1 Corinthians 13:4

Translations

Modern

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Traditional

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

Literal

Love is patient, it is kind; love does not envy, love does not boast, it is not puffed up.

Latin

Caritas patiens est, benigna est. Caritas non æmulatur, non agit perperam, non inflatur,

Original

Greek

English

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Notes

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

This description of Christian love highlights the readiness to sacrifice personal desires for the benefit of others (see also 8:1–10:33; Romans 5:6–8; 15:3; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:4–8).

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Giving up Rights Love in the Community of Christ Loving Others Tolerance

Related verses

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Galatians 5:21–22
…and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
1 John 4:11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
James 3:14–17
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
1 John 3:16–18
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.
2 Peter 1:7
…and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
Luke 6:35–36
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Glossary

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

Topics

1 Corinthians 13:4

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