Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, July 20th, 2025
the Week of Proper 11 / Ordinary 16
the Week of Proper 11 / Ordinary 16
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Bible Commentaries
Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament Bengel's Gnomon
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
Bengel, Johann Albrecht. "Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6". Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament. https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jab/2-corinthians-6.html. 1897.
Bengel, Johann Albrecht. "Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6". Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament. https://studylight.org/
Whole Bible (52)New Testament (19)Gospels Only (1)Individual Books (10)
Verse 1
2 Corinthians 6:1 . Î£Ï Î½ÎµÏγοῦνÏÎµÏ , workers together ) Not only as the ambassadors of God , or on the other hand, as beseeching , we deal with you; but also, as your friends, we co-operate with you for your salvation. [ This is the medium between the dignity of ambassadors and the humility of beseeching , ch. 2 Corinthians 5:20 . That is, we try all means . Not. Crit.] For you ought to work out your own salvation, Philippians 2:12 . The working together with them is described, 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 ; the exhortation , 2 Corinthians 6:2 ; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 [as far as ch. 2 Corinthians 7:1 . V. g.] He strongly dissuades them from Judaism, as an ambassador , and by beseeching; as working together with them, he strongly dissuades them from heathenism. None but a holy [ch. 2Co 7:1 ] minister of the Gospel can turn himself into all forms of this sort. καὶ , also ). Ïὴν ÏάÏιν , the grace ) of which ch. 2Co 5:18-19 treats, [and ch. 2 Corinthians 6:2 ; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 . V. g.] δÎξαÏθαι ) This word is drawn from the δεκÏá¿· of 2 Corinthians 6:2 [ receive For this is God’s season of receiving sinners]. Divine grace offers itself: human faith and obedience avail themselves of the offer.
Verse 2
2 Corinthians 6:2 . ÎÎγει , He saith ) The Father to Messiah, Isaiah 49:8 , embracing in Him all believers. Î³á½°Ï , for ) He is describing grace . δεκÏá¿· , accepted ) the acceptable time of the good pleasure of God. Hence Paul presently after infers its correlative, εá½ÏÏÏÏδεκÏÎ¿Ï , well-accepted , that it may be also agreeable to us. [33] á¼Î ÎÎÎΥΣΠΣÎÎ¥ ) I have heard thee , viz. praying. á¼Î½ ἡμÎÏá¾³ , in a day ) Luke 19:42 ; Hebrews 3:7 . ἰδοὺ νῦν , behold now ) The summing up of the exhortation , 2 Corinthians 6:1 ; set before us in the way of a supposed dialogue. [34]
[33] The present time is δεκÏá½¸Ï to God: let it be also εá½ÏÏÏÏδεκÏÎ¿Ï to us. ED.
[34] Or introduction of an imaginary speaker. See Append. on Sermocinatio. ED.
Verse 3
2 Corinthians 6:3 . á¼Î½ μηδενὶ , in nothing ) corresponds to á¼Î½ ÏανÏá½¶ , in every thing , in the following verse. διδÏνÏÎµÏ , giving ) The participle depends on 2 Corinthians 6:1 . ÏÏοÏκοÏὴν , offence ) which would be the case, if we were without ‘patience’ and the other qualifications, which are presently afterwards mentioned. ἡ διακονία , the ministry ) The Abstract. The ministers of God , the Concrete, 2 Corinthians 6:4 .
Verse 4
2 Corinthians 6:4 . Îιάκονοι , ministers ) This word has greater force, than if it had been written διακÏÎ½Î¿Ï Ï . á½Ïομονῠ, in patience ) This is put first; ch. 2 Corinthians 12:12 : chastity , etc., follow in 2 Corinthians 6:6 . A remarkable gradation. Ïολλῠ, in much ) Three triplets of trials follow, which must be endured, and in which patience is exercised, afflictions [necessities, distresses]: stripes [imprisonments, tumults]: labours [watchings, fastings]: The first group of three includes the genera; the second, the species of adversities; the third, things voluntarily endured. And the variety of cases of the several classes of trial should be observed, expressed, as it is, by the employment of the plural number. á¼Î½ θλίÏεÏιν , á¼Î½ á¼Î½Î¬Î³ÎºÎ±Î¹Ï , á¼Î½ ÏÏενοÏÏÏÎ¯Î±Î¹Ï , in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses ) These words are in close relation, and are variously joined with one another and with the others, ch. 2 Corinthians 12:10 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:7 ; Romans 2:9 ; Romans 8:35 ; Luke 21:23 . In afflictions [ θλίÏεÏιν , the pressure of trials] many ways are open, but they are all difficult; in necessities [ á¼Î½Î¬Î³ÏÎ±Î¹Ï ], one way is open, though difficult; in distresses [ straits , ÏÏενοÏÏÏÎ¯Î±Î¹Ï ], none is open.
Verse 5
2 Corinthians 6:5 . á¼ÎºÎ±ÏαÏÏαÏÎ¯Î±Î¹Ï , in tumults ) either for, or against us.
Verse 6
2 Corinthians 6:6 . á¼Î½ γνÏÏει ) γνῶÏÎ¹Ï often means leniency [æquitas], which inclines to and admits of putting favourable constructions on things somewhat harsh; and this interpretation is consonant with the phrase, in long-suffering , which follows; comp. 2Pe 1:5 ; 1 Peter 3:7 , note. á¼Î½ μακÏÎ¿Î¸Ï Î¼Î¯á¾³ , á¼Î½ ÏÏηÏÏÏÏηÏι , in long-suffering, in kindness ) These words are also joined together in 1Co 13:4 under the name of one virtue [ charity ]. á¼Î½ ÏνεÏμαÏι á¼Î³Î¯á¿³ , in the Holy Spirit ) That we may always have the Holy Spirit present, that we may always be active, as also in the putting forth into exercise miraculous gifts, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 . There immediately follows, in love , which is the principal fruit of the Spirit , and which regulates the use of spiritual gifts.
Verse 7
2 Corinthians 6:7 . Îεξιῶν καὶ á¼ÏιÏÏεÏῶν ) by offensive armour, when we are prospering; and defensive , when we are in difficulties. In the case of soldiers, κλίνειν , á¼Î³ÎµÎ¹Î½ , á¼ÏιÏÏÏÎÏειν á¼Ïá½¶ δÏÏÏ or á¼Ïá½¶ ξá¿ÏÎ¿Ï signifies towards the right hand; the á¼Ïá½¶ á¼ÏÏίδα , á¼Ïʼ ἡνίαν or Ïαλινὸν , signifies, towards the left hand , just as the left hand is called by the French, the bridle hand (main de la bride), and the right hand is called the lance hand (main de la lance). Add the note to Chrysost. de Sacerd., p. 464. Paul has so placed these words, that they might at the same time form a transition; for he just now treated of the armour for the right hand, and he is forthwith about to treat of that for the left.
Verse 8
2 Corinthians 6:8 . ÎÏÎ¾Î·Ï , glory ) δÏξα and á¼Ïιμία , glory and disgrace are derived from those, who possess authority, and fall upon those, who are present; evil report and good report are in the hands of the multitude, and fall upon the absent. [ Furthermore , glory proceeds from those, who recognise the character which the minister of God sustains; disgrace, from those, who do not recognise him as such, and therefore esteem more highly others, that in the affairs of this world perform any trifling work whatever . Infamy or evil report proceeds from the ignorant and malevolent; good report from the well-informed in like manner as also the well affected. In proportion as a man has more or less of glory or good report, in the same proportion has he also more or less of either disgrace or infamy respectively . V. g.] The contraries are elegantly mixed togother. Î´Ï ÏÏÎ·Î¼Î¯Î±Ï , evil report ) If not even the apostles escaped this evil report, who can ask to escape it? á½¡Ï Ïλάνοι , as deceivers ) men of the deepest infamy . á¼Î»Î·Î¸Îµá¿Ï , true ) in the opinion of believers, and in reality.
Verse 9
2 Corinthians 6:9 . á¼Î³Î½Î¿Î¿Ïμενοι , unknown ) [ so that we are either quite unknown and neglected, or we are considered altogether different from what we really are . V. g.] Galatians 1:22 ; Colossians 2:1 . á¼ÏιγινÏÏκÏμενοι ) well known . [35] ἰδοὺ , behold ) suddenly and contrary to hope.
[35] á¼ÏοθνήÏκονÏÎµÏ , dying ) 2 Corinthians 11:23 . V. g.
Verse 10
2 Corinthians 6:10 . á¼Îµá½¶ ) alway, at every time . As often as we had been made sorrowful. ÏÎ»Î¿Ï ÏίζονÏÎµÏ , making rich ) spiritually. ÏάνÏα καÏÎÏονÏÎµÏ [Engl. V. not so well, possessing ], holding fast all things ) lest they should be lost to others.
Verse 11
2 Corinthians 6:11 . Τὸ ÏÏÏμα , the mouth ) A Symperasma, [36] by which Paul prepares a way for himself, in order that, from the praise of the gospel ministry, brought down from 2Co 2:14 up to this point, he may derive an exhortation to the Corinthians. á¼Î½Îῳγε , is opened ) hath opened itself. There is truly something very extraordinary in this epistle. ÎοÏίνθιοι , O Corinthians ) a rare and very life-like address, expressive, as it were, of some privilege belonging to the Corinthians; comp. Philippians 4:15 , note. ἡ καÏδία , the heart ) They ought to have concluded [drawn an inference] from the mouth to the heart [of the apostle]. To be opened and enlarged , are closely connected. ÏεÏλάÏÏ Î½Ïαι , has been enlarged ) is diffused [in a widely extended stream of love], 1 Kings 4:29 , ר×× ×× , largeness of heart as the sand, that is by the seashore .
[36] See App. A conclusion or brief summary drawn from the previous premisses.
Verse 12
2 Corinthians 6:12 . Îá½ ÏÏενοÏÏÏεá¿Ïθε , ye are not straitened ) The Indicative. The antithesis is, be ye enlarged [ 2Co 6:13 ]. á¼Î½ ἡμá¿Î½ ) in us . á¼Î½ , in its strict sense, in , as at ch. 2 Corinthians 7:3 . Our heart has sufficient room to take you in. The largeness of Paul’s heart is the same as that of the Corinthians, on account of their spiritual relationship, of which 2 Corinthians 6:13 . ÏÏενοÏÏÏεá¿Ïθε , ye are straitened ) by the narrowness of your heart on account of your late offence. á¼Î½ Ïοá¿Ï ÏÏλάγÏÎ½Î¿Î¹Ï á½Î¼á¿¶Î½ , in your bowels ) which have been grieved on my account.
Verse 13
2 Corinthians 6:13 . Τὴν ) supply καÏá½° , according to . αá½Ïὴν ) the same; that you may have the same feeling, as we. á¼Î½ÏιμιÏθίαν , recompense ) which you owe to me as a father; comp. Galatians 4:12 . á½¡Ï ÏÎÎºÎ½Î¿Î¹Ï Î»ÎÎ³Ï , I speak as to children ) He hints in this parenthesis, that he demands nothing severe or bitter. ÏλαÏÏνθηÏε , be ye enlarged ) A double exhortation. Throw yourselves open before the Lord, and then before us; comp. 2 Corinthians 8:5 ; be enlarged , that the Lord may dwell in you, 2Co 6:14 ch. 2 Corinthians 7:1 , receive us , ch. 2 Corinthians 7:2 .
Verse 14
2 Corinthians 6:14 . Îá½´ γίνεÏθε , do not become ) a soft expression for be not . á¼ÏεÏÎ¿Î¶Ï Î³Î¿á¿¦Î½ÏÎµÏ , yoked with an alien party [one alien in spirit]) [ unequally yoked ], Leviticus 19:19 , LXX. Ïá½° κÏήνη ÏÎ¿Ï Î¿á½ ÎºÎ±ÏοÏεÏÏÎµÎ¹Ï á¼ÏεÏοζÏγῳ , thou shalt not let thy cattle engender with a diverse kind . The believer and the unbeliever are utterly heterogeneous. The notion of slavery approaches to that of a yoke . The word ×× ×¦×××× , Numbers 25:5 . The apostle strongly dissuades the Corinthians from marriages with unbelievers; comp. 1 Corinthians 7:39 , only in the Lord. He however uses such reasons, as may deter them from too close intercourse with unbelievers even in other relations [besides marriage]: comp. 2 Corinthians 5:16 ; 1 Corinthians 8:10 ; 1 Corinthians 10:14 . á¼ÏίÏÏÎ¿Î¹Ï , to unbelievers) heathens. He pulls up all the fibres of the foreign root [of foreign and alien connections]. ÏÎ¯Ï , what?) Five questions, of which the first three have the force of an argument; the fourth, or what, and the fifth, have at the same time also the force of a conclusion. δικαιοÏÏνῠκαὶ á¼Î½Î¿Î¼Î¯á¾³ , what fellowship is there between righteousness and unrighteousness) The state of believers and unbelievers is altogether different.
Verse 15
2 Corinthians 6:15 . ÎÎµÎ»Î¹Î±Ï , Belial ) The LXX. always express in Greek words the Hebrew, ××××¢× ; but here Paul uses the Hebrew word for the purpose of Euphemism [avoiding something unpleasant by the use of a term less strictly appropriate]. This word is an appellative, 1 Samuel 25:25 , and occurs for the first time in Deuteronomy 13:14 . Hiller, Onom. S. p. 764. Belijahal, without ascending; i.e., of the meanest condition, of a very low and obscure rank. Paul calls Satan Belial. Nevertheless Satan is usually put ir antithesis to God, Antichrist to Christ. Wherefore Belial as being opposed to Christ, seems here also to denote all manner of Antichristian uncleanness.
Verse 16
2 Corinthians 6:16 . Î£Ï Î³ÎºÎ±ÏάθεÏÎ¹Ï ) LXX. Exodus 23:1 : οὠÏÏ Î³ÎºÎ±ÏαθήÏῠμεÏá½° Ïοῦ á¼Î´Î¯ÎºÎ¿Ï , thou shalt not agree with the wicked . μεÏá½° εἰδÏλÏν , with idols ) He does not say, μεÏá½° ναοῦ εἰδÏλÏν , with the temple of idols (although the Syriac version supplies with the temple ), for idols do not dwell in their worshippers. á½Î¼Îµá¿Ï , ye ) The promises, made to Israel, belong also to us. á¼Î½Î¿Î¹ÎºÎ®ÏÏ Î»Î±á½¸Ï , I will dwell in them my people ) Leviticus 26:11-12 , LXX. θήÏÏ Ïὴν Ïκηνήν Î¼Î¿Ï á¼Î½ á½Î¼á¿Î½ καὶ á¼Î¼ÏεÏιÏαÏήÏÏ á¼Î½ á½Î¼á¿Î½ , καὶ á¼Ïομαι á½Î¼á¿¶Î½ ÎÎµá½¸Ï , καὶ á½Î¼Îµá¿Ï á¼ÏεÏθΠμοι λαÏÏ : I will set my tabernacle among you and I will walk among you, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people . Paul quotes a single verse, he wishes the whole paragraph to be considered as repeated. á¼Î¼ÏεÏιÏαÏήÏÏ , I will walk among [in]) I will dwell signifies the continuance of the Divine presence; I will walk; its operation. The subject of God’s gracious dwelling in the soul and body of the saints may be explained from its contrary, viz., the subject of [the question concerning] spiritual and bodily [demoniacal] possession; as every dispensation of evil and good may be compared together according to their opposite aspects [principles]. á¼Ïομαι , I will be ) The sum of the Divine covenant, Exodus 6:7 ; Hebrews 8:10 . ÎεÏÏ Â· λαÏÏ , their God: my people ) There is a gradation, [here ÎÎµá½¸Ï ; but in 2 Corinthians 6:18 , Îµá¼°Ï ÏαÏÎÏα ] in the relation of a father; [again here λαÏÏ ; but Îµá¼°Ï Ï á¼±Î¿á½ºÏ ] in the relation of sons , 2 Corinthians 6:18 ; Revelation 21:3 ; Revelation 21:7 ; Jeremiah 31:1 ; Jeremiah 31:9 .
Verse 17
2 Corinthians 6:17 . á¼Î¾ÎλθεÏε μὴ á¼ ÏÏεÏθε ) Isaiah 52:11 , á¼ÏÏÏÏηÏε , á¼ÏÏÏÏηÏε , á¼Î¾ÎλθεÏε á¼ÎºÎµá¿Î¸ÎµÎ½ , καὶ á¼ÎºÎ±Î¸Î¬ÏÏÎ¿Ï Î¼á½´ á¼ ÏηÏθε · á¼Î¾ÎλθÏÎµÏ á¼Îº μÎÏÎ¿Ï Î±á½Ïá¿Ï , á¼ÏοÏίÏθηÏε , κ . Ï . λ . á¼Îº μÎÏÎ¿Ï Î±á½Ïῶν , from the midst of them ) from the Gentiles. λÎγει ÎÏ ÏÎ¯Î¿Ï , saith the Lord ) The additional epithet follows [in 2 Corinthians 6:18 , augmenting the force of the words by Epitasis (end.)], the Lord Almighty. á¼ÎºÎ±Î¸Î¬ÏÏÎ¿Ï , unclean ) The masculine, Isaiah 52:11 ; Isaiah 52:1 : comp. Isaiah 65:5 . To this may be referred, let us cleanse ourselves , ch. 2 Corinthians 7:1 . μὴ á¼ ÏÏεÏθε , touch not ) To see, when it is necessary, does not always defile: Acts 11:6 ; to touch is more polluting. εἰÏδÎξομαι , I will receive you [ within ] to me ) as into a family or home [Comp. ch. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 . V. g.] We are out of doors, but we are admitted within. The clause, Come out from , etc., corresponds to this. God is in the saints, 2 Corinthians 6:16 , and the saints are in God. εἰÏδÎÏομαι corresponds to the Hebrew word ×§× ×¥ , Ezekiel 20:41 ; Zephaniah 3:19-20 .
Verse 18
2 Corinthians 6:18 . Îá¼°Ï Ï á¼±Î¿á½ºÏ ÎºÎ±á½¶ Î¸Ï Î³Î±ÏÎÏÎ±Ï , in the relation of sons and daughters ) Isaiah 43:6 . The promise, given to Solomon, 1 Chronicles 28:6 , is applied to all believers. ÎÏÏÎ¹Î¿Ï ÏανÏοκÏάÏÏÏ , the Lord Almighty [ the Universal Ruler ]. From this title we perceive the greatness of the promises. Now the word ÏανÏοκÏάÏÏÏ , [ Universal Ruler ] Almighty , occurs nowhere else in the New Testament but in the Apocalypse; but here Paul uses it after the manner of the LXX. interpreters, because he quotes the passage from the Old Testament.