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 (KJV)
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What Does 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Mean?
Paul's famous description of love (charity in KJV) provides a practical definition through actions. True love is patient, kind, humble, forgiving, truthful, protective, and enduring.
How to Apply This Verse
This passage serves as a mirror for self-examination. Replace 'charity' with your name to see where you need growth. True love is demonstrated through actions, not just feelings.
Historical Context
Paul wrote this around AD 55 to a deeply divided Corinthian church where members competed over spiritual gifts. The 'love chapter' wasn't written for weddings—it was a rebuke. The Corinthians were using gifts for self-promotion; Paul showed them that without love, even miraculous abilities meant nothing. Corinth was a morally corrupt Roman port city.
Original Language
'Agapē' was rarely used in secular Greek literature. Early Christians essentially repurposed this word to describe God's unconditional, sacrificial love. Unlike 'eros' (romantic desire) or 'philia' (brotherly affection), agapē chooses to love regardless of the recipient's worthiness.
Go Deeper
Study 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Further
Related Teachings
Beatitudes, Commandments, and Parables connected to this verse:
Related Miracles
Signs and wonders connected to this passage:
Water from the Rock
Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out to give Israel drink.
Read the miracleThe Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin, death, and the grave.
Read the miracleThe Passover — Firstborn Spared
The blood of a spotless lamb on the doorposts spared every Israelite firstborn the night Egypt's firstborn died.
Read the miraclePentecost — Tongues of Fire
The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.
Read the miracleRelated Scriptures
More Verses About Love
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.