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 13:7
KJVBeareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Read it in context
The Excellence of Charity
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 13:1 (1 Corinthians 13:1 to 1 Corinthians 13:13).
The entire chapter is a cohesive unit dedicated to describing the nature, importance, and enduring quality of charity (love), contrasting it with spiritual gifts.
- 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 of this passage is the supreme and enduring nature of 'charity' (love), which is described through its various characteristics. Verse 7 specifically highlights charity's active qualities: it 'Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.'
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that charity is the most excellent way for believers to live and exercise spiritual gifts. It is a foundational virtue that surpasses temporary spiritual manifestations and is essential for true spiritual maturity and effective ministry.
- What is the literary style? This passage is part of an epistle, specifically a didactic and descriptive section that uses rhetorical comparisons to elevate charity above other spiritual gifts. It employs a poetic and illustrative style to define and extol the virtues of love.
When
- When was it written? The epistle of 1 Corinthians was written around A.D. 55. book background
- When does the event take place? The writing of this epistle occurred during Paul's third missionary journey. The characteristics of charity described are timeless principles for Christian living.
Where
- Where did it happen? The characteristics of charity described in the passage are universal principles for Christian conduct, not tied to a specific geographical event within the text itself.
- Where was the author located? Paul wrote this epistle from Ephesus. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Excellence of Charity (1 Corinthians 13:1 to 1 Corinthians 13:13). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 13:1. The entire chapter is a cohesive unit dedicated to describing the nature, importance, and enduring quality of charity (love), contrasting it with spiritual gifts.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This chapter is strategically placed between 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, which discuss the diversity and proper use of spiritual gifts. Chapter 13 serves as an essential interlude, emphasizing that the *manner* in which gifts are exercised, specifically with charity, is paramount. It provides the overarching principle that governs all spiritual gifts and Christian conduct, showing that without charity, even the most impressive gifts are profitless. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of charity as described in this passage. He 'beareth all things' by taking upon Himself the sins of the world and enduring the cross. He 'believeth all things' in the Father's perfect will and plan of redemption. He 'hopeth all things' for the salvation and restoration of humanity. And He 'endureth all things' through His suffering, death, and resurrection, demonstrating perfect, unwavering love for God and mankind. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers are called to actively cultivate and demonstrate this enduring, hopeful, and trusting charity in all aspects of life. This means patiently bearing with the faults and weaknesses of others, choosing to believe the best about them, maintaining hope even in challenging relationships or circumstances, and persevering through difficulties with a loving attitude, rather than giving up or becoming cynical. It is a call to live out Christ's love in our daily interactions. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 13:1, 1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:3, 1 Corinthians 13:7, 1 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Corinthians 13:13
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
- Beareth 1 Cor 13:4 Num 11:12-14 Deut 1:9 Prov 10:12 Song 8:6-7 Rom 15:1 Gal 6:2 Heb 13:13
- believeth Ps 119:66
- hopeth Luke 7:37-39,44-46 Luke 19:4-10 Rom 8:24
- endureth 1 Cor 9:18-22 Gen 29:20 Job 13:15 Matt 10:22 2 Cor 11:8-12 2 Thess 1:4 2 Tim 2:3-10,24 2 Tim 3:11
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.