2 Corinthians 6

plead
The Greek term παρακαλέω (parakaleō) is consistently translated as “plead” to maintain distinction from the stronger Greek term ὀρκίζω (horkizō), which is used in oaths and rendered as “implore” (cf. the discussion on Mark 5:7). The use of this word, on one hand, is often directed toward one seen as having greater power, authority, or ability than the one pleading, and on the other demonstrates the desperation or desire of the pleader that the outcome be accomplished. Here, it is the latter, as Paul passionately pleads the Corinthians to take advantage of the grace of God given to them.

unhypocritical
The word “unhypocritical” literally translates the Greek term ἀνυπόκριτος (anypokritos), which negates “hypocritical” (ὑπόκριτος; hypocritos) by placing an alpha privative at the front. English does the same thing with the “un-” prefix. Thus, rather than using an antonym for “hypocritical” like “genuine,” it is translated as “unhypocritical” to maintain the proper emphasis of the Greek term. This focuses more on the danger of the negative (hypocrisy), which is the default of every unbeliever, demonstrating more clearly that unhypocritical love is very different from the world’s version of love.

unequally yoked
The famous phrase “unequally yoked” translates the Greek verb ἑτεροζυγέω (heterozygeō), and is a more literal translation than something like “bound together” or “partners.” Those are not poor translations, as they accurately convey the sense, but Paul’s original analogy of being “unequally yoked” provides a vivid and helpful word picture. It conjures the almost comical image of something like an ox yoked with a donkey, a pairing which is actually explicitly prohibited in Deuteronomy 22:10, not only because of the vast natural differences between the two, but because oxen were “clean” animals according to Old Testament law and donkeys were “unclean” (cf. v. 17 below). Because unbelievers are of totally different nature, motivation, and intention due to their hostile relationship to God, believers are not to work together with them for any spiritual or God-glorifying goal.

AND I WILL BE A FATHER TO YOU
These words are formatted in caps because Paul is alluding to Old Testament testimony where God promises to be a Father to His people (cf. 2 Sam 7:14; 1 Chr 17:13; Isa 43:6; Hos 1:10). The formatting of this translation helps readers recognize that Paul is drawing on this logic from the Old Testament so that they may go back and ensure they understand what those Scriptures are teaching in order to better track Paul’s argumentation here.

SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY
Refer to the discussion above. Rather than citing a specific Scripture here, Paul adopts the language of the Old Testament prophets (and likely alluding to 1 Chr 17:7–15 and Hos 1:9–10) to further enforce and confirm the certainty of this promise as coming directly from the mouth of the Lord. Thus, Lord here also calls back to God’s covenant name in the Old Testament, Yahweh, as in 1 Chronicles 17:7 and Hosea 1:9.