What Does 2 Corinthians 13:8 Mean in the King James?

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

2 Corinthians 13:8 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Truth is not something human action can finally defeat; every act is measured by what it reveals.

THE MEANING

Your actions cannot make truth false or finally silence it. Even what seems to oppose it cannot overthrow it; what is done for it brings that reality into view.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The belief that enough resistance can make a lie true or leave truth powerless.

THE ROOT

ἀλήθεια

alētheia

GROWS FROM

⁨ληθ-⁩ / ⁨λανθαν-⁩ (lēth- / lanthan-)

Be hidden or escape notice; ⁨ἀλήθεια⁩ is commonly understood in relation to what is unhidden or disclosed.

English “truth” can sound like a claim to argue over, while the Greek word is linked to what is hidden or escapes notice. The verse says action cannot make what is true disappear: even opposition cannot overturn it.

ALSO GROWS

lanthanō: Be hidden; escape notice.

λανθάνω

This word-family link gives truth the sense of what cannot ultimately remain concealed.

lēthē: Forgetfulness; oblivion.

λήθη

Its connection to concealment sharpens the contrast: truth is not erased simply because it is resisted or forgotten.

THE PATTERN

Truth outlasts resistance and brings human action into its service.

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 117:2 · KJVThe truth of the LORD endures beyond the reach of any opposition.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32 · KJVTruth does not merely survive resistance; it brings freedom into view.

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Romans 3:4 · KJVEven if every human voice contradicts it, truth remains the measure.

THE THREAD

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

3 John 1:8 · KJV

The Greek word for “truth” is ⁨ἀλήθεια⁩ (alētheia) in both verses. 3 John gives a concrete shape to being “for the truth”: becoming its fellowhelper.

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