1 Corinthians 13:6 kjv
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:6 nkjv
does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:6 niv
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:6 esv
it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:6 nlt
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
1 Corinthians 13 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 13:6 | "...rejoices with the truth." | Love's characteristics |
| Psalm 119:162 | "I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great spoil." | Joy in God's word (truth) |
| Psalm 34:18 | "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." | God's empathy for the suffering |
| John 14:6 | "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life.'" | Jesus as truth |
| Psalm 51:6 | "Behold, you desire truth in the innermost being..." | Truth in the heart |
| 1 John 1:8 | "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." | Necessity of acknowledging sin |
| Proverbs 12:22 | "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." | God delights in truth |
| Romans 1:18 | "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their wickedness suppress the truth." | Suppression of truth |
| Galatians 5:22 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," | Truth aligned with fruit of Spirit |
| Psalm 85:11 | "Loyalty springs from the ground; righteousness leans down from the sky." | Righteousness and truth from God |
| John 16:13 | "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth..." | Spirit guides to truth |
| Ephesians 5:9 | "...for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true." | Fruit of light is truth |
| Psalm 40:11 | "Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; let your steadfast love and your truth always preserve me." | Steadfast love and truth |
| 2 John 1:4 | "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." | Joy in others walking in truth |
| Colossians 1:5 | "...because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of truth, the gospel" | Gospel as the word of truth |
| Psalm 106:3 | "Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times." | Blessing in righteousness |
| Philippians 4:8 | "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." | Focusing on the true and good |
| Hebrews 10:24 | "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works," | Stirring up good works (truth) |
| 1 John 4:6 | "We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error." | Discernment of truth |
| Jeremiah 9:24 | "but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." | God's delight in steadfast love, justice, righteousness |
| Psalm 15:1-5 | Criteria for dwelling with God, including speaking truth. | Integrity and truth |
1 Corinthians 13 verses
1 Corinthians 13 6 Meaning
This verse speaks about rejoicing in truth. It signifies a genuine delight and pleasure found in what is true and righteous. This love actively opposes falsehood and celebrates adherence to what is good and accurate according to God's character. It's not about finding joy in cleverness or deception, but in unvarnished reality and integrity.
1 Corinthians 13 6 Context
This chapter is often called the "love chapter." Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, a community gifted in many spiritual abilities but lacking in mature love. He contrasts supernatural gifts with the enduring nature of love. Specifically, verse 6 follows a description of love's character: it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Rejoicing "with the truth" is presented as an integral part of this description, immediately after "it does not keep a record of wrongs." This implies that true love celebrates genuine reality and righteousness, not a manufactured or manipulative appearance. The context is about proper conduct within the church body, demonstrating love's supremacy over mere spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 13 6 Word Analysis
- συγχαιρει (synchairei)
- Transliteration: synchairei
- Meaning: Rejoices with; shares in joy with. It's a compound verb: syn (together) + chairein (to rejoice, be glad). This highlights a communal aspect of rejoicing, not a solitary one.
- τῃ (tē)
- Transliteration: tē
- Meaning: the (dative feminine singular definite article). Indicates a specific truth.
- ἀληθεια (alētheia)
- Transliteration: alētheia
- Meaning: Truth; reality; fact; sincerity; faithfulness; honesty. In the New Testament, alētheia often refers to divine truth, the objective reality of God and His saving work through Christ. It can also describe an inner sincerity and uprightness of character.
Word Group Analysis
- συγχαιρει τη αληθεια (synchairei tē alētheia): This phrase literally means "rejoices with the truth." It conveys the idea that love finds its pleasure in and participates in the celebration of what is true and genuine. It’s not just passive agreement with truth, but an active, shared delight.
1 Corinthians 13 6 Bonus Section
The concept of rejoicing with the truth is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God’s faithfulness and truth are causes for celebration (Psalm 33:4-5). The attribute of alētheia also extends to God's steadfast love (chesed) and faithfulness, emphasizing His reliable character. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth (John 15:26), guiding believers into all truth. Therefore, love rejoicing with the truth means aligning with God's nature and the revelation He has provided in Christ and Scripture.
1 Corinthians 13 6 Commentary
Love genuinely celebrates and is glad with truth. This means love finds joy in facts and realities, not in deception or appearance. It's the opposite of rejoicing in wrong. Instead, love shares in the gladness that comes from integrity, honesty, and the unfolding of God's righteous purposes. This pursuit of truth also implies discernment. Love isn't easily fooled or led astray; it aligns itself with what is fundamentally real and right. It seeks truth even when it's difficult and rejoices when truth prevails.
- Practical Example: When a brother confesses a sin and seeks forgiveness, true love rejoices in that confession and forgiveness (the truth of the situation) rather than holding onto the offense (keeping a record of wrongs).
- Practical Example: Love rejoices when honest evaluation leads to improvement, or when genuine goodness is recognized, rather than being envious of others' success or happiness.