1
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.

3
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

4
Love is patient; love is kind; it envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5
doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6
rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7
beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8
Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13
And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

📖 1 Corinthians 13 – The Greatest Love

🧾 Summary

In this chapter, Paul declares that love (agape) is the chief character that must underlie all gifts and service. He shows that without love, every spiritual gift is of no value. Love is greater than faith and hope, and love never fails.

✨ Explanation by Section

1. Without Love, All Things Are Worthless (verses 1–3)

“Though I bestow all my goods… yet if I have not love, it profiteth me nothing.”

• Paul emphasizes that even remarkable gifts such as prophecy, knowledge, faith that moves mountains, or giving all one’s possessions mean nothing if they are not joined with love.
• Love is the heart of the Christian life, not merely outward action but the motive of the heart.

💡 Lesson: Great deeds without love only produce spiritual emptiness.

2. The True Marks of Love (verses 4–7)

“Love is patient; love is kind; it envieth not. Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”

• Paul sets forth 15 marks of true love, including:

• • Patient, kind

  • Not envious, not proud

  • Not seeking its own advantage

  • Not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs

  • Believing, hoping, enduring all things

💡 Lesson: Love is active, not merely a feeling. True love is seen in daily conduct.

3. Love Never Fails (verses 8–13)

“And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

• Gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will come to an end, but love abideth.
• Faith and hope are important, but love is the highest because it will remain even in eternity.

💡 Lesson: In eternal life, love remains the foundation of our relationship with God and with one another.

📘 Main Teaching of 1 Corinthians 13

1. Without love, spiritual gifts and service are vain.
2. True love is shown through humility, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
3. Love is the foundation of the believer’s life.
4. Love does not depend on circumstances; it endures in every condition.
5. Love is the greatest and most enduring spiritual quality.

✨ The Spiritual Meaning of 1 Corinthians 13

This chapter calls every believer to examine the motives behind their service and actions. The Lord cares more for a loving heart than for outward display. In a world that often prizes achievement, Paul emphasizes character.