Gifts without love
1 Corinthians 13:1–3FocusThe indispensable motive
Connection to the wholePaul shows that impressive gifts, knowledge, and sacrifice lose their proper value when love is absent.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 13:4
KJVCharity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Read it in context
The Supremacy of Charity
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 13:1 (1 Corinthians 13:1 to 1 Corinthians 13:13).
This passage is a self-contained discourse on the nature and enduring importance of charity (love), often referred to as the 'Love Chapter'.
- 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.
- 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
- 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
- 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
- 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
- 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
- 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
- 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
- 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
- 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
- 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
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 main event or theme? The main theme is the nature and supremacy of 'charity' (love) over spiritual gifts and other good deeds. Verse 4 specifically details several key characteristics of charity, such as long-suffering, kindness, and humility.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the essential qualities of true charity, demonstrating that it is patient, kind, free from envy, not boastful, and not proud. These attributes are presented as foundational for Christian living and spiritual maturity.
- What is the literary style? This passage is part of an epistle, specifically a didactic (teaching) section that uses personification to describe the attributes of charity and contrasts it with other spiritual gifts and actions.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 55. book background
- When does the event take place? The letter was written during Paul's third missionary journey. The principles of charity described are timeless and apply to all periods of Christian life. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The characteristics of charity are universal principles for believers, not tied to a specific geographical event within the text.
- Where was the author located? Ephesus. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Supremacy of Charity (1 Corinthians 13:1 to 1 Corinthians 13:13). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 13:1. This passage is a self-contained discourse on the nature and enduring importance of charity (love), often referred to as the 'Love Chapter'.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of Paul's discourse on spiritual gifts (chapters 12-14). After emphasizing the unity and diversity of gifts in chapter 12, Paul introduces charity as 'a more excellent way' (1 Corinthians 12:31). Chapter 13, often called the 'love chapter,' elaborates on the indispensable nature and characteristics of charity, with verse 4 beginning the detailed description of its attributes, before returning to the proper exercise of gifts in chapter 14. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus Christ perfectly embodied all the characteristics of charity described in this passage. His entire life, ministry, and sacrificial death on the cross demonstrated ultimate long-suffering, kindness, humility, and selflessness, serving as the supreme example of divine love. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to actively cultivate and demonstrate these attributes of charity in all their relationships, both with God and with others. This passage serves as a practical guide for spiritual maturity, reminding us that true faith is expressed through patient, kind, humble, and selfless love, which is superior to all other spiritual gifts and actions. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 Corinthians 13:5-8, 1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 Corinthians 12:31, Proverbs 10:12, Ephesians 4:32, Galatians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 4:6
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
- suffereth Prov 10:12 2 Cor 6:6 Gal 5:22 Eph 4:2 Col 1:11 Col 3:12 2 Tim 2:25 2 Tim 3:10
- is kind Neh 9:17 Prov 19:22 Prov 31:20,26 Luke 6:35-36 Eph 4:32 Col 3:12 1 Pet 3:8 2 Pet 1:7
- envieth 1 Cor 3:3 Gen 30:1 Gen 37:11 Matt 27:18 Rom 1:29 Rom 13:13 2 Cor 12:20 Gal 5:21,26
- vaunteth not itself 1 Sam 25:21-22,33-34 1 Kgs 20:10-11 Ps 10:5 Prov 13:10 Prov 17:14 Prov 25:8-10 Eccl 7:8-9 Eccl 10:4
- is not 1 Cor 4:6,18 1 Cor 5:2 1 Cor 8:1 Col 2:18 Phil 2:1-5
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
FocusConduct 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.