King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 6:7 Mean?

2 Corinthians 6:7 in the King James Version says “By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”

2 Corinthians 6:7 · KJV

Truth

Context

5

In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; in tumults: or, in tossings to and fro

6

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

7

By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8

By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9

As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By the word of truth, by the power of God (ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει θεοῦ, en logō alētheias, en dynamei theou)—Logos alētheias refers to the gospel message itself, the true word as opposed to false teaching (cf. Eph 1:13; Col 1:5; 2 Tim 2:15). Paul's ministry rests not on eloquent rhetoric or philosophical speculation but on faithful proclamation of revealed truth. Dynamis theou (God's power) contrasts human weakness; this power manifests in conversion, perseverance, and miracles (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18; 2:4-5).

By the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (διὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν, dia tōn hoplōn tēs dikaiosynēs tōn dexiōn kai aristerōn)—Hopla means weapons or armor (cf. Rom 13:12; Eph 6:11-17). 'Right hand and left' likely refers to offensive weapons (sword in right hand) and defensive armor (shield in left), indicating comprehensive spiritual equipment. Dikaiosynē (righteousness) is both imputed (justification) and imparted (sanctification)—the righteousness of Christ as both legal standing and practical holiness.

Paul militarizes his metaphors: ministry is spiritual warfare requiring divine weaponry. The armor of righteousness protects against accusations (having clean hands) and enables bold offense (wielding truth as a sword). This anticipates the fuller development in Ephesians 6:10-18.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman soldiers were visible throughout the empire, providing a familiar metaphor for Paul's audience. The emphasis on God's power rather than human eloquence directly addresses Corinthian fascination with Greek rhetoric and philosophy. Paul's apostolic authority rests not on cultural sophistication but on divine truth and power manifested through weakness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you wielding 'the word of truth' and 'the power of God' rather than relying on human eloquence, manipulation, or worldly strategies?
  2. In what areas of spiritual warfare do you need to better equip yourself with 'the armour of righteousness'—both offensive (proclamation) and defensive (integrity)?
  3. How does Paul's model of ministry challenge pragmatic approaches that prioritize results over faithfulness to God's truth and methods?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἐν1 of 15

“By”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

λόγῳ2 of 15

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἀληθείας3 of 15

“of truth”

G225

truth

ἐν4 of 15

“By”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δυνάμει5 of 15

“the power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

θεοῦ·6 of 15

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

διὰ7 of 15

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῶν8 of 15
G3588

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

ὅπλων9 of 15

“the armour”

G3696

an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war)

τῆς10 of 15
G3588

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

δικαιοσύνης11 of 15

“of righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

τῶν12 of 15
G3588

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

δεξιῶν13 of 15

“on the right hand”

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

καὶ14 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀριστερῶν15 of 15

“on the left”

G710

the left hand (as second-best)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 6:7 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 2 Corinthians 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:22 Timothy 2:152 Corinthians 10:4-5Ephesians 6:11-201 Thessalonians 5:82 Timothy 4:7

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