2 Corinthians 13 8

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 verses

2 Corinthians 13 8 Meaning

Second Corinthians 13:8 conveys a profound statement about the nature and limitation of spiritual authority. Paul asserts that his apostolic power, and by extension all genuine ministry, is fundamentally bound by God's truth. He and his fellow workers possess no capacity to act in opposition to divine truth. Rather, all their actions, decisions, and manifestations of power are entirely purposed for upholding, advancing, and ministering within the sphere of that truth. This principle clarifies why Paul might sometimes appear "weak" by not immediately exercising punitive authority, emphasizing that true power operates in harmony with divine will and revelation, not against it.

2 Corinthians 13 8 Context

Chapter 13 marks the conclusion of Paul’s highly challenging and emotional correspondence with the Corinthian church. Paul prepares them for his anticipated "third visit" (2 Cor 12:14, 13:1). He reiterates his firm intention to discipline those who remain unrepentant regarding immoral behavior and challenging his apostolic authority. The preceding verses (13:1-7) deal with the "proof" the Corinthians sought regarding whether Christ spoke through Paul. Paul states that his apparent "weakness" (his delay in imposing severe discipline) should not be misunderstood as a lack of authority or Christ's presence in him (13:3-4). He then urges the Corinthians to examine their own faith (13:5-6). Verse 8, therefore, provides a pivotal explanation for Paul’s measured approach: his power is not a self-serving weapon to prove his authority but a divine instrument dedicated entirely to truth and for the church's good. He does not wish to be found wrong in proving them to be in the wrong (13:7), for he cannot oppose truth, but only serve it. The broader historical context includes ongoing factions within the Corinthian church, challenges from "super-apostles" who boasted in worldly credentials, and lingering moral issues that required Paul’s delicate balance of firm correction and pastoral love. Paul implicitly polemicizes against a worldly view of power, where strength means brute force or impressive displays; he contrasts this with divine power, which is bound by and manifests through truth and love.

2 Corinthians 13 8 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction indicates an explanation or a reason. It links the statement of verse 8 directly to the preceding verses, providing the rationale behind Paul's desired outcome for the Corinthians' spiritual state (v.7) and the nature of his apostolic power.
• we (ἡμεῖς - hemeis): This plural pronoun refers to Paul and his associates (e.g., Timothy, v.1). It signifies the collective authority and consistent mission of genuine apostles who operate under divine commission. It’s not an assertion of individual prowess but divinely appointed instrumentality.
• can do (δυνάμεθα - dynametha): From dynamis, meaning "power" or "ability." It highlights the scope and limit of their spiritual competence and authority bestowed by God. Their "can do" is framed by divine constraint, not human freedom.
• nothing (οὐδέν - ouden): An absolute negation, leaving no room for exception. It profoundly underscores the complete and utter inability or lack of legitimate grounds for true ministers to act outside of God's revealed will or righteous character.
• against (κατά - kata): This preposition denotes opposition, hostile movement, or direct confrontation. It vividly portrays an action that would be contrary to, and destructive of, its object.
• the truth (τῆς ἀληθείας - tes aletheias): Alétheia refers to objective truth, reality, genuineness, and divine revelation, as opposed to falsehood, illusion, or deceit. In the biblical context, it refers to God's character, His Word, the gospel message, and ultimately, Christ Himself (Jn 14:6). Paul's authority finds its boundary and purpose within this divine framework. Any display of "power" that undermines genuine repentance, godly character, or sound doctrine would be operating against truth.
• but (ἀλλά - alla): This strong adversative conjunction introduces a sharp contrast and shifts to the positive, defining the true sphere of their actions.
• for (ὑπέρ - hyper): This preposition indicates acting "on behalf of," "for the sake of," "in support of," or "beyond" in a beneficial sense. It defines the proactive and constructive direction of their authority.
• the truth: Repeated here to re-emphasize the singular object and purpose of all their legitimate power and ministry. All authentic apostolic actions must consistently promote and establish divine truth.

Words-group analysis:

• "we can do nothing against the truth": This phrase clarifies that authentic apostolic authority, which comes from God, is divinely restricted. Paul, despite his significant power given for the Corinthian church's edification, cannot use it to contradict the objective truth of God, which includes not punishing those who have genuinely repented, nor wrongly condemning those whom Christ is indeed in (2 Cor 13:5-7). To do so would be to misuse his power against the very purpose for which it was given. This also functions as an implicit polemic against false apostles who might operate deceitfully or against the gospel.
• "but for the truth": This establishes the exclusive, positive purpose of true ministry. Paul’s power is exclusively directed towards upholding, defending, clarifying, and establishing God's truth. This means discerning what is truly of Christ in the Corinthians, even if it means deferring severe discipline. His power is restorative and constructive, intended to build them up in sound doctrine and righteous living.

2 Corinthians 13 8 Bonus section

The "truth" (alétheia) here carries multifaceted significance, referencing both the objective theological truth of the gospel (what is divinely revealed and real) and the subjective moral truth of the Corinthians' lives (their actual spiritual state—whether they genuinely live in Christ). Paul's power respects both dimensions. If the Corinthians are indeed believers living according to Christ, Paul has no authority to undermine that spiritual reality, regardless of external pressure or challenges to his apostleship. This verse profoundly underscores that genuine spiritual authority is a servant of God's objective reality, acting with integrity, never in self-interest or manipulation. It resonates with the biblical emphasis on integrity, sincerity, and avoiding hypocrisy in leadership (Titus 1:7-9).

2 Corinthians 13 8 Commentary

2 Corinthians 13:8 encapsulates the essence of authentic spiritual leadership. Paul's authority is not a self-serving weapon for personal vindication, nor is it subject to human caprice. Instead, it is profoundly tied to God's unassailable truth. This means that if the Corinthians are genuinely in the faith, and Christ is truly in them, Paul cannot use his power against their spiritual reality. To inflict unwarranted punishment or condemn the truly repentant would be to act against truth itself. Conversely, his authority is always mobilized for the truth—for their edification, their spiritual health, and their alignment with the gospel. This provides the lens through which to understand Paul's apparent "weakness" (delaying stern discipline). His perceived leniency is not a deficit of power, but a demonstration of its rightful deployment according to truth and for their restoration, echoing Christ's power perfected in weakness.

• Practical Example: A church leader faced with accusations against a member must act not according to popular opinion or emotional outcry, but by carefully discerning the facts, adhering to biblical principles of justice and reconciliation, and promoting genuine repentance, even if this requires patiently waiting or extending grace. Their authority serves to uphold the truth, not to simply make a swift example or punish without due process.