What does 2 Corinthians 6:12 mean?

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Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 2 Corinthians 6:12

Explanation

2 Corinthians 6:12 is a verse where the Apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian Christians regarding the relational barriers that stood between them. The phrase “Ye are not straitened in us” uses the verb “straitened,” which means to be restricted or confined. Paul implies that any limitations in the relationship are not because of a lack of love or openness on his (and his fellow workers’) part but rather due to the Corinthians’ internal restrictions – metaphorically described as being “in your own bowels.” Here, “bowels” represent the innermost feelings or affections, which were common idiomatic expressions at the time to describe deep emotions. Therefore, Paul is saying that whatever constriction that exists is due to their own emotional constraints or affections, not because of a lack of openness on the part of Paul and his companions.

Historical Context

The second letter to the Corinthians is believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul around 55-57 A.D. The city of Corinth was a major trade center in ancient Greece and known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity. The early church there faced many challenges, including internal divisions, immorality, and conflicts between the values of the prevailing culture and Christian teachings. Paul had a deep relationship with the Corinthian church, which he had helped found. This part of the epistle reflects Paul’s ongoing effort to defend his apostolic authority and address the relational tension between him and some members of the Corinthian church.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, the verse emphasizes the importance of mutual affection and openness in Christian relationships. Paul’s teaching echoes the broader Christian principle that love should be the basis of community interactions. The verse also suggests that believers have a role in determining the quality and depth of their relationships through their willingness to be open and reciprocal in affection. Theologically, it reflects upon the idea that internal attitudes and personal constraints can inhibit one’s experience of community and spiritual growth.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, 2 Corinthians 6:12 encourages individuals to self-reflect on how their own emotional guards or reservations might be impacting their relationships, particularly within a church or faith community. It suggests that personal barriers can obstruct the fellowship and intimacy that is desired in Christian communities. Application in daily life would include being introspective about one’s own emotional vulnerabilities or prejudices and working towards being more open and receptive to others’ efforts of connection and communication.

Cross-References

Galatians 6:2 – “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:2 – “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
1 John 4:11 – “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

Language Study

The key term “straitened” comes from the Greek word stenochoreo, which means to be hemmed in or constricted. This term is used metaphorically to represent a limitation or restriction in attitude or affection. The word “bowels” is a translation of the Greek word splagchnon, often used to signify deep emotions or affections, comparable to modern expressions such as ‘heart’ or ‘guts’ in referencing deep-seated feelings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman culture of Corinth, the language of affection using “bowels” would not have been uncommon, as it was a part of their understanding of emotions. Comparatively, other ancient societies, such as Jewish culture, also used the ‘heart’ or ‘kidneys’ to talk about deep emotions. In religious interpretations outside Christianity, such as in Judaism and Islam, there is also an understanding that internal spiritual and emotional states affect one’s external relationships.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science approaches the understanding of emotions from a psychological and biological standpoint. While “bowels” would not be the term used today for the seats of emotion (now understood to be functions of the brain), science does acknowledge that emotional states and psychological well-being significantly affect interpersonal dynamics, aligning with Paul’s observation of internal states affecting relationships.

Commentaries

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible posits that the Apostle Paul is laying the blame of the lukewarm and distant relationship squarely at the feet of the Corinthians, indicating that their affections were constrained not by Paul’s lack of love, but their own.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests that the verse is an appeal for mutual love and that the Corinthian church was being chided for their lack of openness and narrowness of affection towards Paul and his associates.
The MacArthur Study Bible indicates this verse is about self-imposed restrictions on the Corinthians’ affections towards Paul due to various influences such as false teachers who may have sowed discord and suspicion.