Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:8

What does 2 Corinthians 13:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 13:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 13:8 means

Paul declares a fixed principle: he can do nothing against the truth, only for it. His authority is bounded by God’s reality revealed in the gospel. This protects the church from tyranny and protects Paul from self-serving action. Whether correcting error or affirming obedience, his actions must align with what is true about Christ and the new life He brings. The statement reassures the Corinthians that any severity he shows will serve truth, not personal pride, and that he rejoices whenever truth advances among them—even if that makes him look weak or unnecessary.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because we are able to do nothing against what is true, but only for it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for we are not able to do anything against the truth, but for the truth;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For we can do nothing against the truth: but for the truth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Having prayed for their honorable conduct, Paul states the compass that directs his ministry. Verse 8 explains why Paul can prefer their strength over his own display: truth’s progress is the goal. This sets up verse 9, where he rejoices to be weak if they are strong and prays for their “perfecting.” The flow clarifies that apostolic authority promotes truth and maturity rather than personal dominance, preparing readers for the constructive aim of correction.

v.7Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate.

v.8This passage

v.9For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Timothy 1:20

    of whom is Hymenæus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

  • Acts 13:3

    Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

  • Proverbs 26:2

    As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not.

  • Numbers 16:28

    And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that Jehovah hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.

  • 2 Kings 2:23

    And he went up from thence unto Beth-el; and as he was going up by the way, there came forth young lads out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou baldhead; go up, thou baldhead.

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