Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 13:6
Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church to define love’s character within a broader discussion of spiritual gifts. He places this definition between the rejection of selfish anger and the command to endure all things.
The words — The particle οὐ (ou) negates χαίρει (chairei, delights) to explicitly state that love does not delight at unrighteousness (ἀδικίας, adikia). The provided lexical data defines the compound verb συγχαίρει (sugchairei) strictly as "rejoices."
The thread — This contrast between rejecting evil and affirming truth parallels the command in Romans 12:9 to detest what is evil and cling to what is good. It also aligns with the apostolic joy recorded in 3 John 1:3 and 2 John 1:4 when believers walk in the truth.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to examine whether their conduct aligns with truth rather than excuse moral failure. It demands a conscious rejection of wrongdoing and a deliberate affirmation of what is objectively true.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Cross-references
- Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
- 3 John 1:3 For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
- 2 John 1:4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.
- Romans 1:32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.
- Hosea 4:8 They feed on the sins of My people and set their hearts on iniquity.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:12 in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
- Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright.
- Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
- Luke 19:41 As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it
- Jeremiah 13:17 But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.