1 Corinthians 13:6

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 13:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, etc.] Neither in his own, nor in others; but on the contrary is grieved for it; he mourns over his own iniquities, the corruption of his heart, the infirmities of his life, his secret sins, which none know but God and his own soul; he is greatly troubled at the profaneness and immorality of the men of the world, and the sins of professors cut him to the heart: nor does he rejoice in injustice, as the word used here may be rendered, in any unjust action or injury, that may be done to any, yea, even to an enemy; even as Christ, when Peter, in great zeal for him, drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the high priest’s servants, who was more busy than the rest…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“rejoiceth in the truth--rather, "rejoiceth with the truth." Exults not at the perpetration of iniquity (unrighteousness) by others (compare Gen 9:22-23), but rejoices when the truth rejoices; sympathizes with it in its triumphs (Jo2 1:4). See the opposite (Ti2 3:8), "Resist the truth." So "the truth" and "unrighteousness" are contrasted (Rom 2:8). "The truth" is the Gospel truth, the inseparable ally of love (Eph 4:15; Jo2 1:12). The false charity which compromises "the truth" by glossing over "iniquity" or unrighteousness is thus tacitly condemned (Pro 17:15).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity - Does not rejoice over the “vices” of other people; does not take delight when they are guilty of crime, or when, in any manner, they fall into sin. It does not find pleasure in hearing others accused of sin, and in having it proved that they committed it. It does not find a malicious pleasure in the “report” that they have done wrong; or in following up that report, and finding it established. Wicked people often find pleasure in this Romans 1:32, and rejoice when others have fallen into sin, and have disgraced and ruined themselves. People of the world often find a malignant pleasure in the report, and in the evidence that a member of the Church has brought…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity - Yea, weeps at either the sin or folly of even an enemy; takes no pleasure in hearing or in repeating it, but desires it may be forgotten for ever. But rejoiceth in the truth - Bringing forth its proper fruit, holiness of heart and life. Good in general is its glory and joy, wherever diffused in all the world. 1 Corinthians 13:7”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rejoiceth not: Sa1 23:19-21; Sa2 4:10-12; Psa 10:3, Psa 119:136; Pro 14:9; Jer 9:1, Jer 13:17; Jer 20:10; Hos 4:8, Hos 7:3; Mic 7:8; Luk 19:41, Luk 19:42, Luk 22:5; Rom 1:32; Phi 3:18 rejoiceth: Exo 18:9; Jos 22:22-33; Rom 12:9; Co2 7:9-16; Phi 1:4, Phi 1:18, Phi 2:17, Phi 2:18; Th1 3:6-10; Jo2 1:4; Jo3 1:3 in the truth: or, "with the truth 1 Corinthians 13:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification