2 Corinthians 13:8 kjv
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8 nkjv
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8 niv
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8 esv
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8 nlt
For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 10:8 | "For though I boast somewhat freely about our authority... it is for building up, not for tearing down." | Authority for building |
| Gal 5:1 | "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." | Freedom in Christ |
| 1 Tim 3:15 | "...the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth." | Church as support of truth |
| Eph 4:25 | "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, since we are members one of another." | Speaking truth |
| John 14:6 | "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life...'" | Jesus is the truth |
| 1 John 5:6 | "This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by water only but by water and blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is truth." | Spirit testifies to truth |
| Rom 15:2 | "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." | Building up neighbor |
| 2 Tim 2:9 | "...but the word of God is not bound!" | Word of God not bound |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined in the same mind and the same judgment." | Unity in truth |
| 2 Cor 10:4 | "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds," | Divine weapons |
| 2 Cor 5:20 | "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." | Ambassadors for Christ |
| Acts 4:31 | "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." | Boldness in speaking truth |
| Phil 1:12 | "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel," | Advancement of the gospel |
| Col 1:6 | "... the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you..." | Gospel as word of truth |
| 1 Thes 5:21 | "but test everything; hold fast to what is good," | Testing and holding to truth |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword..." | Power of God's word |
| John 17:17 | "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." | Word as truth |
| Eph 6:14 | "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth..." | Belt of truth |
| Rom 1:16 | "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." | Gospel as power of God |
| Prov 23:23 | "Buy truth, and do not sell it; get wisdom, instruction, and understanding." | Value of truth |
| 2 Cor 13:10 | "For this reason I am writing these things while I am away, so that when I come I may not have to show severity, in accordance with the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down." | Authority for building |
| John 8:32 | "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." | Truth brings freedom |
2 Corinthians 13 verses
2 Corinthians 13 8 Meaning
This verse states that "we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." It signifies that true spiritual power and effectiveness operate in alignment with divine truth. Anything that opposes or deviates from God's truth is ultimately powerless and ineffectual. Conversely, actions and efforts aligned with truth are constructive and bring about positive spiritual results.
2 Corinthians 13 8 Context
This verse is found in the closing chapter of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. Paul is addressing some challenges and tensions within the Corinthian church, likely including opposition from false apostles or critics who questioned his authority and apostleship. He has spent much of this chapter emphasizing his apostleship, the strength of Christ in his weakness, and his commitment to building up the church rather than tearing it down. The specific context leading up to verse 8 involves Paul asserting his apostolic authority, not for his own glory, but for the spiritual well-being and growth of the believers. He reiterates his desire to build them up in truth.
2 Corinthians 13 8 Word Analysis
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis): "we." Refers to Paul and his companions, particularly Timothy.
οὐ δύναμαι (ou dynamai): "cannot." Indicates an inability, a lack of power or capacity.
κατὰ (kata): "against." Denotes opposition or hostility.
τῆς ἀληθείας (tēs alētheias): "the truth." Refers to divine truth, the reality of God and His gospel, as revealed in Christ. This is a crucial term, pointing to objective, God-given reality.
ἀλλὰ (alla): "but." A strong adversative conjunction, contrasting the previous statement.
ὑπὲρ (huper): "for." In this context, it signifies "on behalf of," "in support of," or "for the sake of."
τῆς ἀληθείας (tēs alētheias): "the truth." The same word as before, emphasizing that all genuine spiritual efforts are in favor of, and strengthened by, truth.
Words-group analysis:
- "we can do nothing against the truth": This highlights the inherent weakness and futility of any action or teaching that stands in opposition to God's revealed truth. It suggests that such efforts are fundamentally flawed and doomed to fail in the long run from a divine perspective.
- "but for the truth": This clause contrasts the previous one by emphasizing the divine empowerment and efficacy of actions that align with and promote truth. It suggests that whatever is done for the truth has God's backing and will ultimately be effective.
2 Corinthians 13 8 Bonus Section
The concept that truth is the ultimate determinant of spiritual power resonates throughout Scripture. Those who oppose or distort God's truth, like the false prophets in the Old Testament or the opposers of Christ and the apostles in the New Testament, ultimately face defeat because their foundation is flawed. Conversely, those who champion truth, like David confronting Goliath (1 Sam 17) or Jesus in his temptation (Matt 4), demonstrate God's power working through obedience to His word. Paul's statement is not a denial of struggle, but an affirmation that in the spiritual battle, the power and ultimate victory belong to truth itself, which is anchored in God.
2 Corinthians 13 8 Commentary
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 13:8 is a profound statement of conviction rooted in his understanding of divine reality. He asserts that his authority and ministry are not self-serving or destructive, but are wholly committed to advancing God's truth. Any attempt to oppose this truth, whether by critics or by Paul's own potential overreach, is ultimately futile because God's truth is foundational and unassailable. His aim is constructive, seeking to build up the Corinthian believers by grounding them in the gospel. This is a core principle of Christian ministry: that true spiritual work is always aligned with, and empowered by, God's objective truth, leading to edification, not demolition.