What does this Bible verse mean?

Question

There is a Bible verse that tells us not to be unequally yoked or date or marry someone who is "not of the household of the faith". Is this specifically and exclusively referring to someone who is a Born-again Christian? Can you back up your claim with some form of proof? Thanks!

Answer 1

It's 2 Cor. 6:14-18. In essence, "Don't be unequally yoked together with an unbeliever. What agreement does Jesus have with Satan? Your body is a temple, and what does a temple of God have to do with idols? Be seperate from them."

It has allusions to Deut. 22:10 - "Don't plow with an ox and a donkey together". The ox is hard-working, willing to take orders, strong, and tall. The donkey is stubborn, weak, and short. You yoke the two together, the ox'll be doing all the work (and *then* some, since the donkey doesn't wanna work, so the ox'll have to drag him), and both the donkey and the ox will be choking on the yoke (as the ox must lower his head to reach the donkey's heigth, and the donkey is getting dragged along just to keep its head in the hole). The donkey would struggle to keep up with the ox, and the ox would be hindered by having to slow down for the donkey.

A born again Christian would find themselves in a world of hurt if they yoke themselves together with someone who is not born again. In a relationship where both are Christian, both would edify each other, both would correct each other's failings, both would help each other avoid sin, both would create a united front to raise their children... it would be as two oxen plowing together. Equal, level, both plowing forward at the same pace. Each gaining strength and endurance from the other.

If a Christian were to have a relationship with a non-Christian, the Christian does not have the family for edification or correction, they don't have the benefit of the other telling them to avoid sin (or worse, might have the other encourage sin!), and the added burden of being responsible for the sanctification of their spouse and children (if they fall, the entire family falls). Worst of all, the children will be of two minds... one parent Christian, the other not... who to follow? ...who to risk their anger or loss of a relationship with? ...who's belief to (possibly deceptively) tolerate when they make their own choice?

Answer 2

Good question!....A True Born Again Christian Would Not Be Unequally Yoked With Another True Born Again Christian Anyway Because Being Equally Yoke Means You're On One Accord With GOD, His Word, And Each Other, Otherwise What Would You Have In Common! (2 Cor. 6: 14-18)......This is where the Real Christians are in Proof from the Hypocrites!......Ps. everyone who goes to church and professes to be christians Are Not!.....How can two walk together except they be in agreement!. (Amos 3:3).........GOD Bless!

Answer 3

Yes it is referring to christians.
A yoke is designed to bring equal loads of responsibility and work to a team. The Greek word that was translated "unequally yoked together" is "heteroaugeo," meaning "to yoke up differently, i.e. to associate discordantly." This pictures a team that are unmatched and therefore unsuited for the task. Paul is saying that it is an abnormal situation to yoke a believer, who has the Spirit of Christ within, to an unbeliever, who is motivated by the spirit of the world. It's like trying to mix water with oil; it cannot be done.
It is folly to think that after marriage an unbelieving spouse will accept the Lord. Although that does happen, it cannot be guaranteed. In fact, the statistics are overwhelmingly against it happening. Regardless of that possibility, a believer who marries an unbeliever is in direct violation of God's instructions here. It is not a good start to any marriage to spurn God's Word.

Answer 4

2 Cor 6:14

It is stated not be yoked together with 'unbelievers' - therefore the verse is targeted at Christians. It is really difficult for a believer (Christian) to be married to a non-believer because there can be much strife when two diametrically opposed points of view reside in the same household. I know from experience, my husband is Muslim. Although we do not share each others beliefs, we also do no fight about them. I will not withhold the truth, when asked, but I pray alot to be guided by the Holy Spirit so I do not push my husband away. Both my children are Christian. So, it would be really nice if anyone who is Christian and reading this would pray that my husband comes to know the Lord.

Answer 5

I noticed that many people have equated the verse exclusively to marriage. While I agree that it definitely can be applied to dating/marriage, that certainly is not what the context of that section is about. As some others have pointed out, being "unequally yoked" can apply to all walks of life: business, marriage, even certain "spiritual/religious groups".

While Paul is exhorting us to be in fellowship with those who are like-minded in Christ, we must be careful not to make a legalistic "rule" out of his words. Christian discernment is about judging between good and evil...between what builds up and what tears down. A Christian who attempts to form a relationship/partnership with those outside the faith will never recognize the full potential for closeness/oneness that they would have with a fellow Christian. Outwardly, a Christian and unbeliever may share a certain closeness...personality, habits, likes/dislikes. However, their is a deep and profound incompatibility when it comes to their spiritual natures. And the spiritual nature is a far stronger bond than any temporal qualities.

Answer 6

Here is the proper wording from the New Living translation,
Corinthians 6:14-15

"14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? "

This _cites_ Christ, therefore it is referring to Christians.
I really don't need proof..at least _I_ don't.
However, you may take a look at mixed, i.e., Christian and non-Christian, couples to see how things are working for them.

Answer 7

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14, KJV).

Biblically, it's not just referring to Born-again, but to Christians in general. A house divided cannot stand theory. Some people can make it work, many more fail.

Answer 8

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

I guess that's pretty straightforward. Don't marry someone who doesn't believe in God. Not just someone who says "Yes, I believe God exists" but someone who is a born again believer. 1 Corinthians 7 might be able to help shed more light on the subject of marrying someone who has trusted God.

Answer 9

The verse is instructing Christian believers , not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Its the most important basis to a good relationship.

Answer 10

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."
17 "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.

I think that those verses sum it up.