1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Meaning & Devotional
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
What This Verse Means
Paul's famous description of love is not sentimental poetry — it's a practical checklist. Each descriptor is an action, not a feeling. Love is patient when provoked, kind when it could be harsh, and humble when it could boast.
Read this passage with your own name in place of 'charity' and you'll quickly see where you fall short. Then read it with 'Jesus' in place of 'charity' and you'll see the perfect model of love in action.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church was obsessed with spiritual gifts, especially tongues. Paul placed this love chapter between two discussions about gifts to show that without love, even the most spectacular gifts are worthless. Love is the more excellent way.
How to Apply This Today
Pick one descriptor of love each day and practice it intentionally. Today, be patient. Tomorrow, choose kindness. Let this passage transform love from an abstract ideal into daily, practical action.
Related Verses
1 Corinthians 13:13
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
1 John 4:8
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
Colossians 3:14
"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
🙏 A Prayer from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Lord, I confess that my love often falls short of this standard. Teach me to love as You love — patiently, kindly, humbly, and enduringly. Let Your love flow through me today in every interaction. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Meaning & Devotional
Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Commentary
In-depth study • Love
Bible Verses About Charity
10 curated KJV verses
Jeremiah 31:3 — Meaning & Devotional
God's Love
1 Peter 4:8 — Meaning & Devotional
Fervent Love
1 Corinthians 13:4 Commentary
In-depth study • Love
Free printable companion
More Devotionals on Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
More Verse Devotionals on Love
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 — Love
- Matthew 22:37-39 — Love
- Luke 6:31 — Love
- John 13:34-35 — Love
- John 13:34 — Love
- Matthew 22:37-39 — Love
- Matthew 5:44 — Love
- Matthew 22:37-39 — Love
- John 13:34 — Love
- Matthew 5:44 — Love
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.