Being unequally yoked means partnering with unbelievers in a way that compromises your spiritual separation from the world.
Les Feldick emphasizes that believers are to be separate from the world, just as Israel was separated from Egypt. This separation means not forming close partnerships (yokes) with those who do not share your faith, as this can lead to spiritual discord and a loss of Christian witness.
2 Corinthians 6:14 — This is the key verse that explicitly commands believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
The Bible directly addresses this in 2 Corinthians 6:14: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" This verse establishes that believers are to avoid being yoked together with unbelievers, indicating a foundational separation between the two groups. Further, the Bible explains the underlying reason: the natural man (unbeliever) cannot understand the things of the Spirit because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). This creates a fundamental disconnect that makes unequally yoked partnerships problematic.
Les Feldick teaches that being unequally yoked with unbelievers means forming partnerships or relationships that compromise the believer's separation from the world. He stresses that just as God separated Israel from Egypt, believers today are to be separate from the world. He notes that the average person can't see a difference between Christians and non-Christians, but God intends for His people to be distinct. This separation is not about being oddballs or having a long face, but about living a lifestyle that clearly shows where you stand. Les also highlights that this command is about spiritual relationships and fellowship. He laments that the church no longer emphasizes separation, which he believes is why Christianity has lost its power. He connects this to the idea that believers are to be different in behavior and lifestyle, not just in name.
Les explains that separation is a core principle God established from the beginning. Just as Israel was to have nothing to do with the surrounding nations, believers are to be a separated, holy people. This separation is not about being odd or joyless, but about living a distinct life that reflects your faith. The world should be able to see where you stand.
While the command to not be unequally yoked certainly has implications for marriage, the apostle Paul also gives specific guidance in 1 Corinthians 7 for those already in such a situation. If an unbelieving spouse is willing to stay, the believer should not depart, and the unbelieving spouse is sanctified by the believer. However, if the unbelieving partner departs, the believer is not under bondage and is called to peace. This shows that the principle of separation is balanced with grace and the possibility of salvation for the spouse.
Wealth vs. Spiritual Poverty
Les contrasts the wealth and spiritual deadness of much of Christendom with Paul's own sacrifice, illustrating that true followers of Christ may be poor materially but rich spiritually.
Separation from the World
Les emphasizes that God intends believers to be separate from the world, and the command 'be not unequally yoked' is part of that separation, so the world should know where we stand.
Why Separation Is Neglected
Les points out that the church rarely hears about separation today, and he suggests this lack of emphasis is why Christianity has lost its power.
What the Bible Really Says About Marriage — 1 Corinthians 7 Explained
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by that wife who is a believer, and vice versa an unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband, else were your children unclean, and now they are holy. Now verse 15. But if the unbeliever, the man or the woman steeped in idolatry, has not yet become a believer, and if that believing partner departs, let him or her go.
Unbelievers Cannot Comprehend
Les explains that unbelievers naturally reject spiritual things because they are foolishness to them, which is why an unequal yoke can cause discord.
Church Discipline and Separation
Les discusses how believers are not to fellowship with those who claim to be believers but live in blatant sin, aiming to bring them to repentance, showing the broader principle of separation.
Adulterating One's Position
Les teaches that a believer involved in sexual immorality 'adulterates' his position with Christ, linking the principle of separation to maintaining purity in relationships.
Call to Be Different
Les teaches that believers are to be different from the world, using Israel's separation from Egypt as a model, but not in an odd or joyless way.
2 Corinthians 6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
This is the primary command against being unequally yoked with unbelievers.
1 Corinthians 2:14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
This explains why believers and unbelievers can have fundamental differences in understanding.
1 Corinthians 7:14: For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
This provides guidance for believers already married to unbelievers, showing grace in an existing unequal yoke.
1 Corinthians 7:15: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
This gives direction on how to handle an unequal yoke if the unbeliever chooses to leave.
No, although it certainly applies to marriage, the principle is broader. It refers to any close partnership or alliance that would compromise a believer's separation from the world, including business partnerships and deep friendships.
Les states that we don't hear much about separation today, and he believes this is exactly why Christianity has lost its power. The lack of distinction between believers and the world weakens the faith.
According to the Bible, no. Paul teaches that if the unbelieving spouse is content to stay, the believer should not divorce. The believer can have a sanctifying influence, and if the unbeliever departs, the believer is not under bondage and is called to peace.
Watch the Teaching: What Does 'Unequally Yoked' Really Mean? 2 Corinthians 6 Explained