2 Corinthians 6:4-18 ▼

4 Rather, as servants {diakonoi} of God {Theou} we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance (perseverance); in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

5 in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;

6 in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit {Hagiō Pneumati} and in sincere love {agapē};

7 in truthful speech and in the power {dynamei} of God {Theou}; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;

8 through glory {doxēs} and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine;

9 unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;

10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you⁺, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.

12 It is not our affection, but yours⁺, that is restrained.

13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your⁺ hearts also.

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship {koinōnia} does light have with darkness?

15 What harmony is there between Christ (the Anointed One) and Belial [Beliar]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement can exist between the temple of God {Theou} and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God {Theos} has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people .”

17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord {Kyrios}. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you⁺ .”

18 And: “I will be a Father {Patera} to you⁺, and you⁺ will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord {Kyrios} Almighty {Pantokratōr}.”