May be the wrong place to ask

but I know there are a lot of very smart people on this form and if i am being too conservative i would like some of you to point out to me.

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

When I hear a Preacher form the pulpit preaching this verse and using it against a Sinner marrying a Christian I really get aggravated. I was one of those and if it had not been for my partner I might still be an unbeliever.

In my research find is Paul talking about something totally different here where he warned the Corinthians of the danger of idolatry [paganism]. My Inductive Bible Study that I have done for years tells that this Scripture should not be used because there are not Scriptures to back up this concept and therefore let it lay.

What’s your thoughts?

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Daniel Lee

but I know there are a lot of very smart people on this form and if i am being too conservative i would like some of you to point out to me.

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

When I hear a Preacher form the pulpit preaching this verse and using it against a Sinner marrying a Christian I really get aggravated. I was one of those and if it had not been for my partner I might still be an unbeliever.

In my research find is Paul talking about something totally different here where he warned the Corinthians of the danger of idolatry [paganism]. My Inductive Bible Study that I have done for years tells that this Scripture should not be used because there are not Scriptures to back up this concept and therefore let it lay.

What’s your thoughts?

Per the forum rules, if this is a theological discussion, Logos has asked us not to do it here. I have this impression from your statement "What's your thoughts". However, if you're asking for Logos resources to help you answer this question, we would be happy to help. A related passage to consider is Deuteronomy 7:1-4. Obviously a different context but there are definite parallels. Perhaps others can chime in with specific resources; my search is not working at the moment since I just reinstalled and it's still indexing.

Tes

but I know there are a lot of very smart people on this form and if i am being too conservative i would like some of you to point out to me.

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

When I hear a Preacher form the pulpit preaching this verse and using it against a Sinner marrying a Christian I really get aggravated. I was one of those and if it had not been for my partner I might still be an unbeliever.

In my research find is Paul talking about something totally different here where he warned the Corinthians of the danger of idolatry [paganism]. My Inductive Bible Study that I have done for years tells that this Scripture should not be used because there are not Scriptures to back up this concept and therefore let it lay.

What’s your thoughts?

Yes, the pastor is correct ,a believer should
marry a believer, since the believer is baptized to the body of Christmas believer
doesn’t belong to himself, a believer belongs to Christ, so how could some ,who
is a believer take his body and units to unbeliever, in your case God has shown
you His mercy ,but one should not use it a liscence,because
has shown you His mercy. Anyway I know this is not the right place, where such
things should be discussed, otherwise, we are going to violate the regulation
of the forum.

May the Lord bless you.

Sam West

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137582#Comment_137582

Dniel:

Per the forum rules, if this is a theological discussion, Logos has asked us not to do it here. I have this impression from your statement "What's your thoughts

I am very sorry for the mistake.

What we think should never come into play when interpreting the Bible. I have Logos 4 scholar library and if you don’t mind I would like for some one to put me on to the recourse that would explain this principle in death. its been a thorn in my flesh for a long time

Thanks and again i am sorry for presenting this in the wrong way

Ted Hans

From a Logos resource[:D]. Not specifically about marriage but broad enough to include marriage.

"6:14 Paul couches the main admonition in vivid imagery: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” The verb heterozygountes is difficult to render. It literally means “other yoked” and is perhaps best translated “unequally yoked.” In Lev 19:19 (LXX) the adjectival form occurs in the prohibition of mating different species of cattle, which explains the translation choice “mismated” in the RSV. It could be related to the prohibition of entering into “the partnership of marriage with a member of a foreign nation.”946 But in the context here, the image cannot be limited to marriage (see 1 Cor 7:39) and must include broader associations.947 Plutarch uses the word to mean something akin to “ally” which would fit well in this context.948
Barrett paraphrases it well, “You must not get into double harness with unbelievers” (“harness yourselves in an uneven team,” NJB). Paul has in mind an alliance with spiritual opposites, and the image of harnessing oneself to someone who is spiritually incompatible evokes images of spiritual disaster. Those who bear Christ’s yoke (Matt 11:30) cannot share it with others who deny Christ. Those who harness themselves together with unbelievers will soon find themselves plowing Satan’s fields. One can only be a true yokefellow (Phil 4:3) with a fellow Christian."

Garland, D. E. (2001). Vol. 29: 2 Corinthians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (330–331). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

LXX LXX
Septuagint

RSV RSV
Revised Standard Version

⁹⁴⁶⁹⁴⁶ Philo,
Special Laws 3.29.

⁹⁴⁷⁹⁴⁷
Deuteronomy 22:10 prohibits plowing with an ox and donkey
together, but the verb ἑτεροζυγέω does not appear.

⁹⁴⁸⁹⁴⁸
Plutarch, Cimon 16.10; noted by
Scott, “The Use of Scripture in 2 Corinthians 6:16c–18 and Paul’s Restoration
Theology,” 75, n. 7.

NJB NJB New Jerusalem Bible

Daniel Lee

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137591#Comment_137591

Sam, you weren't presenting it in the wrong way. I was just making sure at the start to try to help things stay on track. Plus I wasn't sure based on your post count if you were aware of the forum guidelines [http://community.logos.com/forums/t/10072.aspx] Thanks for asking your question and how to find it in Logos. We're glad to help. We're learning too. My indexing should be done in an hour or two and if I come across something useful I'll pass it on.

Ted, thanks for your comment. Good summary from the NAC.

Sam West

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137592#Comment_137592

Thanks Ted

I have spent a lot of time think about what you said in your reply looking up all the verses that you provided and have come to the conclusion that I am probably wrong. In my inductive Bible study I learn the concept that I am not to add or take away from the Word and for sure not have a personal opinion. The principle has been for me is if the Bible don’t say it in black and white move on. I am certainly not a Greek or Hebrew scholar in fact know nothing about the languages and have to depend on logos resources to inform on anything l get involved with that includes the two languages

Thanks for the reply

William

I personally try not to let scripture speak to "everything" under the sun. I just did a quick search for this passage and found this.....

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14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.

With these words, Paul is bringing out another reason why the Corinthians should reaffirm their close fellowship ties with Paul. By turning away from Paul and toward Paul’s opponents, not only were they losing out on some of the blessings of Christian fellowship, but they were actually fellowshiping with unbelief. This wasn’t merely something they were coming close to doing. It was already occurring, as a more literal translation of the command "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" makes clear. Paul is telling the Corinthians, "Stop being yoked together with unbelievers."

Paul doesn’t identify the false beliefs of those unbelieving teachers who were opposing him. He makes it clear, however, that when he urges the Corinthians to turn away from these people and to adhere more closely to him, it is not Paul’s wounded pride talking. It is not so much that the Corinthians’ action is hurting Paul as it is hurting the Corinthians themselves. If they opened up their hearts to these false teachers instead of to Paul, this would be destructive to their faith.

Paul therefore urges them, "Stop being yoked together with unbelievers." There is a similar verse in the law of Moses: "Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together" (Deuteronomy 22:10). According to God’s law, the ox was a clean animal while the donkey was unclean. The two should not be yoked together. So it is with believer and unbeliever. For them to be joined together would be a mismating. They are totally incompatible with one another.

Paul’s point is not that believer and unbeliever dare never have any contact with each other. "In that case," as Paul had written earlier in 1 Corinthians, "you would have to leave this world" (5:10). Christ’s commission to his church to make disciples of all nations could hardly be carried out if believers were called upon to totally avoid unbelievers. Paul’s directive, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers," refers rather to a spiritual "yoking," or fellowship. The Corinthian believers are to avoid any association with unbelievers—such as these false teachers—that would compromise their faith.

With five rhetorical questions, Paul drives home this "Don’t be yoked together with unbelievers" principle.

Valleskey, D. J. (1992). 2 Corinthians. The People's Bible. Milwaukee, Wis.: Northwestern Pub. House.

Robert Pavich

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137603#Comment_137603

I learn the concept that I am not to add or take away from the Word and for sure not have a personal opinion.

Sam....just keep in mind that everyone brings their own personal opinions to the table when they study scripture....there is no way around it. We ALL have our personal bias' (and for good reasons sometimes too!).

Just a thought brother....

Matthew C Jones

there are a lot of very smart people

I'm not one of the smart people on the forums. (I'm one of the dumber ones. [:P] ) But here are a couple thoughts:

1) King Solomon married wives that were not believers. Can an unbelieving spouse have a negative influence? Grace Abounding: A Commentary on the Book of Hosea http://www.logos.com/ebooks/details/ITC22HOS

2) Could marrying another believer who has drastic differences from your own doctrines be considered being "unequally yoked?" Growing Your Olive Tree Marriage: A Guide for Couples from Two Traditions http://www.logos.com/products/details/3335

3) Would a mature believer who considers marrying a new convert be courting trouble? (pun intended) Getting to Know Jesus Bible Study http://www.logos.com/products/details/3160

4) If you are marrying an unbeliever for evangelistic purposes, do you divorce them when they convert and seek out a new prospect? The School of Biblical Evangelism http://www.logos.com/products/details/2804

I think there are pastors who can offer you many related verses to back up the idea Paul was indeed talking about believers vs unbelievers, whether or not there was idolatry involved. The Unequal Yoke http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/4150
Biblical Counseling Keys on Unbelieving Mates http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/5265

Daniel Lee

I was one of those and if it had not been for my partner I might still be an unbeliever.

Sam - one last thought from me (non-Logos). God is able to use the circumstances in our lives to accomplish His purposes, i.e. salvation, and for that we must praise Him! So God did lay down patterns in 2 Corinthians 6:14ff, cf. 1 Corinthians 7, but He also uses people regardless to see His will done. So we can rejoice that He saved you and that your wife had a key role in bringing you to salvation.

Your comment is a good reminder to me to be careful when preaching passages like 2 Corinthians 6 that have a lot of practical implications. All of us are affected by sin to various degrees, including not knowing everything the Bible teaches. So there needs to be grace that accompanies confidence when preaching "here's how God says to do ___." Perhaps you have not found that when listening to some sermons. I appreciate your input. Thanks again.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137603#Comment_137603

I am certainly not a Greek or Hebrew scholar in fact know nothing about the languages and have to depend on logos resources to inform on anything l get involved with that includes the two languages

I can't overdo it on recommending this resource to others, who like me, can use a little help learning how to use the tools in Logos software to study the Bible in it's original languages. It ships very soon and the Pre-Pub price will be gone.

Learn to Use Biblical Greek and Hebrew with Logos Bible Software http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/5876

Sam West

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137617#Comment_137617

Daniel I can feel your warmth and compassion for people as a pastor all the way down here in Oklahoma

God I Pray your Greatest Blessings on this Pastor and Great man of God

Sam West

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137620#Comment_137620

Matthew I have it comming i hope shiped monday

Alex Scott

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137625#Comment_137625

Again, I never cease to be amazed how we complicate the simplest things. A lot of this occurs because of our tendency toward legalism.

In terms of marriage (and I do think it applies in part to this), if you marry a non-believer, you are not going to lose your salvation, nor is the wrath of God about to descend on you, but it is God's will, His desire for the best for you. There are all sorts of problems that can arise from such a union, and He wants to spare you from that. If you persist in "doing your own thing", you may well reap the consequences of your poor decision. How much simpler can it get?

Remember, we are NOT under the law, but we are in a family, and God is our Father and Jesus our older brother, and the Holy Spirit our guide and helper - listen to Them.

Ted Hans

When I hear
a Preacher form the pulpit preaching this verse and using it against a Sinner
marrying a Christian I was one of those and if it had not been for my partner I
might still be an unbeliever

For me, I can sympathise with the need you have to understand
your experience and the spirit in which you ask your question. Keep in mind
that God is Sovereign & can overrule our actions to serve his purposes.
He can bring good out of bad because he is merciful. The story of Joseph in the
book of Genesis comes to mind. While Joseph brothers acted contrary to the
revealed will of God, yet God caused their sinful actions to serve his purpose.
Joseph became great in Egypt
but I have not read any commentator who argues that Joseph brothers were right
in what they did.

Bottom line, God is God & He is merciful, he does as He sees fit. He does not always
treat/deals with us as we deserve PS 78:39 & PS 103:10. I pray you interpret
your experience biblically as an illustration/manifestation of grace and not as
a Divine sanction of the secondary action that lead to your conversion.

Of course I acknowledge that was not the point you were trying
to make but rather if the said text in your post prohibits marriage with unbelievers.

God bless.

Ted

Bohuslav Wojnar

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137653#Comment_137653

When I hear
a Preacher form the pulpit preaching this verse and using it against a Sinner
marrying a Christian I was one of those and if it had not been for my partner I
might still be an unbeliever

For me, I can sympathise with the need you have to understand
your experience and the spirit in which you ask your question. Keep in mind
that God is Sovereign & can overrule our actions to serve his purposes.
He can bring good out of bad because he is merciful. The story of Joseph in the
book of Genesis comes to mind. While Joseph brothers acted contrary to the
revealed will of God, yet God caused their sinful actions to serve his purpose.
Joseph became great in Egypt
but I have not read any commentator who argues that Joseph brothers were right
in what they did.

Bottom line, God is God & He is merciful, he does as He sees fit. He does not always
treat/deals with us as we deserve PS 78:39 & PS 103:10. I pray you interpret
your experience biblically as an illustration/manifestation of grace and not as
a Divine sanction of the secondary action that lead to your conversion.

Of course I acknowledge that was not the point you were trying
to make but rather if the said text in your post prohibits marriage with unbelievers.

God bless.

Ted

Yes Ted, I agree with you. Our testimony is always unique, it is expression of our weakness and God's amazing grace. Our theology and understanding of scripture principles should not be biased by our experience. It should simply be the result of what we recognize as a teaching of the Word of God. Sometimes it is not easy if our experience seams to go the other way. But we are to teach the Word, not our experience. Building theology on the unique experience brought a lot of strange teachings to this world in the course of the Church history.

Tes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/137666#Comment_137666

But we are to teach the Word, not our experience. Building theology on the unique experience brought a lot of strange teachings to this world in the course of the Church history.

God bless you ,Bohuslav