An Exegetical Analysis of 2 Corinthians 6:11-13: Addressing Textual and Lexical Interpretations
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 is based on a b-greek discussion from April 6, 2000. The initial communication critically evaluates an unconventional interpretation of 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, highlighting several areas of concern. Specifically, the critique questions the proposed understanding of the verb πλατυνω (“enlarge” and “grow”) as having two distinct meanings within a short passage without explicit qualification, thereby linking it to both idolatrous pride and physical growth. Additionally, it challenges the lexical claims for στενοχωρεομαι as referring to overeating and for σπλαγχνα as denoting the stomach, citing a lack of supporting evidence. Further objections are raised regarding the proposed “cure” for overeating in children as more physical growth, the reliance on unclarified allusions, and the overall lack of self-evidence within the broader Pauline context.
The main exegetical issue at hand is the proper interpretation of 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, particularly the lexical range and contextual application of key Greek terms, and the consistency of such interpretations within Paul’s rhetorical strategy. The discussion focuses on a specific, non-traditional translation proposal that suggests a complex wordplay involving concepts of pride, gluttony, and reciprocal growth. This proposal is contrasted with a more conventional understanding that emphasizes Paul’s open affection for the Corinthians, their perceived emotional constraint, and his call for a mutual expansion of their hearts. Underlying this is a subtle textual issue regarding the pronoun in 2 Corinthians 6:11, as indicated by the original post’s title, which impacts the precise subject of the “enlarged heart.”
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
11 Τὸ στόμα ἡμῶν ἀνέῳγεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, Κορίνθιοι, ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται.
12 οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν στενοχωρεῖσθε.
13 τὴν δὲ αὐτὴν ἀντιμισθίαν, ὡς τέκνοις λέγω, πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- 2 Corinthians 6:11: While Nestle 1904 reads ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται (“our heart has become enlarged”), some textual traditions, indicated by the original post’s title’s reference to the ‘hUMWN variant,’ read ὑμῶν (“your”) instead of ἡμῶν (“our”) after καρδία. However, both Nestle 1904 and the SBLGNT (2010) present ἡμῶν at this point. The variant ὑμῶν is attested in a minority of manuscripts (e.g., D* F G Ψ 0243 it vg syrp).
- For 2 Corinthians 6:12-13, the texts of Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT (2010) are identical.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)
Textual Criticism (NA28): The critical apparatus for 2 Corinthians 6:11 primarily focuses on the variant reading for the genitive pronoun modifying καρδία. The reading ἡμῶν (“our”) is overwhelmingly supported by a strong and diverse array of early and significant manuscripts (e.g., א A B C D1 F G P Ψ 0243). This reading is adopted by NA28, UBS5, Nestle 1904, and SBLGNT 2010. The variant reading ὑμῶν (“your”), though attested by some witnesses, is considered a secondary development, possibly an assimilation to the preceding πρὸς ὑμᾶς (“to you”) or a scribal error. The choice between ἡμῶν and ὑμῶν significantly alters the passage’s emphasis: ἡμῶν unequivocally attributes the enlarged heart to Paul, expressing his expansive affection, while ὑμῶν would attribute it to the Corinthians, shifting the meaning. The strong external and internal evidence favors ἡμῶν, aligning with Paul’s consistent portrayal of his love and openness to the Corinthians.
Lexical Notes:
- πλατυνω (v.11, v.13): According to BDAG, this verb primarily means “to make wide, broaden, enlarge,” both literally and figuratively. In the context of the heart (καρδία), it signifies “to open one’s mind/heart, show tolerance,” or “to be free from anxiety, show tolerance.” KITTEL (TDNT) notes that while πλατυς means “wide” or “broad,” πλατυνω means “to widen” or “enlarge.” In the New Testament, especially in 2 Corinthians 6:11, 13, it is used metaphorically for the heart, which is considered the seat of inner life, emotions, and will. Paul’s heart is “enlarged” or “opened” in deep affection and welcome towards the Corinthians. There is no standard lexical evidence to suggest that πλατυνω alone carries an inherent connotation of “pride” or “enlargement of the stomach due to eating” without specific contextual qualifiers.
- στενοχωρεομαι (v.12): This verb (correcting the typo from the original post, στεβοξωρεομαι) means “to be in a narrow place, be hemmed in,” or figuratively, “to be in distress, be hard pressed” (BDAG). KITTEL (TDNT) defines στενοχωρεω as “to put in a narrow place, press in,” with the passive meaning “to be pressed in” or “to be in anguish.” In 2 Corinthians 6:12, it is used metaphorically to describe a lack of emotional space or capacity, implying constraint or anguish. The crucial distinction is between being constrained “in us” (ἐν ἡμῖν, i.e., by Paul and his ministry) and “in your inward parts” (ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν, i.e., due to their own internal limitations or lack of reciprocation). There is no lexical basis to link στενοχωρεομαι with the concept of “overeating.”
- σπλαγχνα (v.12): BDAG defines this term as “bowels, entrails,” but more commonly in the New Testament, “inward parts” as the seat of emotions/affections, or “feelings, affections, heart.” KITTEL (TDNT) emphasizes that σπλαγχνα refers to the viscera (heart, liver, lungs) as the ancient seat of feelings and affections. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes “tender affections,” “compassion,” or “mercy.” It is a strong term for deep emotional connection and empathy. There is no standard lexical or contextual support for interpreting σπλαγχνα as a literal “stomach” in the context of eating or gluttony within Pauline usage.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The proposed translation, “Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians! Your heart has become enlarged. You are not being crushed by us; you are being crushed by your inward parts, the corresponding penalty! – I am speaking as though to children. You yourselves must also grow larger!”, introduces several interpretive challenges, primarily concerning the lexical meanings and rhetorical coherence.
The first point of contention, regarding πλατυνω in verse 11 and verse 13, is that the proposal assigns two disparate meanings—one related to “pride involved with idolatry” and another to “further enlargement” or “grow larger”—without adequate textual or contextual justification. Grammatically, ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται (v.11) is a perfect passive indicative, denoting a state of completed action with ongoing results: Paul’s heart *has been opened* and *remains open*. In contrast, πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς (v.13) is an aorist passive imperative, a command for the Corinthians to *become enlarged* or *open themselves*. While the verb form changes, the core semantic range of “enlargement” or “opening” (of the heart/affections) is consistently maintained in traditional interpretations. The proposal’s introduction of “pride” and “stomach enlargement” into πλατυνω in verse 11 lacks compelling lexical support and creates an unnecessary semantic disjunction with the imperative in verse 13.
Secondly, the lexical claims for στενοχωρεομαι as “overeating” and σπλαγχνα as “stomach” are not substantiated by standard Greek lexicography (as noted in BDAG and KITTEL above). The grammatical construction in verse 12, οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν στενοχωρεῖσθε, presents a clear rhetorical contrast. Paul affirms that any sense of constraint or distress the Corinthians experience is not due to his actions or his ministry (ἐν ἡμῖν, “by us” or “in our company”), but rather originates from within their own “inward parts” or “affections” (ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν). This powerfully places the responsibility for their emotional distance or lack of receptivity squarely on them, not on Paul. The proposed interpretation of these terms undermines this critical rhetorical move, divorcing the passage from its clear emphasis on relational dynamics.
The broader context of 2 Corinthians further supports a traditional understanding. Paul’s appeal in 6:11-13 is deeply embedded within his defense of his apostolic ministry and his fervent desire for the Corinthians to open their hearts to him, just as he has opened his to them. This theme permeates the letter, particularly in chapters 1-7 and later in chapters 10-13, where he confronts false apostles and reaffirms his genuine love. The warning in 6:14-18 concerning idolatry, which follows immediately, is understood as a consequence of their closed hearts and susceptibility to external influences, including false teachers (cf. 2 Cor 11:13). Therefore, interpreting 6:11-13 through the lens of Paul’s profound affection and call for reciprocal openness provides a more coherent and contextually appropriate understanding than one reliant on tenuous lexical extensions and complex, unclarified allusions to gluttony or physical growth in children.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The unconventional interpretation of 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, as discussed, faces significant challenges regarding its lexical foundations and contextual coherence. The proposal for πλατυνω to carry disparate meanings without qualification, and for στενοχωρεομαι and σπλαγχνα to refer to overeating and the stomach, respectively, lacks support from standard Greek lexicography and deviates from the established rhetorical flow of Paul’s argument. The traditional understanding, emphasizing Paul’s open heart, the Corinthians’ constrained affections, and his parental appeal for them to reciprocate, aligns more naturally with the immediate and broader context of the epistle, which is dominated by themes of apostolic relationship, genuine love, and spiritual openness.
Based on this analysis, the following translation suggestions capture the nuance and traditional understanding of the passage:
- Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is enlarged! You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. As a fair exchange (I speak as to children), you also be enlarged!
This translation emphasizes Paul’s profound, expansive affection and directly contrasts it with the Corinthians’ self-imposed emotional constraint, followed by a direct appeal for reciprocal openness. - We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, our heart is wide open. You are not cramped in us, but you are cramped in your own hearts. Now in return—I speak as to children—you also open wide!
This version uses “spoken freely” for ἀνέῳγεν and “wide open” for πεπλάτυνται to convey the extent of Paul’s openness. “Cramped” effectively translates στενοχωρεῖσθε, focusing on their internal limitation. - Our mouth has opened to you, Corinthians; our heart has been expanded. You are not confined by us; rather, you are confined within your own inward parts. As a just return—I speak as to children—you too become expansive!
This rendition uses “expanded” and “expansive” to maintain lexical consistency for πλατυνω. “Confined” captures the sense of στενοχωρεῖσθε as an internal state, reinforcing the idea of their emotional unresponsiveness.