1 Corinthians 13:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:2, profoundly asserts the indispensable nature of divine love (*agape*) by contrasting it with the most extraordinary spiritual gifts and human achievements. He declares that even possessing the gift of prophecy, comprehensive understanding of mysteries, vast knowledge, and faith powerful enough to move mountains, are rendered utterly meaningless and without value if they are not accompanied by or rooted in genuine, selfless love. This verse serves as a foundational statement, elevating love above all other spiritual manifestations and intellectual prowess, positioning it as the ultimate measure of spiritual worth and effectiveness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "love chapter," which immediately follows Paul's extensive discussion of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"). In chapter 12, Paul emphasizes the diversity and unity of gifts within the body of Christ, likening the church to a human body with many members. He concludes chapter 12 by stating, "But earnestly desire the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way" ([1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way")). Chapter 13 then unfolds as the exposition of this "more excellent way"—the way of love (*agape*). Paul systematically demonstrates that without this love, even the most impressive spiritual endowments, intellectual insights, and acts of self-sacrifice are ultimately futile, setting the stage for the detailed description of love's characteristics in the subsequent verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by various issues, including divisions, factions, and a competitive spirit regarding spiritual gifts. Certain gifts, particularly those that were outwardly spectacular like speaking in tongues and prophecy, were highly esteemed, leading to pride and disorder within the assembly. Believers were often valuing themselves and others based on their perceived spiritual power or knowledge, rather than on the unifying principle of Christ's love. Paul's letter addresses these internal conflicts and corrects their distorted understanding of spiritual hierarchy. He challenges their cultural inclination towards status and outward display by reorienting their focus to *agape*, a concept that transcended typical Greco-Roman understandings of love, which often centered on personal gain or familial/friendship bonds. Paul introduces *agape* as a divine, self-sacrificial love, essential for the healthy functioning and witness of the church in a bustling, pagan city like Corinth.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter") introduces and develops several critical themes that resonate throughout the entire letter and the broader New Testament. The primary theme is **The Supremacy of Love**, asserting that *agape* is not merely one gift among many, but the foundational and most excellent virtue that gives meaning and value to all other spiritual expressions. It corrects the Corinthian church's overemphasis on showy gifts by highlighting that without love, even the most profound spiritual manifestations are "nothing." This leads to the theme of **Motives in Ministry**, emphasizing that genuine spiritual service must flow from a heart of love, not from a desire for personal recognition or power. Paul's declaration that without love, "I am nothing," underscores the theme of **Humility**, contrasting human boasting with God's standard of selfless devotion. Furthermore, the chapter implicitly touches on **Christian Unity**, as love is presented as the essential bond that holds believers together, overcoming divisions and fostering harmony, a constant concern for Paul in his letters to the Corinthians (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Calls for Unity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophecy (Greek, _prophēteía'_):** From G4394, meaning "prediction (scriptural or other)." In the New Testament, this often refers to inspired utterance, speaking forth God's message, which could include foretelling the future but more commonly involved forth-telling, or proclaiming God's truth to edify, exhort, and comfort the church. Paul lists this gift first, indicating its high esteem in the Corinthian church, yet he immediately qualifies its value without love.
* **Knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** From G1108, meaning "knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge." This refers to intellectual understanding, insight into divine truths, or comprehensive comprehension of mysteries. In Corinth, where philosophical and intellectual pursuits were valued, spiritual knowledge might have been a source of pride. Paul asserts that even the most profound spiritual or theological knowledge, if devoid of love, is ultimately empty.
* **Charity (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, meaning "love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast." This is the pivotal word, translated as "charity" in the KJV and "love" in most modern versions. Unlike other Greek words for love (*phileo* for brotherly affection, *eros* for romantic love), *agape* denotes a divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of the other, irrespective of their worthiness. It is the very nature of God and the defining characteristic of Christian discipleship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And though I have [the gift of] prophecy":** Paul begins by identifying one of the most highly regarded spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church—the ability to speak on behalf of God, revealing divine truth. This gift was powerful and authoritative, often seen as a direct conduit of God's voice.
* **"and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge":** He then expands the scope to intellectual and spiritual comprehension. "Mysteries" refers to divine truths once hidden but now revealed, and "all knowledge" signifies a complete and exhaustive understanding of these truths. This encompasses profound theological insight and comprehensive spiritual wisdom, addressing those who might pride themselves on their intellectual superiority.
* **"and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains":** Paul escalates the list to include extraordinary faith, even miraculous faith. The phrase "remove mountains" is a hyperbolic expression, echoing Jesus' teaching (e.g., [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith as a Mustard Seed")) to signify the power to accomplish the seemingly impossible. This represents the pinnacle of spiritual power and miraculous ability.
* **"and have not charity":** This is the crucial turning point, introduced by the conjunction "and" (G1161, *dé*, often "but" or "moreover"), indicating a strong contrast. Despite possessing all the aforementioned impressive qualities, the absence of *agape* love renders them void. The KJV's "charity" accurately captures the profound, active, and benevolent nature of *agape*.
* **"I am nothing":** The shocking conclusion. Paul, speaking hypothetically of himself, declares that without *agape*, all these magnificent gifts, profound insights, and miraculous powers amount to "nothing" (G3762, *oudeís*), meaning "not even one," "none," "nobody," "nought." This signifies a complete lack of value, purpose, or eternal significance in God's eyes. It's a statement of absolute spiritual emptiness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **Literary Devices** to underscore his central message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "so that I could remove mountains," which is a deliberate exaggeration to emphasize the most extreme and impressive manifestation of faith, making the subsequent declaration of "nothing" even more impactful. The repeated structure, "And though I have... and understand... and though I have..." demonstrates **Anaphora**, creating a rhythmic build-up of impressive spiritual endowments, only to be dramatically deflated by the absence of love. This creates a powerful **Anticlimax**, as the reader is led through a crescendo of powerful abilities only to arrive at the stark reality of their utter worthlessness without *agape*. The entire verse functions as a profound **Contrast**, setting the temporary, gift-based achievements against the eternal, character-based virtue of love, highlighting love's absolute supremacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 13:2 serves as a theological anchor, asserting that the true measure of spiritual vitality and effectiveness is not found in outward displays of power, intellectual prowess, or even miraculous deeds, but in the presence of *agape* love. This divine love is the very essence of God's character and the ultimate expression of His will for humanity. Without it, all human and spiritual endeavors, no matter how impressive, lack eternal substance and fail to glorify God in a way that truly matters. It underscores that God values the heart and motive above external performance, reminding believers that love is the indispensable foundation upon which all genuine Christian life and ministry must be built.

* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")
* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")
* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God Is Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 13:2 challenges believers to deeply examine the motivation and substance of their spiritual lives. It forces us to ask whether our pursuit of knowledge, our exercise of spiritual gifts, or our acts of service are genuinely rooted in a selfless, God-centered love for others, or if they are subtly driven by a desire for recognition, power, or personal fulfillment. The verse reminds us that even admirable achievements, if devoid of *agape*, are ultimately empty in God's sight. This calls for a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to cultivate a heart of love as the primary and most essential spiritual discipline. It encourages us to prioritize relational warmth, compassion, and genuine concern for others over impressive spiritual displays or intellectual superiority, recognizing that true spiritual fruitfulness flows from a transformed heart saturated with divine love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be prioritizing gifts or knowledge over genuine love for God and others?**
* **How does the declaration "I am nothing" challenge my understanding of personal worth and spiritual significance?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure that *agape* love is the primary motivation behind my actions and interactions?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "I am nothing" in this context?**

Answer: When Paul states, "I am nothing," he is not referring to a person's inherent worth as a creation of God, but rather to the **spiritual efficacy and eternal value** of their actions and gifts when love is absent. He means that without *agape* love, even the most extraordinary spiritual endowments (like prophecy, knowledge, or miraculous faith) become utterly devoid of true purpose, meaning, or lasting significance in God's economy. They are like a resounding gong or clanging cymbal ([1 Corinthians 13:1](/1_corinthians/13-1 "1 Corinthians 13:1 - Love is Essential")), making noise but producing no real spiritual fruit or benefit. It's a powerful rhetorical device to underscore that love is the indispensable ingredient that validates all other spiritual expressions.

**How does "charity" in the KJV relate to the Greek word *agape*?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation of "charity" for the Greek word *agape* (G26) is an accurate and historically rich rendering. In 17th-century English, "charity" carried a broader and deeper meaning than it often does today, encompassing not just almsgiving but also a profound, benevolent, and self-sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of others. It specifically conveyed the divine love that God has for humanity and the love that believers are called to demonstrate. This is distinct from other Greek words for love like *phileo* (brotherly affection) or *eros* (romantic desire). Paul's use of *agape* throughout [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter") emphasizes this unique, unconditional, and active love that defines Christian character and community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 13:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect manifestation of *agape* love, demonstrating its supremacy over all other attributes. While Jesus certainly possessed unparalleled wisdom, knowledge, and performed countless miracles, His entire life and ministry were fundamentally driven by a self-sacrificial love for humanity. His willingness to lay down His life on the cross, as described in [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This"), is the supreme act of *agape*. He did not just teach about love; He *was* love incarnate. His teachings, such as the command to "love one another" ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment")), flow from His very being. Therefore, when Paul declares that without *agape*, one is "nothing," he implicitly points to Christ as the standard. To be "in Christ" means to partake in His love, to be transformed into His likeness, and to live a life characterized by the same selfless *agape* that defined His earthly existence and His redemptive work on the cross, which is the very heart of the Gospel message found in passages like [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love").

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 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.