1 Corinthians 13

KJV · Chapter 13/16

1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And 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.

3And 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.

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8Charity 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.

9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11When 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.

12For 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.

13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

📖 Chapter study

Summary

In this chapter, one of the most well-known in the Bible, Paul describes the superiority of love over any spiritual gift, however impressive it may be. He details the characteristics of true love and states that, among faith, hope, and love, love is the greatest.

Explanation

Strategically placed between two chapters on spiritual gifts, this passage corrects any temptation toward spiritual pride: speaking in tongues, prophesying, having knowledge, or even an extreme sacrifice are worth nothing without love. Paul then describes love not as a feeling but as a series of practical attitudes — patience, kindness, freedom from envy and pride, a hope that endures all things. The statement that love 'never fails,' while gifts like prophecy and tongues will cease, points to an eternal reality that transcends the temporary spiritual abilities of this life. Today's application is simple yet challenging: to measure every religious activity, every talent, and every sacrifice by the standard of genuine love for one's neighbor.

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