2 Corinthians 6:7
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Original Language Analysis
λόγῳ
the word
G3056
λόγῳ
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
2 of 15
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
δυνάμει
the power
G1411
δυνάμει
the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
5 of 15
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
θεοῦ·
of God
G2316
θεοῦ·
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅπλων
the armour
G3696
ὅπλων
the armour
Strong's:
G3696
Word #:
9 of 15
an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαιοσύνης
of righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
of righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
11 of 15
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιῶν
on the right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
on the right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
13 of 15
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.2 Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.Ephesians 3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,2 Corinthians 13:4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.1 Thessalonians 5:8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.James 1:18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:Psalms 119:43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you wielding 'the word of truth' and 'the power of God' rather than relying on human eloquence, manipulation, or worldly strategies?
- In what areas of spiritual warfare do you need to better equip yourself with 'the armour of righteousness'—both offensive (proclamation) and defensive (integrity)?
- How does Paul's model of ministry challenge pragmatic approaches that prioritize results over faithfulness to God's truth and methods?
Analysis & 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.