Keraia
1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13:3

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

Translations

Modern
If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And if I should give away all my possessions, and if I should deliver up my body that I may boast, but have not love, I am profited nothing.
Latin
Et si distribuero in cibos pauperum omnes facultates meas, et si tradidero corpus meum ita ut ardeam, caritatem autem non habuero, nihil mihi prodest.

Original

Greek
English
If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Notes

1 Corinthians 13:3

  • exult in the surrender of my body: Some manuscripts say sacrificed my body to be burned. A copyist could have easily changed the text by accident, as in Greek, the two readings differ by only one letter. It is unclear which reading is better. However, the manuscripts supporting the reading exult in instead of sacrificed are generally more reliable.

  • I gain nothing: Even the most impressive sacrificial acts mean nothing if not motivated by love.

1 Corinthians 13:1–3

Spiritual gifts do not determine our worth to God or the church. Without love, spiritual gifts have no value.

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 Love Music Mystery Poetry, Biblical Prophecy Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Christian Conduct: Loving One Another Graces: (Christian) How to Act Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Love of Man for Man Love to Man: The Greatest Sacrifices are Nothing Without Martyrdom: General Scriptures Concerning Persecution of the Righteous Poor: Duty To Religion: True Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Righteousness: Fruits of Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Select Readings: Charity Self Sacrifice Uncharitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Vanity: Alms Giving Without Charity Is Vanity: Almsgiving Without Love Is Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation