FocusThe indispensable motive
Connection to the wholePaul shows that impressive gifts, knowledge, and sacrifice lose their proper value when love is absent.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 13:1
KJVThough I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Read it in context
Gifts without love
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 13:1 (1 Corinthians 13:1 to 1 Corinthians 13:3).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul shows that impressive gifts, knowledge, and sacrifice lose their proper value when love is absent.
- 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
- 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
- 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 11:1–14:40): Paul instructs the Corinthian congregation about worship, the Lord's supper, spiritual gifts, love, and orderly participation in the assembly. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Gifts without love. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1 through 1 Corinthians 13:3 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul shows that impressive gifts, knowledge, and sacrifice lose their proper value when love is absent. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Gifts without love (1 Corinthians 13:1 to 1 Corinthians 13:3). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 13:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 13:1, 1 Corinthians 13:3, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- I speak 1 Cor 13:2-3 1 Cor 12:8,16,29-30 1 Cor 14:6 2 Cor 12:4 2 Pet 2:18
- have not 1 Cor 8:1 Matt 25:45 Rom 14:15 Gal 5:6,22 1 Tim 1:5 1 Pet 4:8
- as 1 Cor 14:7-8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 13
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands. Chapter 13 stands within Paul's discussion of spiritual gifts in chapters 12–14.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Love's character
1 Corinthians 13:4–7FocusConduct toward others
Connection to the wholeThe description identifies the manner of life that should govern the Corinthians' relationships and exercise of gifts.
interpretation Love's enduring place
1 Corinthians 13:8–13FocusThe partial and the complete
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts the present partial state with fuller knowledge and concludes by identifying love's preeminence alongside faith and hope.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Divisions and God's wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation Liberty and responsibility
1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.