1 Corinthians 13:13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.

And {G1161} now {G3570} abideth {G3306} faith {G4102}, hope {G1680}, charity {G26}, these {G5023} three {G5140}; but {G1161} the greatest {G3187} of these {G5130} is charity {G26}.

But for now, three things last —
trust, hope, love;
and the greatest of these is love.

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.

But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV is a powerful summary statement in what is often called the "Love Chapter," encapsulating the enduring virtues central to the Christian faith. It declares the permanence of faith, hope, and charity, while elevating charity as the most supreme.

Context of 1 Corinthians 13:13

This verse concludes Paul's profound discourse on love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, which was experiencing significant issues, including divisions, spiritual pride, and a misunderstanding of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, he outlines the diversity of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that all members are part of one body. However, he then presents "a more excellent way" in 1 Corinthians 12:31, which is the way of love. Chapter 13 details that even the most impressive spiritual gifts or acts of sacrifice are meaningless without love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3), describing love's characteristics (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) and its eternal nature compared to temporary gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faith: This refers to our trust in God, His promises, and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the foundation of our relationship with Him and our belief in the unseen realities of the spiritual world.
  • Hope: Christian hope is not a mere wish but a confident expectation of future blessings, particularly the return of Christ, the resurrection, and eternal life with God. This hope is anchored in God's faithfulness and His finished work on the cross.
  • Charity (Love): Paul declares that while faith and hope are essential, love is the greatest. This is because love is eternal. While faith will be superseded by sight when we see God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12) and hope will be realized, love never fails. Love is the very nature of God Himself (1 John 4:8) and the ultimate fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).
  • The Enduring Nature of Virtues: The verse highlights that these three virtues—faith, hope, and charity—"abide," meaning they remain, endure, or are permanent. They are not fleeting like some spiritual gifts.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "charity" in this verse is a translation of the Greek word agape (ἀγάπη). This is a crucial distinction:

  • Agape (ἀγάπη): Unlike other Greek words for love (like phileo for brotherly affection or eros for romantic desire), agape signifies a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love. It is a love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their merit or response. It's a volitional love, a choice and commitment, reflecting God's own love for humanity, as seen in John 3:16. This type of love is active and demonstrated through action, not merely emotion.
  • The choice of "charity" in the KJV aimed to convey this selfless, benevolent, and divine quality of love, distinguishing it from common human affections.

Practical Application and Reflection

1 Corinthians 13:13 serves as a timeless reminder for believers:

  • Prioritize Love: While faith is foundational and hope sustains us, love should be the ultimate aim and motivation for all Christian living and service. Without love, our actions, even good ones, lose their eternal significance.
  • Cultivate Enduring Virtues: In a world focused on temporary achievements, this verse encourages us to invest in cultivating these three abiding virtues, especially divine love, which truly lasts forever.
  • Reflect God's Nature: By actively practicing agape love, Christians reflect the very character of God to the world, offering a powerful witness and fostering true unity within the church. It transforms our relationships and glorifies God in every aspect of life.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 16:14

    Let all your things be done with charity.

  • Colossians 3:14

    And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

  • 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 13:8

    ¶ Charity 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.

  • 1 John 4:7

    ¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

  • 1 John 4:18

    There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.