Keraia
1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13:13

Love · 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Read 1 Corinthians 13

Translations

Modern
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.
Traditional
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Literal
But now these three things remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.
Latin
Nunc autem manent fides, spes, caritas, tria hæc: major autem horum est caritas.

Original

Greek
English
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.

Notes

1 Corinthians 13:13

Faith, hope, and love are more important than spiritual gifts because they last forever (see also Romans 5:1–5; Galatians 5:5–6; Colossians 1:4–5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8). Of the three, the greatest is love, because love is the essential nature of God himself (see 1 John 4:7–12, 16–21). Therefore, love should define our relationship with him and others.

1 Corinthians 13:8–13

Love, unlike spiritual gifts, will endure forever.

1 Corinthians 13:1–13

Paul pauses his discussion of spiritual gifts (which he continues in chapter 14) to stress that love is more important than any spiritual gift (see 8:1–3). The most important goal for Christians is to become deeply and consistently loving individuals.

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Clement, Epistle of First Letter to the Corinthians God, Being and Attributes of Love Music Mystery Poetry, Biblical Prophecy

Topics

Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Christian Conduct: Loving One Another Fruit of the Spirit Graces: (Christian) Hope: Connected with Faith and Love Hope: General Scriptures Concerning Lack of Love Love of Man for Man Love to Man is an Abiding Principle Love Yourself Loving Each Other Loving Others Loving your Children Religion: True Righteousness: Fruits of Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Select Readings: Charity Sisterly Love Spiritual Gifts