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2 Corinthians 13:8

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 13:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.
6But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.
7Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate.
8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting.
10For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
← 2 Corinthians 13:72 Corinthians 13:9 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For we can do nothing against the truth, etc..] The apostles had no power, nor could they, nor did they desire to exercise any against such who received the truth of the Gospel in the love of it; who continued in it, walked in it, and held it fast; who worshipped God in Spirit and in truth, and who walked uprightly, and as became the truth; for as the law is not made for such persons, but the reverse, so the authority the apostles had received from Christ was not to be exercised upon such: but for the truth: for the sake of defending the truth against those that dropped, denied, and opposed it; and for the honour of it, by chastising, correcting, reproving, censuring, and punishing such, who…”
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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
“Our apostolic power is given us that we may use it not against, but for the furtherance of, the truth. Where you are free from fault, there is no scope for its exercise: and this I desire. Far be it from me to use it against the innocent, merely in order to increase my own power (Co2 13:10).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For we - That is, we the apostles. Can do nothing against the truth ... - That is, we who are under the influence of the Spirit of God; who have been commissioned by him as apostles, can do nothing that shall be against the great system of truth which we are appointed to promulgate and defend. You need, therefore, apprehend no partial or severe discipline from us; no unjust construction of your conduct. Our aim is to promote the truth, and to do what is right; and we cannot, therefore, by any regard to our own reputation, or to any personal advantage, do what is wrong, or countenance, or desire what is wrong in others. We must wish that which is right to be done by others, whatever may be…”
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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
“For we can do nothing against the truth - Neither against that which is just and right, nor against those who walk according to the truth of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 13:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Co2 13:10, Co2 10:8; Num 16:28-35; Kg1 22:28; Kg2 1:9-13, Kg2 2:23-25; Pro 21:30; Pro 26:2; Mar 9:39, Mar 16:17-19; Luk 9:49-56; Act 4:28-30, Act 5:1-11, Act 13:3-12; Act 19:11-17; Co1 5:4, Co1 5:5; Ti1 1:20; Heb 2:3, Heb 2:4 2 Corinthians 13:9”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Corinthians 13 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification