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.

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}.

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.

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

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.

Context

1 Corinthians 13:3 is a pivotal verse within what is famously known as the "love chapter" of the Bible. Paul writes this letter to address various issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts. In chapter 12, he discusses the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that all gifts come from the same Spirit and are for the common good. He concludes chapter 12 by stating, "And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31), which introduces the profound message of chapter 13. This verse, along with 1 Corinthians 13:1 and 1 Corinthians 13:2, serves as a powerful preamble, illustrating that even the most impressive human actions, gifts, or sacrifices are utterly valueless without true love.

Key Themes

  • The Supremacy of Love: This verse underscores that love is not merely a virtue but the essential foundation upon which all other actions gain spiritual significance. Paul presents extreme scenarios of selfless giving and ultimate sacrifice to demonstrate that without love, these acts are spiritually barren.
  • Motivation Matters: The passage teaches that God looks beyond the outward act to the heart's motivation. Donating all possessions or even enduring martyrdom are commendable deeds, but if they are done from pride, a desire for recognition, or mere obligation rather than genuine agape love, they achieve no eternal profit or spiritual reward. This echoes the teaching about doing good deeds for God's glory, not human praise.
  • Spiritual Emptiness Without Love: "It profiteth me nothing" highlights the complete lack of spiritual benefit. While such acts might gain human admiration, they contribute nothing to one's spiritual standing before God or eternal destiny if love is absent.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "charity," which in the King James Version translates the Greek word agape (ἀγάπη). This term signifies a selfless, unconditional, divine love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their worthiness. It is distinct from other Greek words for love, such as phileo (brotherly affection) or eros (romantic love). Paul elaborates on the practical characteristics of this agape love in the verses that follow, describing how it "suffereth long, and is kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). The phrase "profiteth me nothing" emphasizes a complete lack of spiritual gain or advantage.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to examine the true motivations behind their actions. It prompts us to ask:

  • Are our acts of generosity, service, or even sacrifice truly driven by a profound love for God and for our neighbor?
  • Do we seek to serve out of genuine compassion and selflessness, or from a desire for recognition, a sense of duty, or personal gain?

1 Corinthians 13:3 reminds us that while good deeds are important, they are only truly valuable when infused with the selfless love of Christ. This means prioritizing the cultivation of love in our hearts and relationships, recognizing that it is the "bond of perfectness" (Colossians 3:14) and the ultimate fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).

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.

  • 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.

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