2 Corinthians 13:8

8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

Read Chapter Compare

PREVIOUS 2 Corinthians 13:7 NEXT 2 Corinthians 13:9

2 Corinthians 13:8 in Other Translations

KJV

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

ESV

8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

NLT

8 For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.

MSG

8 We're rooting for the truth to win out in you.

CSB

8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

2 Corinthians 13:8 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 13:8

For we can do nothing against the truth
The apostles had no power, nor could they, nor did they desire to exercise any against such who received the truth of the Gospel in the love of it; who continued in it, walked in it, and held it fast; who worshipped God in Spirit and in truth, and who walked uprightly, and as became the truth; for as the law is not made for such persons, but the reverse, so the authority the apostles had received from Christ was not to be exercised upon such:

but for the truth:
for the sake of defending the truth against those that dropped, denied, and opposed it; and for the honour of it, by chastising, correcting, reproving, censuring, and punishing such, who either contradicted it, or caused it to be blasphemed and spoken evil of.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

2 Corinthians 13:8 In-Context

6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.

8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.

10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.