2 Corinthians 13:8
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 11
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
9 of 11
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Historical Context
In the Roman Empire, authority was often arbitrary—emperors and governors wielded absolute power according to personal whim. Paul's insistence that apostolic authority is truth-bound, not arbitrary, established a radically different model of Christian leadership: servant-leadership constrained by revelation and reality, not personal preference or political maneuvering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this principle—'nothing against the truth, but for the truth'—constrain and direct church authority today?
- What are examples of church leaders acting 'against the truth' by wielding authority wrongly?
- How does this verse guard against both authoritarianism and abdication of necessary authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth—A principle statement: Paul's apostolic authority is bound by truth (alētheia, ἀλήθεια), not arbitrary power. He cannot wield authority against the truth (to harm what is true and right), only for the truth (to advance it). This limits and directs apostolic power—authority exists to serve truth, not personal agenda.
The logic flows from v. 7: if Corinthians repent, Paul can't exercise discipline (that would be "against the truth" of their righteousness); he can only affirm them. True spiritual authority is constrained by reality—leaders can't manufacture situations to display power, but must respond to actual spiritual conditions. This makes Christian authority fundamentally different from worldly power, which can act arbitrarily.