1 Corinthians13
New International Version
1If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
12For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Corinthians 13.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The necessity and advantage of the grace of love. (1–3). Its excellency represented by its properties and effects; (4–7). and by its abiding, and its superiority. (8–13).
vv1-3
The excellent way had in view in the close of the former chapter, is not what is meant by charity in our common use of the word, almsgiving, but love in its fullest meaning; true love to God and man. Without this, the most glorious gifts are of no account to us, of no esteem in the sight of God. A clear head and a deep understanding, are of no value without a benevolent and charitable heart. There may be an open and lavish hand, where there is not a liberal and charitable heart. Doing good to others will do none to us, if it be not done from love to God, and good-will to men. If we give away all we have, while we withhold the heart from God, it will not profit. Nor even the most painful sufferings. How are those deluded who look for acceptance and reward for their good works, which are as scanty and defective as they are corrupt and selfish!
vv4-7
Some of the effects of charity are stated, that we may know whether we have this grace; and that if we have not, we may not rest till we have it. This love is a clear proof of regeneration, and is a touchstone of our professed faith in Christ. In this beautiful description of the nature and effects of love, it is meant to show the Corinthians that their conduct had, in many respects, been a contrast to it. Charity is an utter enemy to selfishness; it does not desire or seek its own praise, or honour, or profit, or pleasure. Not that charity destroys all regard to ourselves, or that the charitable man should neglect himself and all his interests. But charity never seeks its own to the hurt of others, or to neglect others. It ever prefers the welfare of others to its private advantage. How good-natured and amiable is Christian charity! How excellent would Christianity appear to the world, if those who profess it were more under this Divine principle, and paid due regard to the command on which its blessed Author laid the chief stress! Let us ask whether this Divine love dwells in our hearts. Has this principle guided us into becoming behaviour to all men? Are we willing to lay aside selfish objects and aims? Here is a call to watchfulness, diligence, and prayer.
vv8-13
Charity is much to be preferred to the gifts on which the Corinthians prided themselves. From its longer continuance. It is a grace, lasting as eternity. The present state is a state of childhood, the future that of manhood. Such is the difference between earth and heaven. What narrow views, what confused notions of things, have children when compared with grown men! Thus shall we think of our most valued gifts of this world, when we come to heaven. All things are dark and confused now, compared with what they will be hereafter. They can only be seen as by the reflection in a mirror, or in the description of a riddle; but hereafter our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. It is the light of heaven only, that will remove all clouds and darkness that hide the face of God from us. To sum up the excellences of charity, it is preferred not only to gifts, but to other graces, to faith and hope. Faith fixes on the Divine revelation, and assents thereto, relying on the Divine Redeemer. Hope fastens on future happiness, and waits for that; but in heaven, faith will be swallowed up in actual sight, and hope in enjoyment. There is no room to believe and hope, when we see and enjoy. But there, love will be made perfect. There we shall perfectly love God. And there we shall perfectly love one another. Blessed state! how much surpassing the best below! God is love, 1Jo 4:8, 16. Where God is to be seen as he is, and face to face, there charity is in its greatest height; there only will it be perfected.
Key Words
ἐάν (eán): a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
λαλέω (laléō): to talk, i.e. utter words
γλῶσσα (glōssa): the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos): from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἄγγελος (ángelos): compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
ἔχω (échō): to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
μή (mḗ): (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas G3756 (οὐ) expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀγάπη (agápē): love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
Cross References
1 Corinthians 13Jesus' statement on faith removing mountains; directly referenced and explained by Poole, Calvin, and JFB.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Calvin highlights love as the 'bond of perfectness' and the crowning virtue among all graces.
Supported by John Calvin
Calvin identifies love (charity) as the end of the law and commandment from a pure heart.
Supported by John Calvin
Prophesying and doing miracles in Christ's name without true relational love and knowledge of Him.
Supported by JFB
Faith without works (manifested in love) is dead, paralleling Paul's 'I am nothing'.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts knowledge that puffs up with charity which builds up and is not puffed up.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Fervent charity covers a multitude of sins, paralleling 'thinketh no evil' and bearing all.
Supported by JFB
The immediate application to pursue charity above spiritual gifts, bridging chapters 12-14.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
The three Hebrew youths yielded their bodies to be burned, a supreme example of suffering.
Supported by JFB
Love works no ill to its neighbor and is the fulfillment of the law.
Supported by John Calvin
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins; directly referenced under 'thinketh no evil'.
Supported by JFB
Admonition to be children in malice but mature men in understanding, reinforcing verse 11.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy, mirroring charity.
Supported by JFB
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth; matches 'seeketh not her own'.
Supported by Matthew Henry