6:14 What does it mean precisely to be "unequally yoked"?
6:14 What does it mean precisely to be "unequally yoked"?
To be unequally yoked together means to associate discordantly, to be mismated, to have fellowship with one who is not an equal. This injunction by Paul to believers has its origins in the Old Testament where God prohibits the crossbreeding of cattle with other species of animals, sowing different seeds mingled together, wearing garments made of both wool and linen, and plowing with an ox and an ass together (CP Lev 19:19 with De 22:9-11).
In New Testament terms it covers the whole spectrum of believers' relationships with unbelievers. It means that believers are not to be involved in any relationship with unbelievers that could compromise their Christian witness. This applies to dating, marriage, business partnerships, memberships of lodges, and even close friendships etc. (CP 2Cor 6:15 with Ex 23:32-33; De 7:1-6; 1Cor 7:39).
Because there is such a decided difference between believers and unbelievers there is a basic incompatibility which must be recognized and which has implications for life for the believer in an environment of unbelief (CP 2Cor 6:16 - 7:1 with 1Cor 10:14-22).
None of this is teaching that believers have to disassociate themselves completely from unbelievers. That would defeat God's purpose for believers to be his witness in the world. Believers must stay in the world to be its light (CP Mt 5:14-16 with Jn 17:15-20; Ac 1:8; 1Cor 5:9-11).
Nor is it teaching that believers are to separate themselves from, or divorce unbelieving spouses.
(See also comments on Mt 5:31-32; 1Cor 7:14-16 and 7:39).