Yes, the Bible advises against being unequally yoked to maintain a clear separation between believers and unbelievers.
The Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 6:14, instructs believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This is because a believer and an unbeliever have fundamentally different natures and purposes, making unity and cooperation impossible. Les Feldick emphasizes that God intends for believers to be separated from the world, just as He separated Israel from Egypt.
2 Corinthians 6:14 — This verse directly commands believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, forming the basis of the answer.
The Bible directly addresses the issue of being unequally yoked in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where the Apostle Paul writes, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" This verse uses the imagery of yoking, which refers to joining animals together for work, to illustrate the incompatibility between believers and unbelievers. Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the need for separation. In 2 Corinthians 6:15-16, Paul asks, "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God." This reinforces that believers, as temples of the Holy Spirit, must not be joined with those who do not share their faith. Jesus also taught that one cannot serve two masters, as recorded in Matthew 6:24: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." This principle underlies the warning against being unequally yoked.
Les Feldick teaches that the command against being unequally yoked is a call to separation. He emphasizes that just as God separated Israel from Egypt, He wants believers to be separate from the world. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul directs believers not to be yoked with unbelievers, and Les stresses that this separation is essential for a faithful Christian life. Les points out that Christianity has lost its power because of a lack of separation from the world. He urges believers to not have "one foot in the world and one foot in the church," as this leads to misery and ineffectiveness. He connects this to the idea that believers cannot serve two masters—God and mammon. Les also draws from the Old Testament analogy of God's separation of Israel from Egypt, using it as a pattern for New Testament believers. He teaches that the marriage relationship, which is a primary context for being unequally yoked, must reflect this separation. He clarifies that in paganism, marriage was not held to the same standard, but for believers, it must be biblical and holy.
Les Feldick explains that the phrase 'unequally yoked' comes from the agricultural practice of yoking animals together. Just as two different types of animals cannot effectively pull a plow together, a believer and an unbeliever cannot have true fellowship or partnership. He emphasizes that this is not about being odd or seeking persecution, but about a clear separation in values and allegiances.
Les Feldick teaches that the marriage relationship is a primary application of being unequally yoked. He explains that in the Corinthian church, new believers struggled with their former pagan practices, where marriage was not held to a high standard. Paul's instruction, according to Les, was for believers to marry only within the faith, emphasizing that a Christian should not be yoked to an unbeliever in this intimate relationship.
Les Feldick advises that believers must not have 'one foot in the world and one foot in the church.' This separation is not about being isolated, but about clearly standing for Christ. He emphasizes that a Christian should abhor evil and not condone it, maintaining a distinct witness in the world.
Paul's Heart for the Corinthians
Les Feldick explains that Paul's instruction to be unequally yoked is given out of deep love for the Corinthians, who were still immature in their faith.
Separation from the World
Les Feldick teaches that just as God separated Israel from Egypt, believers must be separated from the world, and being unequally yoked violates this principle.
Loss of Christian Power
Les Feldick stresses that the lack of separation due to being unequally yoked is why Christianity has lost its power.
Marriage and Separation
Les Feldick connects the principle of being unequally yoked to marriage, citing Jesus' teaching on the original design for marriage.
Abhor Evil
Les Feldick emphasizes that believers must abhor evil, which is part of the separation implied by not being unequally yoked.
Old Testament Analogy
Les Feldick draws an analogy between Israel's separation from Egypt and the believer's separation from the world, reinforcing the command not to be unequally yoked.
Marriage in Paganism
Les Feldick explains the pagan background of marriage in Corinth, showing that believers must now follow God's design, which includes not being unequally yoked.
You Cannot Serve Two Masters
Les Feldick reminds us that Jesus said you cannot serve God and mammon, which is the core reason for not being unequally yoked.
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?
The direct command against being unequally yoked.
2 Corinthians 6:15: And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
Continues the rhetorical questions on incompatibility.
2 Corinthians 6:16: And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Explains the believer's identity as God's temple, underscoring the need for separation.
Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Jesus' teaching that one cannot serve two masters, which underlies the principle of separation.
1 Corinthians 6:19: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Reminds believers of their indwelling Spirit, which is incompatible with being yoked to unbelievers.
Les Feldick explains that 'unequally yoked' comes from the agricultural practice of yoking animals. It means being joined together in a way that is mismatched, like a believer with an unbeliever, which leads to discord and an inability to work together effectively.
The Bible commands believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, so it is a violation of that command. Les Feldick emphasizes that this is a serious issue because it affects one's separation from the world and can hinder one's walk with God.
Les Feldick gives examples such as marrying an unbeliever or having close partnerships with non-believers. He notes that while we are not to be oddballs, we are to be separate in terms of our values and commitments.
Watch the Teaching: What Does 'Unequally Yoked' Really Mean? 2 Corinthians 6 Explained