himself a faithful minister of Christ by his exhortations,3. and by integrity of life, 4. and by patiently enduring all kinds of affliction and disgrace for the gospel. 10. Of which he speaks the more boldly amongst them because his heart is open to them, 13. and he expects the like affection from them again; 14. exhorting them to flee the society and pollutions of idolaters, 17. as being themselves temples of the living God. As a fair exchange— This phrase suggests a reciprocal relationship between Paul and the Corinthians. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, urging them to respond to his open-heartedness with the same openness. The idea of a "fair exchange" reflects the biblical principle of mutual love and respect, as seen in other scriptures like Galatians 6:7, which speaks of reaping what one sows. This concept is rooted in the covenantal relationships found throughout the Bible, where God and His people are called to mutual faithfulness. I speak as to my children— open wide your hearts also. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth with a heartfelt plea for mutual openness and affection. 2. The Corinthian Church The recipients of the letter, the Corinthians were a diverse group of believers in a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its commerce and immorality. 3. Paul's Ministry The broader context of this passage involves Paul's ministry and his efforts to reconcile and strengthen his relationship with the Corinthian believers. Teaching Points The Call for Mutual OpennessPaul urges the Corinthians to reciprocate the openness and love he has shown them. This teaches us the importance of mutual vulnerability and transparency in Christian relationships. Spiritual Parenthood By referring to the Corinthians as his children, Paul highlights the spiritual parenthood role that leaders and mentors can have, emphasizing care, guidance, and nurturing. Heartfelt Relationships in the Church The church is called to be a community of open hearts, where believers share their lives and burdens with one another, fostering genuine fellowship. Overcoming Relational Barriers Paul’s plea encourages us to identify and overcome barriers that restrict our affections, such as past hurts, misunderstandings, or cultural differences. Reflecting Christ’s Love As Christ opened His heart to us, we are called to reflect that same love and openness to others, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 6:13?2. How can we "open wide our hearts" to others in our community today? 3. What barriers prevent us from reciprocating love as Paul urges in 2 Corinthians 6:13? 4. How does 2 Corinthians 6:13 connect with Jesus' command to love your neighbor? 5. In what ways can we practice vulnerability within our church family? 6. How does opening our hearts reflect Christ's love in our daily interactions? 7. What does 2 Corinthians 6:13 mean by "open wide your hearts" in a spiritual context? 8. How does 2 Corinthians 6:13 challenge believers to examine their relationships with others? 9. In what ways does 2 Corinthians 6:13 encourage emotional vulnerability among Christians? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 6? 11. Can a Christian identify as gay? 12. What does the Bible say to Christian parents of gay children? 13. What defines unfeigned love? 14. What guidance does the Bible offer on stepparenting? What Does 2 Corinthians 6:13 Mean As a fair exchange“ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. ” (2 Corinthians 6:11). Paul has already poured himself out; now he asks for reciprocity. • Exchange is not about payment, but about relationship—he has loved them first (1 John 4:19). • Scripture often highlights the balance of giving and receiving: “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). • Paul’s ministry to Corinth cost him hardship (2 Corinthians 6:4-10); the “fair” response is their trust and affection. • Similar appeals appear in Philippians 4:17, where Paul seeks “the fruit that increases to your account.” I speak as to my children Paul claims the gentle authority of a spiritual father. • He first birthed them in the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:14-15). • Like any parent, he corrects and comforts: “My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth” (Galatians 4:19). • Father-language carries tenderness: “You know how we exhorted… each one of you, as a father does his own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). • The family tone removes any sense of manipulation; it invites trust (3 John 4). open wide your hearts also Now comes the simple request: match Paul’s openness with their own. • To “open wide” means removing barriers—bitterness, suspicion, worldly influences (compare 2 Corinthians 7:2-3). • Genuine affection among believers is commanded: “Love one another with brotherly affection” (Romans 12:10). • Opening the heart to Paul ultimately signals openness to Christ’s message (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). • The call resonates with Jesus’ invitation: “Remain in My love” (John 15:9) and Peter’s urge: “Love one another deeply, from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22). summary Paul has emptied his heart for the Corinthians; fairness asks them to do the same. Speaking as a loving father, he urges them to tear down emotional walls and embrace him—and the gospel he carries—with full, unrestricted affection. Reciprocal, family-style love is the fitting response to Christ’s servants and to Christ Himself. (13) Now for a recompence in the same.--Better, perhaps, as a return, as expressing the idea of reciprocity. Children should requite the care and love of parents. (Comp. 2Corinthians 12:14.) They, the Corinthians, are his spiritual children. (Comp. 1Corinthians 4:15.) What does he demand of them, but that they should love him in return for his love? What they needed in their spiritual life was breadth and expansiveness of affection.Verse 13. - Now, for a recompense in the same. He begs them to give him "a reward in kind;" in other words, he wishes them to be as frank with him as he has been to them. As unto my children. And therefore, as a spiritual father, I may surely ask for sympathy. St. Paul uses the same metaphor in 1 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:11. Be ye also enlarged. Treat me as I have treated you (comp. "Be as I am," Galatians 4:12).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [As]δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. a fair αὐτὴν (autēn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. exchange, ἀντιμισθίαν (antimisthian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 489: A reward, recompense, retribution. From a compound of anti and misthos; requital, correspondence. I ask [you] λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. [my] children: τέκνοις (teknois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. Open wide πλατύνθητε (platynthēte) Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4115: To enlarge, make broad; met: of the growth of tenderness and love. From platus; to widen. your [hearts] ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. also. καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Links 2 Corinthians 6:13 NIV2 Corinthians 6:13 NLT 2 Corinthians 6:13 ESV 2 Corinthians 6:13 NASB 2 Corinthians 6:13 KJV 2 Corinthians 6:13 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 6:13 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 6:13 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 6:13 French Bible 2 Corinthians 6:13 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 6:13 Now in return I speak as (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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