1 Corinthians 13:6

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:6 (KJV)

This verse is a pivotal part of the Apostle Paul's renowned discourse on love, often called the "love chapter." In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul meticulously describes the characteristics of true, divine love (agape), contrasting it with the self-serving or misguided expressions of love prevalent in the Corinthian church and beyond. Verse 6 specifically highlights love's moral compass, demonstrating what it truly delights in and what it decisively rejects.

Historical and Cultural Context

The church in Corinth was known for its spiritual gifts but also for significant issues like divisions, immorality, and pride. Paul's letter aims to correct these behaviors by emphasizing the supremacy of love as the foundational principle for all Christian conduct and spiritual expression. In this context, stating that love "rejoiceth not in iniquity" was a direct challenge to any tolerance of sin or unrighteousness that might have existed within the community, while "rejoiceth in the truth" called them back to the pure teachings of Christ and righteous living.

Key Themes

• Love's Moral Integrity: True love possesses an inherent moral compass that cannot find satisfaction or joy in wrongdoing. It stands in direct opposition to injustice, sin, and falsehood.
• Rejection of Iniquity: Love does not celebrate, endorse, or even passively accept what is morally wrong. It grieves over sin rather than taking pleasure in it, whether it's one's own sin or the sin of others.
• Affirmation of Truth: Conversely, love finds its deepest joy and satisfaction in truth. This "truth" encompasses not only factual accuracy but also moral rectitude, divine revelation, and the very nature of God Himself. Love delights in righteousness, integrity, and the light of God's Word.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "rejoiceth not" translates the Greek ou chairei (οὐ χαίρει), meaning "does not take pleasure in" or "is not glad about." This indicates an active absence of delight in something negative.
• "Iniquity" comes from the Greek word adikia (ἀδικία), which signifies unrighteousness, injustice, or wrong-doing. It refers to a state contrary to divine or human law and justice.
• "Truth" is from the Greek alētheia (ἀλήθεια), which means not only factual truth but also reality, sincerity, and divine revelation. It points to what is genuine, honest, and consistent with God's character and Word. Love aligns itself with ultimate reality as defined by God.

Related Scriptures

This verse powerfully connects love with righteousness and truth. It aligns with Jesus' teaching that the truth will set you free and that love finds its joy not in the fleeting pleasures of sin, but in the enduring power of Christ, who is the Truth. Furthermore, it complements other characteristics of love described by Paul, such as love "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7), all of which are rooted in an embrace of truth and a rejection of falsehood.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 13:6 calls for a radical re-evaluation of what we celebrate and what we condemn.

• It challenges us to examine our attitudes towards sin, both in our own lives and in the world around us. Do we grieve over injustice and moral decay, or do we secretly delight in gossip, scandal, or the failures of others?
• It urges us to pursue truth actively in all areas of life—in our words, actions, relationships, and understanding of God. Our joy should stem from living in accordance with God's revealed will and upholding what is right and just.
• This verse encourages integrity. True love cannot be hypocritical; it must be genuine in its commitment to righteousness. It means standing for what is true, even when it is unpopular, and finding our greatest contentment in God's eternal standards.