What does it mean precisely to be “unequally yoked”?
To be unequally yoked together means to associate discordantly, to be mismated, to have fellowship with one who is not an equal. This injunction by Paul to believers has its origins in the Old Testament where God prohibits the crossbreeding of cattle with other species of animals, sowing different seeds mingled together, wearing garments made of both wool and linen, and plowing with an ox and an ass together (CP Lev 19:19 with De 22:9-11). In New Testament terms it covers the whole spectrum of believers’ relationships with unbelievers. It means that believers are not to be involved in any relationship with unbelievers that could compromise their Christian witness. This applies to dating, marriage, business partnerships, memberships of lodges, and even close friendships etc. (CP 2Cor 6:15 with Ex 23:32-33; De 7:1-6; 1Cor 7:39). Because there is such a decided difference between believers and unbelievers there is a basic incompatibility which must be recognized and which has implications
