By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

2 CORINTHIANS 6:7KJV
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2 Corinthians 6:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:7 mean?

In 2 Corinthians 6:7, Paul describes how he and his fellow workers carry out their service: they speak truthfully, depend on God’s power, and conduct themselves in a way that is right. These qualities are part of the answer to challenges against their work.

The image of armour on both the right and left suggests a person equipped on both sides. Paul uses that image to describe righteousness: doing what is right before God and toward others.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 6:7

  • “armour” — ὅπλον (hoplon): This word can mean a weapon or a piece of military equipment. The image can include equipment used for both defense and attack.
  • “righteousness” — δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē): This word carries the sense of what is right or just. Paul pairs it with military equipment, turning right conduct into a picture of readiness.

Why 2 Corinthians 6:7 matters

  • Paul includes his message as well as his conduct. The phrase “word of truth” points to what he communicates, while “righteousness” describes the character associated with his work.
  • Paul connects his service to a power beyond his own. “The power of God” appears in the same list as the qualities of Paul and his fellow workers.
  • Paul presents these qualities as part of a larger account of his service under pressure. In verses 4–5, he mentions hardships and beatings; verse 7 shows what accompanies his work amid such conditions.

Where else these words appear

“left” Greek G710 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

“armour” Greek G3696 · used in 5 verses

  • John 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;