Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 13:8
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church at the close of his letter, addressing their readiness for his upcoming visit and their current spiritual condition. He positions his own apostolic standing as secondary to a higher standard.
The words — δυνάμεθα (dunametha) literally means "we are able" or "we have power," and ἀληθείας (alētheias) translates as "truth." The grammar constructs a limitation, declaring that human capability cannot oppose this reality.
The thread — The text aligns with Proverbs 21:30 and Acts 4:28, which state that human wisdom or action cannot override divine decree. The surrounding passage in 2 Corinthians 13:7–9 reinforces that spiritual outcomes depend on God’s work rather than visible human performance.
Why it lands — The verse states that believers cannot act against divine truth but only in support of it. Readers must stop measuring spiritual validity by outward results and instead submit their efforts to God’s established reality.
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
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
- Mark 9:39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me.
- Acts 4:28 They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.
- Numbers 16:28 Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing:
- Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
- Acts 5:1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
- 1 Timothy 1:20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
- 2 Kings 2:23 From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!”
- Proverbs 26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
- Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;