King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:6 in the King James Version says “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; in the truth: or, with the truth” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; in the truth: or, with the truth”

1 Corinthians 13:6 · KJV

Truth

Context

4

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, vaunteth: or, is not rash

5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; in the truth: or, with the truth

7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. fail: Gr. vanish away

Read 1 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rejoiceth not in iniquity (οὐ χαίρει ἐπὶ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ, ou chairei epi tē adikia)—Adikia is unrighteousness, injustice, wrongdoing. Love finds no joy when evil occurs, even when it might benefit oneself. This confronts the human tendency toward schadenfreude—pleasure at enemies' failures—and the Corinthian factions who likely celebrated rival groups' moral stumbles.

But rejoiceth in the truth (συγχαίρει δὲ τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, synchairei de tē alētheia)—The compound verb synchairō intensifies the joy: "rejoices together with" the truth. Alētheia encompasses both propositional truth (doctrine) and reality as God defines it (righteousness, justice, gospel). Love aligns itself completely with truth's triumph, not personal vindication. This is profoundly countercultural: love celebrates righteousness even in opponents, mourns sin even in allies.

The contrast exposes the connection between love and truth—they are inseparable. John writes, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 1:4). Love doesn't sentimentally tolerate evil or relativize truth; it grieves over sin (even when convenient) and celebrates truth (even when costly).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Corinth's factional culture, believers took sides over teachers (Apollos vs. Paul, 1:12), celebrated their group's superiority, and likely delighted in opponents' failures. The honor-shame society thrived on public vindication. Both Greco-Roman and Jewish culture knew the impulse to celebrate enemies' downfall (cf. Obadiah 12). Paul demands love that transcends tribal loyalty to align with God's truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you felt secret satisfaction at someone's moral failure, especially if they disagreed with you theologically or politically?
  2. How does 'rejoicing with the truth' require you to celebrate righteousness even when it appears in ideological opponents or theological rivals?
  3. In what ways might partisan political loyalty or denominational tribalism tempt you to 'rejoice in iniquity' when it damages your opponents?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
οὐ1 of 9

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

χαίρει2 of 9

“Rejoiceth”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ἐπὶ3 of 9

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῇ4 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδικίᾳ5 of 9

“iniquity”

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

συγχαίρει6 of 9

“rejoiceth”

G4796

to sympathize in gladness, congratulate

δὲ7 of 9

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῇ8 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀληθείᾳ·9 of 9

“in the truth”

G225

truth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 13:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:93 John 1:3-42 John 1:4Romans 1:322 Thessalonians 2:12Proverbs 14:9

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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