Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1 CORINTHIANS 13:6KJV
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1 Corinthians 13:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 13:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 13:6 says that love does not find joy in wrongdoing or injustice, but instead finds joy in what is true and right. This verse highlights that real love is not pleased when something wrong happens, but is glad when the truth is honored.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining what genuine love looks like in everyday life. The verse is part of a larger section where Paul describes love’s qualities, showing that love is not just about feelings but about valuing what is good and true, even when it is difficult.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 13:6

  • ἀδικίᾳ (adikia, G93): This word is often understood as “unrighteousness” or “injustice.” Paul uses it to show that love does not celebrate when something unfair or wrong happens, even if it might benefit us.
  • ἀληθείᾳ (alētheia, G225): This word means “truth.” In this context, it points to more than just factual accuracy; it includes honesty, integrity, and what is right in God’s eyes. Love finds its joy when truth is upheld.
  • συγχαίρει (sugchairei, G4796): This word means “rejoices with.” The Greek here carries the sense of joining in someone else’s joy, especially when truth prevails. Love is not neutral about right and wrong—it actively celebrates what is good.

Why 1 Corinthians 13:6 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that love means ignoring or excusing wrongdoing; instead, it insists that love cannot be separated from moral goodness.
  • Paul’s words connect love to truth and justice, showing that love is not just about kindness but about standing with what is right.
  • In the context of the Corinthian church, where there were divisions and moral issues, this verse reminds believers that true love never delights in harm or falsehood, but always seeks what is best and true for others.

Where else these words appear

“rejoiceth” Greek G4796 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 1:58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
  • Luke 15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
  • Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

“iniquity” Greek G93 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
  • Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

“Rejoiceth” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.