1 Corinthians 13:6

KJV

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

KJV (with Strong's)

Rejoiceth {G5463} not {G3756} in {G1909} iniquity {G93}, but {G1161} rejoiceth {G4796} in the truth {G225};

Complete Jewish Bible

Love does not gloat over other people’s sins
but takes its delight in the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.

American Standard Version

rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 13:6, nestled within Paul's profound exposition on *agape* love, illuminates love's inherent moral compass. It declares that genuine love finds no delight or satisfaction in unrighteousness or wrongdoing, but rather discovers its deepest joy and affirmation in truth—encompassing not only factual accuracy but also moral rectitude, divine revelation, and God's very character. This verse serves as a crucial descriptor of love's integrity, contrasting its nature with the prevailing sins and divisions within the Corinthian church and providing an enduring standard for believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:**
This verse is an integral part of Paul's celebrated "love chapter," [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"), which immediately follows his discussion of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts") and precedes his detailed instructions on their proper use in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"). Paul introduces love as "a more excellent way" in [1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way"), emphasizing its supremacy over even the most spectacular spiritual manifestations. Verses [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Characteristics of Love") provide a series of positive and negative attributes of *agape*, defining its character. Verse 6 specifically addresses love's moral alignment, asserting what it rejects and what it embraces, thereby establishing a foundational principle for ethical conduct within the Christian community and highlighting that true love cannot coexist with, or find pleasure in, sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:**
The church in Corinth was a vibrant but deeply troubled community, marked by significant internal strife, moral compromises, and theological misunderstandings. Paul's first letter to them addresses a myriad of issues, including divisions and factions ([1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church")), sexual immorality ([1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Immorality in the Church")), lawsuits among believers ([1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits Among Believers")), and the arrogant misuse of spiritual gifts ([1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts")). In this environment, where unrighteousness was tolerated and even celebrated by some, Paul's declaration that love "rejoiceth not in iniquity" was a direct and potent rebuke. Conversely, his assertion that love "rejoiceth in the truth" called them back to the pure, unadulterated teachings of Christ and the ethical demands of the Gospel, challenging them to align their affections and actions with divine righteousness rather than worldly standards.

* **Key Themes:**
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "The Book of 1 Corinthians") and Christian theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Supremacy of Love** as the essential virtue that governs all Christian life and practice. Without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts or acts of sacrifice are meaningless ([1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love is Essential")). Secondly, it highlights **Love's Moral Integrity**, demonstrating that true *agape* is not sentimental or permissive, but possesses an unwavering commitment to righteousness. It actively opposes evil and cannot find joy in sin, whether one's own or that of others. This theme is crucial for a church struggling with ethical lapses. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Affirmation of Truth** as a core component of love. Love's delight in truth links it directly to God's character, as God is inherently truthful and righteous. This implies that genuine love seeks, upholds, and rejoices in divine revelation and moral rectitude, providing a counter-narrative to the deceit and unrighteousness prevalent in the world and within the Corinthian community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoiceth (Greek, _chaírō'_):** (G5463) This primary verb means "to be cheerful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off." In its initial usage in the verse ("Rejoiceth not in iniquity"), it signifies an active absence of delight or pleasure. Love does not find happiness or satisfaction in wrongdoing. The second instance, "rejoiceth in the truth," uses *synchaírō* (G4796), a compound of *syn* (with) and *chaírō*, meaning "to sympathize in gladness, congratulate." This intensifies the meaning, suggesting a shared, deep delight and affirmation in truth, as if love itself participates fully in the joy that truth brings.
* **Iniquity (Greek, _adikía'_):** (G93) Derived from *ádikos* (unrighteous), this term refers to "injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)." It encompasses unrighteousness, wrongdoing, and any action or state contrary to divine or human law and justice. Love, by its very nature, cannot celebrate or condone that which is unjust or unrighteous.
* **Truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** (G225) From *alēthḗs* (true), this word signifies "truth, verity." It denotes not merely factual accuracy but also reality, sincerity, and divine revelation. In a theological sense, it points to what is genuine, honest, consistent with God's character, and aligned with His revealed will. Love finds its deepest satisfaction and joy in this ultimate reality as defined by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rejoiceth not in iniquity":** This clause emphatically states love's inherent aversion to wrongdoing. The Greek verb *chaírō* (to rejoice, be glad) combined with the negative particle *ou* (not) indicates that love does not, and cannot, take pleasure in unrighteousness (*adikía*). This is a strong moral declaration: love is fundamentally incompatible with sin, injustice, or any form of moral wrong. It grieves over evil rather than celebrating it, standing in stark contrast to a world that often finds amusement or satisfaction in the downfall or misdeeds of others.
* **"but rejoiceth in the truth":** This contrasting clause reveals love's positive orientation. The conjunction "but" (Greek *dé*) introduces a strong antithesis. Love finds its joy and affirmation in *alḗtheia*, which extends beyond mere facts to encompass moral integrity, divine revelation, and the very nature of God. The use of *synchaírō* (to rejoice with, to congratulate) here suggests an active, participatory delight. Love aligns itself with, embraces, and celebrates what is genuine, righteous, and consistent with God's character and Word. It finds its ultimate satisfaction in the light of God's truth, fostering honesty, integrity, and spiritual authenticity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 13:6](/1_corinthians/13-6 "1 Corinthians 13:6") to convey love's nature. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "iniquity" with "truth" and love's reaction to each. This stark opposition highlights love's clear moral boundaries and its unwavering commitment to righteousness. By stating what love does *not* do before what it *does* do, Paul creates a powerful rhetorical effect, emphasizing the absolute rejection of evil. Furthermore, **Personification** is evident, as love (*agape*) is presented as an active agent capable of "rejoicing" or "not rejoicing." This imbues love with a dynamic, volitional quality, making it more than an abstract concept; it is a living principle that guides actions and attitudes. This personification helps the reader understand love as a transformative force that shapes one's moral compass.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration that love rejects iniquity and embraces truth is deeply rooted in the very character of God. God Himself is pure truth and perfect righteousness; there is no darkness or injustice in Him ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")). Therefore, *agape*, being a divine attribute, inherently reflects this nature. When believers are called to love, they are called to embody this God-like integrity—to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, finding their joy not in the fleeting pleasures of sin but in the enduring reality of God's revealed will. This theological connection elevates love beyond a mere human emotion, positioning it as a participation in the divine moral order, compelling believers to align their affections and actions with the holy and truthful nature of their Creator.

* [Psalm 119:104](/psalms/119-104 "Psalm 119:104 - Hatred of False Ways")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Love Without Hypocrisy")
* [3 John 1:4](/3_john/1-4 "3 John 1:4 - Walking in Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 13:6 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly assess the true source of our joy and the alignment of our affections. In a world increasingly desensitized to moral decay and often finding entertainment in others' failures, this verse calls believers to a radical counter-cultural stance. Do we genuinely grieve over sin and injustice, both in our own lives and in the broader society, or do we secretly delight in gossip, scandal, or the moral compromises of others? Do we find our deepest satisfaction in the pursuit and embrace of truth—God's Word, His character, and righteous living—even when it is unpopular or inconvenient? This passage urges us to cultivate a heart that actively recoils from evil and passionately embraces what is true, just, and pure. It compels us to live with integrity, ensuring that our inner moral compass is calibrated to God's standards, finding our ultimate contentment in upholding what is right and honoring God in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I find my joy and satisfaction? Does it align with love's rejection of iniquity and embrace of truth?**
* **How does my daily life, including my thoughts, words, and media consumption, reflect a genuine aversion to wrongdoing and a delight in God's truth?**
* **In what specific areas am I tempted to compromise truth for personal comfort, social acceptance, or fleeting pleasure, and how can I cultivate a deeper love for righteousness?**

### FAQ

**What does "iniquity" specifically refer to in this context, given the Corinthian church's issues?**

Answer: In this context, "iniquity" (Greek *adikía*) refers broadly to unrighteousness, injustice, and moral wrongdoing. Given the specific issues in the Corinthian church, it would encompass their internal divisions and factions ([1 Corinthians 1](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1 - Divisions in the Church")), the sexual immorality Paul addresses in [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Immorality in the Church"), their tendency to take fellow believers to court ([1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits Among Believers")), and the arrogant misuse of spiritual gifts that led to disorder and pride. Love, as Paul defines it, cannot find pleasure or satisfaction in any of these forms of unrighteousness; instead, it would be grieved by them and seek their correction.

**How does love "rejoice in the truth"?**

Answer: Love "rejoices in the truth" by actively finding delight, affirmation, and satisfaction in what is genuine, honest, and consistent with God's character and revelation. The "truth" (Greek *alḗtheia*) here is not merely factual accuracy but encompasses moral rectitude, divine revelation, and the very person of God, who is truth. Love aligns itself with God's Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")), His righteous standards, and the reality of His kingdom. It celebrates integrity, transparency, and the triumph of justice. This means love is not naive or blind to reality; it embraces what is real and right, even when it is difficult, and finds profound joy in living in accordance with God's revealed will and upholding His standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 13:6 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential embodiment of *agape* love, and His life perfectly demonstrated a complete rejection of iniquity and an unwavering delight in truth. Jesus consistently exposed and condemned sin, never finding joy in unrighteousness, whether in the religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees or the moral failings of His disciples. Yet, His love for sinners compelled Him to seek their redemption. Most profoundly, Jesus declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). His entire ministry was a revelation of divine truth, and His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love that dealt decisively with human iniquity, allowing those who believe to be reconciled to God and walk in righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). As believers, we are called to imitate this Christ-like love, empowered by the Holy Spirit to hate what is evil and cling to what is good ([Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Love Without Hypocrisy")), finding our deepest joy in Him who is the Truth, and living lives that reflect His perfect love and righteousness ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking the Truth in Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

3 John 1:3

¶ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

2 John 1:4

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

Romans 1:32

Who 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 2:12

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Hosea 4:8

They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.