1 Corinthians 13:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 13:13 stands as a profound concluding statement to Paul's celebrated discourse on love, encapsulating the enduring virtues foundational to Christian life. It declares the permanence of faith, hope, and charity (love), asserting that while all three are essential and abiding, charity—understood as divine, self-sacrificial love—holds the preeminent position as the greatest among them, transcending all other spiritual gifts and human endeavors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of Paul's "love chapter," [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"). Preceding this, in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), Paul addresses the Corinthian church's issues with spiritual gifts, emphasizing unity in diversity within the body of Christ. He then introduces "a more excellent way" in [1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way"), which is the way of love. Chapter 13 meticulously describes love's supremacy over all gifts (even prophecy, tongues, and knowledge—[1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love's Essential Nature")), details its characteristics ([1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The Qualities of Love")), and contrasts its eternal nature with the temporary cessation of other gifts ([1 Corinthians 13:8-12](/1_corinthians/13-8-12 "1 Corinthians 13:8-12 - Love Endures Forever")). Thus, [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - The Greatest is Love") provides the ultimate summary and emphasis on love's enduring and supreme value.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, a bustling, cosmopolitan, and morally lax port city in ancient Greece. The Corinthian church itself was plagued by numerous problems, including internal divisions (factionalism), spiritual pride, immorality, and a misunderstanding or misuse of spiritual gifts. Many believers were prioritizing showy spiritual manifestations (like speaking in tongues or prophecy) over genuine spiritual maturity and unity. Paul's discourse on love was a direct corrective, challenging their self-centered and gift-focused spirituality. He aimed to redirect their focus from temporary, impressive displays to the abiding, unifying, and selfless principle of *agape* love, which was sorely lacking in their community and essential for true spiritual health and witness in a pagan environment.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") is the call to unity and spiritual maturity within the church, particularly in light of the misuse of spiritual gifts and various moral failings. This verse specifically contributes to several key themes: the **supremacy of love** over all other virtues and gifts, highlighting that love is the ultimate expression of Christian character and the most excellent way to live and serve ([1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way")); the **abiding nature of core Christian virtues**, emphasizing that faith, hope, and love are not temporary but endure into eternity, unlike the temporary spiritual gifts ([1 Corinthians 13:8](/1_corinthians/13-8 "1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love Never Fails")); and the **eschatological perspective**, as Paul contrasts the partial knowledge and temporary gifts of the present age with the perfect, face-to-face knowledge and enduring love that will characterize the age to come ([1 Corinthians 13:10-12](/1_corinthians/13-10-12 "1 Corinthians 13:10-12 - When the Perfect Comes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abideth (Greek, _ménō_):** This primary verb signifies to "stay," "remain," "endure," or "be present." In this context, it emphasizes the permanence and lasting quality of faith, hope, and charity, contrasting them with the temporary nature of spiritual gifts like prophecy or tongues, which will "fail" or "cease" ([1 Corinthians 13:8](/1_corinthians/13-8 "1 Corinthians 13:8 - Gifts Will Cease")). These three virtues are not fleeting experiences but foundational, enduring realities for the believer.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis_):** Derived from *peithō* (to persuade), *pístis* denotes persuasion, credence, or moral conviction. It refers to a deep reliance upon Christ for salvation and encompasses belief in God's truthfulness, promises, and the Gospel system itself. It is the fundamental trust and assurance in the unseen realities of God.
* **hope (Greek, _elpís_):** From a primary root meaning "to anticipate, usually with pleasure," *elpís* signifies expectation or confidence. Christian hope is not a mere wish, but a confident and joyful anticipation of future blessings, particularly the consummation of God's redemptive plan, the return of Christ, and eternal life. It is anchored in God's faithfulness and the finished work of Christ.
* **charity (Greek, _agápē_):** This crucial term, from *agapaō* (to love), denotes affection or benevolence. Distinct from other Greek words for love (like *phileō* for brotherly affection or *eros* for romantic desire), *agápē* describes a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their merit or response. It is a volitional love, a choice and commitment, reflecting God's own love for humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). The KJV's use of "charity" aimed to convey this selfless, benevolent, and divine quality, distinguishing it from common human affections.
* **greatest (Greek, _meízōn_):** An irregular comparative of *megas* (great), *meízōn* means "larger," "greater," or "elder." Here, it unequivocally declares the supreme value and importance of *agápē* love above faith and hope, not diminishing their importance, but establishing love as the ultimate and most encompassing virtue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;":** Paul transitions from discussing the temporary nature of spiritual gifts to the enduring qualities of Christian character. The phrase "And now" (Greek, *nyní*) emphasizes the present reality and permanence of these virtues. "Abideth" (Greek, *ménō*) signifies their lasting, unchanging nature. "Faith" is the foundation of our relationship with God, trust in His promises. "Hope" is the confident expectation of future fulfillment, anchored in God's faithfulness. "Charity" (agape love) is the active, self-giving love that defines God's character and is to define His people. These three are presented as the essential, permanent pillars of Christian existence.
* **"but the greatest of these is charity.":** The conjunction "but" (Greek, *dé*) introduces a contrast or emphasis. While faith and hope are vital and enduring, love is declared "the greatest." This is because love is the very nature of God ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")), the fulfillment of the law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")), and the eternal characteristic that will never cease, even when faith gives way to sight and hope is realized in the presence of God ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face")). Love is the ultimate aim and expression of Christian life.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - The Greatest is Love") to deliver his climactic message. The most prominent is **Tricolon**, the use of three parallel words or phrases: "faith, hope, charity." This rhetorical device creates a sense of completeness and emphasis, highlighting these three virtues as a distinct set. Following the tricolon, Paul uses **Climax** by declaring "but the greatest of these is charity." This structure builds anticipation and then delivers a powerful, definitive statement that elevates one element above the others, creating a memorable and impactful conclusion. Furthermore, there is an element of **Personification**, as faith, hope, and charity are treated as active entities that "abide" and possess a comparative quality of "greatness," imbuing them with a sense of living presence and agency within the believer's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The enduring triad of faith, hope, and charity encapsulates the essence of Christian existence, both in the present age and into eternity. Faith is the means by which we apprehend God's truth and receive salvation, serving as the foundation of our relationship with Him. Hope is the confident anticipation of God's future promises, sustaining us through trials and pointing us toward the ultimate consummation of His kingdom. Charity, or *agape* love, is the very character of God Himself, the ultimate expression of our transformed nature, and the supreme virtue that encompasses and transcends both faith and hope. While faith will be realized in sight and hope in fulfillment when we stand in God's presence, love will continue eternally, as it is the very fabric of the new heavens and new earth, and the eternal bond that unites God with His people and His people with one another.

* [Romans 5:1-5](/romans/5-1-5 "Romans 5:1-5 - Faith, Hope, and Love")
* [Galatians 5:5-6](/galatians/5-5-6 "Galatians 5:5-6 - Faith Working Through Love")
* [Colossians 1:4-5](/colossians/1-4-5 "Colossians 1:4-5 - Faith, Love, and Hope in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - The Greatest is Love") serves as a timeless compass for Christian living, urging believers to re-evaluate their priorities and pursuits. In a world often driven by temporary achievements, fleeting emotions, or even impressive spiritual displays, Paul redirects our gaze to what truly endures and matters most in God's eyes. This verse challenges us to not merely possess faith and hope, but to actively cultivate and prioritize *agape* love as the supreme expression of our discipleship. It reminds us that our spiritual gifts, knowledge, and even acts of sacrifice are ultimately hollow without the animating power of divine love. Therefore, our daily walk should be marked by a conscious effort to grow in this self-giving, unconditional love for God and for others, recognizing that it is the most potent witness to Christ, the most unifying force within the church, and the eternal characteristic that defines true spiritual maturity and reflects the very heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does prioritizing *agape* love impact my daily interactions and relationships, both within and outside the church?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing temporary spiritual gifts or achievements over the enduring virtue of love in my life?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a deeper, more self-sacrificial love for God and for others, reflecting the "greatest" virtue?**

### FAQ

**Why is charity (love) considered the greatest of these three virtues?**

Answer: Charity, or *agape* love, is considered the greatest because it is the very essence of God's nature ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")) and the ultimate fulfillment of His law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). While faith is essential for salvation and hope sustains us in anticipation of God's promises, both will find their ultimate realization and cease to be distinct virtues in eternity. When we see God face to face, faith will give way to sight, and hope will be fulfilled. However, love will never cease; it is an eternal characteristic that will continue to define our relationship with God and with one another in the new heavens and new earth. Love is the active expression of God's character in us, transcending all other gifts and virtues in its eternal significance and transformative power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - The Greatest is Love"), with its emphasis on faith, hope, and charity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very object of our **faith**, for it is through belief in Him that we are saved and brought into relationship with God ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Christ is also the living **hope** of glory, the guarantee of our future resurrection and eternal life with God ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). Most profoundly, Jesus is the perfect manifestation of **charity** (*agape* love). His entire life, from His incarnation to His sacrificial death on the cross, was the supreme demonstration of God's unconditional, self-giving love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")), making *agape* love the identifying mark of His disciples. Thus, the "greatest" virtue is not merely an abstract concept but a living reality perfectly exemplified in Christ, who enables us through His Spirit to live out this enduring love, thereby fulfilling the law and reflecting the very nature of God Himself.

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 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.