1 Corinthians 13:2

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 charity, I am nothing.

And {G2532} though {G1437} I have {G2192} the gift of prophecy {G4394}, and {G2532} understand {G1492} all {G3956} mysteries {G3466}, and {G2532} all {G3956} knowledge {G1108}; and {G2532} though {G1437} I have {G2192} all {G3956} faith {G4102}, so {G5620} that I could remove {G3179} mountains {G3735}, and {G1161} have {G2192} not {G3361} charity {G26}, I am {G1510} nothing {G3762}.

I may have the gift of prophecy,
I may fathom all mysteries, know all things,
have all faith — enough to move mountains;
but if I lack love, I am nothing.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Context of 1 Corinthians 13:2

This verse is an integral part of the famous "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13, where the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church. Following his discussion of the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts in chapter 12, Paul pivots to highlight the "more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31)—the way of love. The Corinthians were experiencing divisions and pride, often valuing certain powerful gifts like prophecy and tongues above others. Paul corrects this by demonstrating that even the most extraordinary spiritual manifestations are rendered meaningless without the foundational quality of love, or "charity" as translated in the KJV.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Supremacy of Love Over Gifts: Paul lists some of the most impressive spiritual and intellectual achievements: the gift of prophecy (divine revelation), understanding of all mysteries, vast knowledge, and extraordinary faith that can perform miracles like "removing mountains" (Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:23). Yet, he declares that without "charity," all these remarkable abilities amount to "nothing."
  • Love as the Essential Foundation: This verse underscores that love is not merely one gift among many, but the indispensable element that gives value, purpose, and eternal significance to all other spiritual endowments and accomplishments. It is the unifying principle that should govern all Christian life and ministry.
  • Humility in Spiritual Service: By stating "I am nothing" if love is absent, Paul teaches a profound lesson in humility. True spiritual power and effectiveness are not measured by outward manifestations, intellectual prowess, or miraculous deeds, but by the presence of genuine, selfless love that emanates from a transformed heart.

Linguistic Insights

The pivotal word in "have not charity" is the Greek term agape (ἀγάπη). In the King James Version, this is consistently translated as "charity." Unlike other Greek words for love (such as phileo, referring to brotherly affection, or eros, denoting romantic love), agape signifies a divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. It is a love that seeks the highest good of others, regardless of their worthiness or reciprocation. This is the very nature of God's love for humanity (John 3:16) and the love that Jesus commands His followers to demonstrate (John 13:34). Paul's use of agape here elevates the discussion beyond mere human affection to a divine quality that must permeate every aspect of a believer's life and ministry.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 13:2 holds profound relevance for believers today, challenging us to examine our motives and priorities in spiritual life and service. It prompts us to consider:

  • The Heart of True Ministry: Our spiritual effectiveness is not solely dependent on our talents, knowledge, or powerful expressions of faith, but fundamentally on the depth and authenticity of our love for God and others.
  • Motive Over Manifestation: Even noble deeds, impressive ministries, or deep theological understanding become hollow and without eternal value if they are not genuinely rooted in agape love. This verse encourages us to pursue spiritual growth with a heart of service, not self-exaltation.
  • A Call to Self-Examination: We are encouraged to regularly assess whether love is truly the guiding principle in our interactions with family, friends, fellow believers, and even strangers. Without this divine love, Paul emphatically states, our efforts are "nothing" in the eyes of God.

This commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:2 powerfully reminds us that love is the supreme virtue, the indispensable ingredient without which all other spiritual gifts and human accomplishments lose their eternal significance and impact.

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 John 4:8

    He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:3

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

  • 1 John 4:20

    If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

  • 1 John 4:21

    And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

  • Matthew 17:20

    And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

  • Matthew 21:21

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:22

    If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
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