2 Corinthians 6:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul assures them that any narrowness in the relationship is not on his side; he has given them room, while they have closed themselves off.
What Does 2 Corinthians 6:12 Mean?
The word 'straitened' means cramped or confined. Paul tells the Corinthians plainly that the restriction in their friendship does not come from him. There is plenty of room in his affection. If anything feels narrow, it is in their own inner feelings, their 'bowels,' which the ancients regarded as the seat of deep emotion.
Paul gently names a hard truth: love withheld leaves the withholder cramped, not the one who keeps loving. His heart remains wide; theirs has tightened. Yet he does not accuse so much as invite. He longs for them to feel how freely he has welcomed them, hoping they will let their own affection expand to match. It is the appeal of a parent whose arms are open, waiting for the child to come close.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 6:12
What does 2 Corinthians 6:12 mean?
Paul assures them that any narrowness in the relationship is not on his side; he has given them room, while they have closed themselves off.