1 Corinthians 12:31

KJV

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} covet earnestly {G2206} the best {G2909} gifts {G5486}: and {G2532} yet {G2089} shew I {G1166} unto you {G5213} a more {G2596} excellent {G5236} way {G3598}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eagerly seek the better gifts.

But now I will show you the best way of all.

Berean Standard Bible

But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

American Standard Version

But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 12:31 serves as a pivotal transition in Paul's discourse on spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Having meticulously explained the diversity and unity of gifts, and the church as the body of Christ, Paul concludes this section by urging believers to earnestly desire the more edifying spiritual gifts. However, he immediately pivots, announcing that he will show them an even "more excellent way," thereby introducing the profound and indispensable principle of *agape* love, which is the subject of the subsequent, renowned thirteenth chapter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's extensive teaching in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), where he addresses the Corinthians' confusion and potential divisions regarding spiritual gifts. Chapters 12 through 14 form a cohesive unit on this topic. In [1 Corinthians 12:1-11](/1_corinthians/12-1-11 "Diversity of Spiritual Gifts"), Paul identifies various gifts as manifestations of the same Spirit. In [1 Corinthians 12:12-26](/1_corinthians/12-12-26 "The Church as One Body with Many Members"), he employs the powerful metaphor of the body to emphasize unity in diversity, arguing that every member and every gift is essential. Verse 31, therefore, acts as a bridge, summarizing the call to pursue beneficial gifts while simultaneously setting the stage for the ultimate principle that governs all gift-use: love, which is then expounded in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Way of Love").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was characterized by a vibrant but often chaotic expression of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, which some members apparently valued above all others, leading to pride, division, and disorder. Corinth itself was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and prevalent pagan cults, many of which involved ecstatic experiences. This environment likely influenced the Corinthians' understanding and practice of spiritual phenomena, leading them to prioritize outward, spectacular manifestations over more humble, edifying gifts. Paul's letter seeks to correct these misconceptions, emphasizing order, unity, and the proper purpose of gifts: the edification of the entire community, not individual display or status.

* **Key Themes:** The immediate themes contributing to this verse are the **diversity and unity of spiritual gifts** (as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "Diversity of Gifts from One Spirit")), the **church as the body of Christ** (developed in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "The Body of Christ Metaphor")), and the **proper use of gifts for edification**. Verse 31 introduces the overarching theme of the **supremacy of love (agape)**, which transcends all gifts and provides the essential context and motivation for their exercise. This theme is fully developed in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "The Love Chapter"), where Paul argues that without love, even the most impressive spiritual manifestations are meaningless. The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **discernment**, as believers are encouraged to "covet earnestly the best gifts," implying a need to discern which gifts are truly most beneficial for the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covet Earnestly (Greek, _zēlóō_):** From Strong's G2206, this verb means "to have warmth of feeling for or against," "to be zealous for," or "eagerly desire." In this context, it carries a positive connotation, denoting a fervent, commendable zeal or passionate pursuit, distinct from the negative sense of coveting (as in the Ten Commandments). Paul encourages a zealous pursuit of gifts that build up the church, not a selfish craving for personal power or recognition.
* **Best (Greek, _kreíttōn_):** From Strong's G2909, this is a comparative adjective meaning "stronger" or, figuratively, "better" and "nobler." It suggests a qualitative distinction among gifts, implying that some gifts are more beneficial or effective for the common good and the edification of the body of Christ. This is not about personal preference but about communal utility and spiritual impact.
* **Excellent (Greek, _hyperbolḗ_):** From Strong's G5236, this noun means "a throwing beyond others," or "supereminence." Adverbially, as used here (with `katá`, G2596, meaning "according to" or "beyond"), it signifies something "pre-eminently" or "exceedingly" superior. Paul uses this strong term to emphasize that the "way" he is about to reveal—the way of love—is not merely better, but supremely, overwhelmingly superior to even the "best" spiritual gifts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But covet earnestly the best gifts":** This clause serves as a concluding exhortation to Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a slight shift or contrast, yet it doesn't negate the preceding discussion. Instead, it directs the Corinthians' zeal. Having established that all gifts are from the Spirit and are for the common good, Paul now encourages them to actively and fervently desire those gifts that are truly "best" – meaning those that are most edifying, beneficial, and effective for building up the entire community, such as prophecy, teaching, and discernment. This is a communal, not individualistic, pursuit.
* **"and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way":** This second clause introduces a profound shift in emphasis. The phrase "and yet" (G2532, _kaí_ and G2089, _éti_) signals a further, even more significant revelation. Paul promises to "shew" (G1166, _deiknýō_) or reveal to them a "more excellent way." This "way" (G3598, _hodós_) is not another gift among gifts, but the overarching principle, the supreme path, that governs the use and value of all gifts. The term "more excellent" (G2596, _katá_ + G5236, _hyperbolḗ_) conveys a sense of unparalleled superiority, indicating that this "way" surpasses all spiritual gifts in importance, efficacy, and eternal value. This sets the stage for the unparalleled exposition of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "The Love Chapter").

#### Literary Devices
1 Corinthians 12:31 employs several potent literary devices. Firstly, it functions as a crucial **Transition**, artfully bridging Paul's extensive discussion on the diversity of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") with the preeminent exposition of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "The Love Chapter"). This transition is marked by the contrasting conjunction "But" and the anticipatory phrase "yet shew I unto you." Secondly, Paul uses **Hyperbole** with the phrase "a more excellent way" (Greek: _kath' hyperbolen hodon_). The word _hyperbolḗ_ itself means "a throwing beyond," emphasizing the extraordinary, surpassing superiority of love over all other spiritual gifts. It's not just a better way, but a supremely, incomparably superior path. Finally, the "way" itself can be seen as a **Metaphor** for a mode of living, a path of conduct, or a guiding principle. It represents a lifestyle and a spiritual orientation that is fundamentally superior to merely possessing or exercising spiritual gifts, no matter how impressive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:31 is a theological linchpin, connecting the practical outworking of spiritual gifts with the foundational ethic of Christian love. It teaches that while spiritual endowments are valuable and to be desired for the church's health, they are ultimately subservient to the supreme principle of *agape* love. This love is not merely an emotion, but a divine attribute and a selfless way of living that prioritizes the good of others and the glory of God. Without this love, the exercise of even the most powerful gifts becomes hollow, ineffective, and ultimately counterproductive to the unity and edification of the body of Christ. It underscores that God's power (manifested through gifts) must always be channeled through His character (manifested through love).

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")
* [1 Corinthians 14:1](/1_corinthians/14-1 "Pursue Love and Spiritual Gifts")
* [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "Faith, Hope, and Love Endure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 12:31 provides profound guidance for Christian living and ministry, urging a balanced and spiritually mature perspective on spiritual gifts. It encourages a zealous pursuit of gifts that genuinely build up the church, reminding us that our desire for spiritual empowerment should always be oriented towards communal edification rather than personal prominence or spiritual pride. However, this pursuit is immediately contextualized and overshadowed by the revelation of "a more excellent way"—the way of love. This means that our spiritual activities, no matter how impressive or seemingly effective, are ultimately meaningless and even detrimental if not rooted in and propelled by genuine, self-sacrificial love for God and others. It challenges us to examine our motivations, ensuring that love is the primary driver behind all our service, our exercise of gifts, and our interactions within the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "best gifts" am I earnestly coveting, and for what purpose? Is my desire primarily for personal recognition or for the edification of the church?**
* **How does the "more excellent way" of love inform and transform the way I desire, develop, and deploy my spiritual gifts?**
* **In what ways might my spiritual pursuits or expressions of gifts be lacking love, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate *agape* in those areas?**
* **How can our church community prioritize the "more excellent way" of love in its corporate life and ministry, ensuring that gifts are used for unity and genuine service?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "covet earnestly the best gifts," and how does this relate to the Ten Commandments' prohibition against coveting?**

Answer: Paul's command to "covet earnestly" (Greek: _zēlóō_) in [1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "Covet Earnestly the Best Gifts") carries a positive connotation, meaning to be zealous for, eagerly desire, or strive for. It's distinct from the negative coveting (Greek: _epithyméō_) prohibited in the Ten Commandments, which refers to a selfish, grasping desire for what belongs to another (e.g., [Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "The Tenth Commandment")). Here, Paul encourages believers to passionately seek spiritual gifts that are "best" (Greek: _kreíttōn_) – meaning those most beneficial and edifying for the entire body of Christ, such as prophecy and teaching, which build up the community. This is a communal, selfless zeal, aimed at strengthening the church, rather than a self-serving, acquisitive desire for personal gain or status.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 12:31, by pointing to "a more excellent way," ultimately directs our gaze to Christ Himself, who perfectly embodies and fulfills this way. Jesus is the supreme example of love in action, demonstrating *agape* not merely as a feeling but as a sacrificial, self-giving life. His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His atoning death on the cross, was the ultimate expression of this "more excellent way" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Christ's Sacrificial Love")). He possessed all spiritual "gifts" in their fullness, yet His exercise of power, healing, and teaching was always motivated by profound compassion and love for humanity ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Furthermore, Jesus declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), identifying Himself as the very path that leads to God. Therefore, the "more excellent way" is not just a principle or a set of behaviors; it is a Person. To walk in this way is to follow Christ, to imitate His humility ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")), and to love as He loved ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "Jesus' New Commandment to Love")). In Him, love is not merely the highest virtue; it is the very essence of God Himself, the ultimate purpose for which all gifts are given and through which they find their true meaning and eternal value.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 13:1

¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1 Corinthians 14:1

¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:39

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

1 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

Hebrews 11:4

¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.