1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – 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."
What This Verse Means
Paul defines love not by feelings but by behaviors. Love is patient when tested, kind when it could be harsh, humble when it could boast, and selfless when it could grab. Each attribute is an action, not an emotion.
The list of what love does NOT do is equally important: no envy, no pride, no selfishness, no record-keeping of wrongs. Love is defined as much by its restraint as by its action.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church was obsessed with spiritual gifts and divided by factions. Paul interrupts his discussion of gifts to show that without love, all gifts are worthless. Love is the 'more excellent way.'
How to Apply This Today
Replace 'charity/love' with your name and read the verse. Where it doesn't fit, you've found your growth area. Practice one love-attribute intentionally each day.
Related Verses
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 13:4-5
Lord, teach me to love like this — patient, kind, humble, and selfless. Transform my love from emotion into action that reflects Your character. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Quiz — The Love Chapter
Paul's hymn to charity — the more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Meaning & Devotional
Love
1 Corinthians 13:4 Commentary
In-depth study • Love
1 Peter 4:8 — Meaning & Devotional
Fervent Love
Love Bible Quiz
Charity, the greatest commandment, and the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13.
Bible Verses About Charity
10 curated KJV verses
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 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 — 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
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.