τὴν δὲ αὐτὴν ἀντιμισθίαν, ὡς τέκνοις λέγω, πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς.
In 2 Corinthians 6:13, Paul concludes a passionate appeal to the Corinthian believers with a striking metaphor drawn from familial relationships. This verse is rich in stylistic and grammatical artistry, particularly in its use of demonstrative force, vocative address, and the middle/passive verb πλατύνθητε.
This article will focus on one central feature: the phrase τὴν δὲ αὐτὴν ἀντιμισθίαν, exploring how demonstrative pronouns, word order, and semantic nuance coalesce to shape a compelling call for mutual affection and spiritual reciprocity.
Grammatical Structure and Demonstrative Emphasis
Let us isolate the key phrase:
> τὴν δὲ αὐτὴν ἀντιμισθίαν
This construction features a strong demonstrative emphasis, reinforced by the conjunction δέ, the definite article τὴν, and the adjective αὐτὴν. Together, they point back to a previously mentioned idea — not just any recompense or response, but the very same that has already been defined in context.
Morphological Breakdown
– τὴν: Definite article – feminine singular accusative
– Marks the noun as specific and previously referenced
– αὐτὴν: Demonstrative adjective – feminine singular accusative
– “The same,” emphasizing identity with something previously mentioned
– ἀντιμισθίαν: Noun – feminine singular accusative
– From ἀντί + μισθός; literally “reciprocation,” “recompense,” or “response”
Thus, the phrase reads:
> “The same recompense/response…”
But what kind of “recompense” is Paul referring to? And why does he frame it with such linguistic precision?
Contextual Resonance: The Call to Reciprocity
To understand this phrase, we must briefly consider its immediate context. In 2 Corinthians 6:11–12, Paul speaks of his openness toward the Corinthians, lamenting that while his heart is wide open to them, theirs is not reciprocated:
> “Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is enlarged. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.”
Paul’s tone is both tender and urgent. He has spoken openly, with parental affection, and now calls for a matching response.
This sets the stage for 6:13, where he uses familial language to press his appeal:
> “Now I speak as to children — you also be enlarged.”
The Greek makes this even more vivid.
ὡς τέκνοις λέγω: Vocative Address and Emotional Appeal
> ὡς τέκνοις λέγω – “I speak as to children”
This phrase functions as an aside, softening the rhetorical force of the imperative that follows. It signals a shift in tone — from theological argument to personal entreaty.
Grammatical Insight
– ὡς: Comparative particle – “as”
– τέκνοις: Dative plural of τέκνον (“child”)
– Dative of manner or comparison; indicates the group to which Paul addresses himself
– λέγω: First person singular present indicative active of λέγω (“I say,” “I speak”)
By addressing the Corinthians as τέκνοις, Paul adopts a parental tone, appealing to their emotions rather than merely instructing them. This is not a rebuke but a plea rooted in relational intimacy.
πλατύνθητε: Middle Voice and Willing Expansion
> πλατύνθητε καὶ ὑμεῖς – “you also be enlarged”
This verb is crucial to understanding Paul’s request. It is not simply “widen” in a physical sense, but “expand your hearts”, echoing the earlier statement about Paul’s own heart being “enlarged” (ἐπλατύνθη).
Morphological Breakdown
– πλατύνθητε: Verb – second person plural imperative passive/middle of πλατύνω
– Passive form often carries a middle-reflexive meaning: “make yourselves wide,” “open your hearts”
– ὑμεῖς: Pronoun – second person plural nominative
– Emphasized by placement at the end for rhetorical effect
Thus, the full phrase reads:
> “You also, be enlarged.”
Paul is calling for emotional and spiritual openness — a reciprocal widening of affection to match his own.
Morphological Spotlight: Key Terms
| Word | Form | Literal Translation | Grammatical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἀντιμισθίαν | Noun – feminine singular accusative | “Recompense,” “response” | From ἀντί + μισθός; refers to reciprocal action |
| αὐτὴν | Demonstrative adjective – feminine singular accusative | “The same” | Points back to a previous instance of “recompense” |
| τέκνοις | Noun – neuter plural dative | “Children” | Used metaphorically; dative of comparison with ὡς |
| πλατύνθητε | Verb – second person plural imperative middle/passive | “Be enlarged” | Imperative mood indicates command; middle voice suggests reflexive action |
| ὑμεῖς | Pronoun – second person plural nominative | “You” | Emphatic position at the end; direct addressee of the command |
“The Same Response: A Call to Mutual Affection”
What emerges from this verse is not only a grammatically intricate construction but a deeply moving appeal for spiritual kinship. Paul uses demonstrative force (τὴν αὐτὴν) to anchor his request in shared experience. He softens the demand with familial language (ὡς τέκνοις). And he issues a command that is paradoxically gentle yet profound: πλατύνθητε — be enlarged.
This is not a transactional exchange of favors, but a call to mirror divine generosity — to let the heart expand, not out of obligation, but out of love freely received.
In the end, the grammar of this verse does more than convey information — it shapes emotion, invites transformation, and echoes the heart of the gospel itself: a God who opens His arms wide, and who longs for hearts willing to do the same.
And so, we close not with analysis, but with reflection — for the Word that enlarges us is not only heard, but lived.
