1 As we work together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God {Theos, Gracious Giver} in vain {kenon: to no effect}.
2 For He {Theos, Faithful Responder} says, “In an accepted time {kairo dektos: divinely favored moment} I listened to you, and on a day of salvation I helped you.” Look—now is the welcome time; look—now is the day of salvation.
3 We give no {medemian: not even one} occasion for stumbling in anything, so that the ministry {diakonia: dedicated service} will not be blamed.
4 Rather, in every circumstance we commend ourselves as servants of God {Theos, Faithful Sender}, with much endurance {hypomone: steadfast perseverance}, in afflictions, in hardships, and in distresses.
5 In beatings, in imprisonments, in disturbances {akatastasiais: disorderly outbreaks}, in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings {nesteiais: food abstinence}.
6 In purity {hagnoteti: blameless sincerity}, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit {pneuma hagion, Empowering Presence}, in love unfeigned.
7 In the word of truth {logos aletheias: reliable message}, in the power of God {Theos, Empowering Source}, through the weapons of righteousness for the right and for the left.
8 Whether through honor or dishonor, whether through slander {dusphemias: hostile defamation} or praise {euphemias: favorable reputation}; treated as deceivers, and yet true.
9 As unknown {agnoumenoi: not recognized}, yet still acknowledged; as though dying, and see, we continue to live; as disciplined {paideuomenoi: undergoing corrective training}, yet not put to death.
10 As sorrowful {lupoumenoi: deeply afflicted}, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet holding all things {panta: entire fullness}.
11 Our mouth {stoma: instrument of speech} has spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been enlarged {kardia: seat of will and emotion}.
12 You are not being restricted {stenochoreo: emotionally confined} by us, but you are being restricted within your own affections {splanchna: deep inner feelings}.
13 Now in return {antimisthian: mutual return}—I speak as to children {teknois: beloved offspring}—you also be enlarged.
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what partnership does righteousness share with lawlessness {anomia: lawless rebellion}? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness {skotos: deep moral confusion}?
15 What harmony is there between Christ {Christos, Holy Anointed One} and Belial, or what share does a believer have with an unbeliever {apistos: without saving faith}?
16 And what agreement does the temple {naos: sacred dwelling} of God {Theos, Covenant Indweller} have with idols? For we are a temple of the living God, just as God said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”
17 Therefore, depart from their midst and be separated, says the Lord {Kyrios, Divine Commander}; do not touch any unclean {akathartos: ritually impure} thing, and I will receive you.
18 And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord {Kyrios, Covenant Father-King} Almighty {Pantokrator: All-Powerful Protector}.