1 Corinthians 13:6
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Original Language Analysis
χαίρει
Rejoiceth
G5463
χαίρει
Rejoiceth
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
2 of 9
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικίᾳ
iniquity
G93
ἀδικίᾳ
iniquity
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
5 of 9
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
Cross References
Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.2 John 1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.2 Thessalonians 2:12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.Proverbs 14:9Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.Hosea 4:8They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.Jeremiah 13:17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.Micah 7:8Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.Philippians 1:18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.Philippians 1:4Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you felt secret satisfaction at someone's moral failure, especially if they disagreed with you theologically or politically?
- How does 'rejoicing with the truth' require you to celebrate righteousness even when it appears in ideological opponents or theological rivals?
- In what ways might partisan political loyalty or denominational tribalism tempt you to 'rejoice in iniquity' when it damages your opponents?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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).