1 Corinthians 12:31

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

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}.

Eagerly seek the better gifts.

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

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

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

Context

First Corinthians Chapter 12 addresses the topic of spiritual gifts within the early Christian community in Corinth. The Apostle Paul writes to correct misunderstandings and divisions that arose from the misuse or misprioritization of these gifts. He emphasizes that all gifts, though diverse, come from the same Holy Spirit and are intended for the common good and the building up of the body of Christ. Verse 31 serves as a crucial transition, concluding the discussion on the diversity of gifts and introducing the supreme importance of love, which will be expounded upon in the famous "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13.

Key Themes

  • Earnest Desire for the Best Gifts: Paul encourages believers to "covet earnestly" or eagerly desire the gifts that are most beneficial for the church's edification. This isn't a selfish craving, but a zealous pursuit of gifts that best serve God's purposes and others. It implies discerning which gifts are most impactful in a given context, often those related to teaching, prophecy, and discernment, which build up the community.
  • The Superiority of Love: Despite the value and importance of spiritual gifts, Paul immediately pivots to reveal "a more excellent way." This phrase introduces the foundational principle that love (agape) is superior to all gifts. Without love, even the most powerful spiritual manifestations are meaningless and ineffective. Love provides the proper motivation and context for the exercise of all gifts, ensuring they are used for unity and genuine service rather than for personal gain or display.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Covet Earnestly" (Greek: zeloute): The Greek word here, zeloute, means to "be zealous for," "eagerly desire," or "strive for." It carries a sense of fervent pursuit. It's distinct from the negative connotation of "covet" (as in "covet your neighbor's goods") found in the Ten Commandments. Here, it signifies a positive, commendable zeal for spiritual blessings that benefit others.
  • "More Excellent Way" (Greek: kath' hyperbolen hodon): This phrase literally means "a way surpassing" or "a way exceedingly." Paul uses hyperbole to emphasize the profound superiority of love over all spiritual gifts. It's not just a slightly better way, but a supremely superior path. This sets the stage for the profound exposition of love's characteristics in the next chapter.

Related Scriptures

This verse acts as a bridge, linking the discussion on the diversity of spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8) with the preeminent importance of Christian love. Paul's command to "follow after charity (love), and desire spiritual gifts" in 1 Corinthians 14:1 directly reiterates and clarifies the message of this verse, showing that love is the primary pursuit, with gifts as secondary but still valuable.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 12:31 offers vital guidance for Christian living and ministry. While it is good and right to desire and develop spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, this desire must always be overshadowed and driven by love. Without love, our spiritual activities, however impressive, become hollow and ineffective. This verse challenges us to:

  • Prioritize Love: Ensure that love for God and others is the ultimate motivation for all our service and the exercise of any gift.
  • Seek Edifying Gifts: Desire gifts that truly build up the body of Christ, rather than those that might bring personal prominence.
  • Avoid Division: Understand that gifts are meant to foster unity, and love is the glue that prevents pride, envy, and division within the church.

Ultimately, Paul teaches that while gifts are temporary tools for ministry, love endures forever, making it the "more excellent way" for every Christian.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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