What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 mean?
Paul wrote this famous chapter to a gifted but divided church in Corinth, where believers competed over spiritual gifts. He insists that without love, even the most impressive gifts are worthless. "Charity" is the King James word for agape, the self-giving love God shows us. Paul describes it by what it does. It "suffereth long," meaning it is patient with people for a long time. It is kind, actively doing good. It does not envy what others have, does not boast ("vaunteth not itself"), and is not "puffed up" with pride. Though often read at weddings, the verse was first written to a church, describing how every Christian should treat others.
1 Corinthians 13:4 in the World English Bible
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,
Context
3 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.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
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Frequently asked questions
What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 mean?
Paul wrote this famous chapter to a gifted but divided church in Corinth, where believers competed over spiritual gifts. He insists that without love, even the most impressive gifts are worthless. "Charity" is the King James word for agape, the self-giving love God shows us. Paul describes it by what it does. It "suffereth long," meaning it is patient with people for a long time. It is kind, actively doing good. It does not envy what others have, does not boast ("vaunteth not itself"), and is not "puffed up" with pride. Though often read at weddings, the verse was first written to a church, describing how every Christian should treat others.
What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 say in the KJV?
1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) reads: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”