1 Corinthians 13:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} though {G1437} I bestow {G5595} all {G3956} my {G3450} goods {G5224} to feed {G5595} the poor, and {G2532} though {G1437} I give {G3860} my {G3450} body {G4983} to {G2443} be burned {G2545}, and {G1161} have {G2192} not {G3361} charity {G26}, it profiteth me {G5623} nothing {G3762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I may give away everything that I own,
I may even hand over my body to be burned;
but if I lack love, I gain nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.

American Standard Version

And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 13:3, the Apostle Paul delivers a profound and challenging assertion: even the most extreme acts of self-sacrifice and generosity, such as divesting all possessions to aid the poor or enduring martyrdom by fire, are utterly devoid of spiritual value and profit if they are not fundamentally motivated and permeated by _agape_ love. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God prioritizes the internal disposition of the heart over the external display of deeds, emphasizing love as the indispensable essence of all truly meaningful Christian action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Corinthians 13:3 is situated within Paul's masterful discourse on spiritual gifts and the supremacy of love, often referred to as the "love chapter." 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 their diversity, unity, and purpose for the common good. He concludes chapter 12 by pointing to "a more excellent way" ([1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way")), which is then unveiled as _agape_ love in chapter 13. Verses 1-3 of chapter 13 serve as a powerful hyperbolic preamble, presenting a series of impressive, seemingly ultimate spiritual achievements (speaking in tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith, and now extreme sacrifice) that are systematically declared worthless without love, thus establishing love as the non-negotiable foundation for all genuine spiritual expression.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by various issues, including factionalism, pride, and an overemphasis on flashy spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, which they seemed to value for their outward display rather than their edifying purpose. There was also a notable social stratification within the church, with some wealthier members potentially engaging in acts of charity, perhaps for social standing rather than genuine compassion. Furthermore, in the broader Greco-Roman world, acts of philanthropy and even stoic endurance or martyrdom (though not necessarily Christian martyrdom at this early stage) were recognized and esteemed. Paul's radical statement challenges these prevailing cultural and internal church values by asserting that even the most outwardly impressive acts, including the ultimate sacrifice of one's life, are spiritually bankrupt if the underlying motivation is not pure, selfless _agape_.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Supremacy of Love**, establishing _agape_ as the preeminent virtue without which all other spiritual gifts and actions are rendered meaningless. It underscores the theme that **Motivation Matters** profoundly to God; outward conformity to good deeds is insufficient if the heart's intent is self-serving, prideful, or lacking in genuine affection, echoing the teachings found in [Matthew 6:1-4](/matthew/6-1-4 "Matthew 6:1-4 - Doing Good Deeds for God's Glory"). The phrase "it profiteth me nothing" introduces the theme of **Spiritual Profit and Loss**, indicating that true spiritual gain is not measured by human accolades or the magnitude of the sacrifice, but by the presence of divine love. This concept aligns with the idea that love is the "bond of perfectness" ([Colossians 3:14](/colossians/3-14 "Colossians 3:14 - Love, the Bond of Perfectness")) and the fulfillment of the law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bestow (Greek, _psōmízō'_):** From G5595, meaning "to supply with bits, i.e. (generally) to nourish." This word specifically refers to giving food, often in small portions, to the needy. In the context of "bestow all my goods to feed the poor," it emphasizes a complete and sacrificial act of charity, implying not just giving money but actively providing sustenance, even to the point of impoverishing oneself.
* **Burned (Greek, _kaíō'_):** From G2545, meaning "to set on fire, i.e. kindle or (by implication) consume." While the KJV translates it as "to be burned" (passive), the root conveys the act of burning or consuming by fire. In this context, it refers to a form of martyrdom, where one's body is given over to be consumed by fire, representing the ultimate physical sacrifice.
* **Charity (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, meaning "love, i.e. affection or benevolence." This is the highest form of love in the Greek lexicon, distinct from _phileo_ (brotherly affection) or _eros_ (romantic love). _Agape_ is characterized by selflessness, unconditional commitment, and seeking the highest good of the beloved, regardless of their worthiness. It is a divine love, often seen as an act of the will rather than merely an emotion.
* **Profiteth (Greek, _ōpheléō'_):** From G5623, meaning "to be useful, i.e. to benefit." This term denotes gaining an advantage, being useful, or achieving a benefit. When Paul states "it profiteth me nothing," he underscores a complete absence of spiritual gain, advantage, or eternal reward, despite the outward impressiveness of the actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor],"**: This clause describes an act of extreme generosity and self-denial. "Bestow all my goods" signifies giving away literally everything one possesses, reducing oneself to poverty for the sake of others. "To feed [the poor]" specifies the benevolent intent, focusing on providing sustenance to the needy. This illustrates the pinnacle of outward charity.
* **"and though I give my body to be burned,"**: This clause escalates the hypothetical sacrifice to the ultimate level – martyrdom. Giving one's body to be burned was a known form of execution and a profound act of self-immolation, often associated with unwavering conviction. Paul presents this as the highest possible physical sacrifice one could make.
* **"and have not charity,"**: This is the critical turning point of the verse. Despite the magnitude of the preceding actions, the absence of "charity" (agape love) renders them spiritually null. This clause reveals that the internal motivation and spiritual state are paramount, overriding even the most heroic external deeds.
* **"it profiteth me nothing."**: This concluding phrase delivers the devastating verdict. The Greek word for "profiteth" (ōpheléō) implies gaining a benefit or advantage. The addition of "nothing" (oudeís) signifies a complete and utter lack of spiritual gain, benefit, or eternal reward. Such acts, no matter how grand in human eyes, are spiritually barren and worthless in God's sight if love is absent.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in 1 Corinthians 13:3 to underscore his central message. **Hyperbole** is prominently used, as he presents two extreme, almost unimaginable scenarios: giving away *all* one's possessions to feed the poor and offering one's body to be burned. These exaggerated examples are not meant to be literal commands but serve to emphasize that even the most profound acts of self-sacrifice are meaningless without love. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** through the repeated "And though I..." structure, creating a rhythmic and emphatic build-up to the crucial condition. This repetition highlights the consistent application of the principle across different types of actions. Finally, **Antithesis** is central to the verse's impact, juxtaposing the immense outward appearance of sacrifice with the complete spiritual emptiness that results from the absence of _agape_ love. This stark contrast powerfully conveys that love is not merely one virtue among many, but the essential, non-negotiable foundation for all true spiritual worth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 13:3 profoundly impacts our understanding of Christian ethics and spirituality by asserting that the ultimate measure of any action is not its outward appearance or magnitude, but the presence of _agape_ love as its driving force. Theologically, this verse reinforces the biblical emphasis on the heart's condition over mere external conformity. God is not simply concerned with what we do, but why we do it. True righteousness and spiritual profit stem from a heart transformed by and overflowing with divine love, which is the very essence of God's character. Without this love, even acts that mimic selfless devotion are reduced to empty gestures, lacking eternal significance or genuine benefit before God. This challenges believers to continually examine their motives, ensuring that love for God and neighbor is the wellspring of all their service and sacrifice.

* [Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Great Commandment")
* [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 13:3 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting believers to engage in honest introspection regarding the true motivations behind their actions. In a world that often celebrates outward displays of generosity, service, or even martyrdom, this verse redirects our focus to the internal state of our hearts. It challenges us to ask whether our giving, serving, and sacrificing are truly expressions of genuine _agape_ love for God and for others, or if they are subtly tainted by desires for recognition, duty, personal gain, or even a sense of religious obligation. The practical application is not to cease good deeds, but to infuse them with authentic love. This means prioritizing the cultivation of a heart that genuinely cares, empathizes, and seeks the highest good of others, rather than merely performing actions. It calls us to pray for a deeper experience of God's love, allowing it to transform our inner being and flow outward through all our interactions and ministries, ensuring that our efforts bear true spiritual fruit and eternal profit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What truly motivates my acts of service, generosity, and sacrifice within my faith community and beyond?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate _agape_ love in my daily interactions, ensuring my actions are rooted in genuine care rather than obligation or self-interest?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be performing "good deeds" without genuine love, and what practical steps can I take to reorient my heart and motivations?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that good deeds and sacrifices are unimportant?**

Answer: No, not at all. This verse does not diminish the importance of good deeds or sacrificial living. Rather, it elevates the *motivation* behind them. Paul is not saying that giving to the poor or even martyrdom are bad or unnecessary. Instead, he is asserting that these actions, no matter how outwardly impressive or costly, are spiritually meaningless and bring no profit to the individual if they are not animated by genuine _agape_ love. The emphasis is on the internal disposition of the heart, which gives true value to external acts. Good deeds are vital, but their spiritual efficacy is contingent upon the love from which they spring.

**What is the difference between "charity" in the KJV and other forms of love?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "charity" translates the Greek word _agápē_ (G26). This is a crucial distinction. Ancient Greek had several words for love: _eros_ (romantic or passionate love), _phileo_ (brotherly affection, friendship), and _storge_ (familial love). _Agape_ stands apart as a selfless, unconditional, benevolent love that actively seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their worthiness or whether they reciprocate. It is often described as a divine love, a love of the will rather than merely an emotion. Paul elaborates on its characteristics in [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The Qualities of Love"), describing it as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, etc. Unlike other forms of love, _agape_ is not dependent on the beloved's attractiveness or merit, but is a deliberate choice to act for their welfare.

**How can I know if my actions are motivated by true love?**

Answer: Discerning the true motivation of our actions requires honest self-examination and reliance on the Holy Spirit. One key indicator is whether our actions align with the characteristics of _agape_ described in [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The Qualities of Love"). Do we act with patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness, even when it's difficult or goes unnoticed? Are we seeking the other person's good, or our own recognition or benefit? Another test is our response when our efforts are unappreciated or met with ingratitude; if our motivation is truly love, our commitment should remain steadfast. Ultimately, cultivating true _agape_ is a work of the Holy Spirit within us, as God's love is "shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost" ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). Regular prayer, meditation on God's Word, and seeking to emulate Christ's example are vital for growing in this essential love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 13:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of _agape_ love, not merely in word but in action. His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was an act of giving His "body to be burned" (metaphorically, in the sense of ultimate suffering and surrender) and "bestowing all His goods" (His divine prerogatives, His very life) for the sake of humanity. Unlike the hypothetical scenarios Paul presents, Christ's sacrifice was not done for show, for personal gain, or out of obligation, but out of a perfect, unadulterated _agape_ love for a lost and undeserving world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). The cross is the supreme demonstration that God "commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Therefore, Christ is not only the standard by which our love is measured but also the source from which true _agape_ flows into the believer's heart. Our ability to love, to give, and to sacrifice with spiritual profit is entirely dependent on our union with Him and the indwelling of His Spirit, allowing His selfless love to work through us ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love"); [1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "1 John 4:19 - We Love Because He First Loved Us")).

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

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

James 2:14

¶ What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

James 2:17

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Matthew 23:5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 6:1

¶ Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.