1 Corinthians 13:4

KJV

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

KJV (with Strong's)

Charity {G26} suffereth long {G3114}, and is kind {G5541}; charity {G26} envieth {G2206} not {G3756}; charity {G26} vaunteth {G4068} not {G3756} itself {G4068}, is {G5448} not {G3756} puffed up {G5448},

Complete Jewish Bible

Love is patient and kind, not jealous, not boastful,

Berean Standard Bible

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

American Standard Version

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 13:4 initiates a profound exposition on the nature of *agape* love, detailing its essential characteristics as a foundational virtue for Christian life and community. This verse delineates love not merely as an emotion, but as a disposition and active practice, emphasizing its patience and kindness while simultaneously defining it by what it is not: envious, boastful, or proud. It serves as a crucial counterpoint to the Corinthians' preoccupation with spectacular spiritual gifts, asserting that genuine spiritual maturity is evidenced by the presence and cultivation of this selfless, benevolent love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the opening statement in Paul's renowned discourse on love, strategically placed between his discussion of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") and his instructions on their proper use in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship and Prophecy"). Having just concluded his teaching on the diversity of spiritual gifts and the unity of the body of Christ in [1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way"), Paul introduces "a more excellent way"—the way of love. Chapter 13 functions as the interpretive lens through which all spiritual gifts and Christian conduct must be viewed. Without *agape*, even the most impressive spiritual manifestations or acts of sacrifice are rendered meaningless, as Paul powerfully argues in [1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love is Superior to Gifts"). Thus, [1 Corinthians 13:4](/1_corinthians/13-4 "1 Corinthians 13:4 - Characteristics of Love") begins the detailed description of this indispensable quality, setting the stage for the remaining characteristics and its enduring nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, diverse, and morally complex Roman provincial capital. Its strategic location fostered commercial prosperity but also introduced a myriad of pagan cults and a reputation for sexual immorality. The Corinthian church, though gifted, was plagued by internal divisions ([1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church")), pride, spiritual immaturity, and a misguided emphasis on certain spiritual gifts (especially speaking in tongues) over others ([1 Corinthians 14:1-5](/1_corinthians/14-1-5 "1 Corinthians 14:1-5 - Prophecy vs. Tongues")). There was likely a competitive spirit among believers regarding spiritual manifestations, leading to arrogance and a lack of genuine concern for one another. Paul's emphasis on *agape* directly addresses these issues, challenging the prevailing cultural values of self-promotion and status by presenting a counter-cultural ethic of self-giving, humble love. The Greek word *agape* itself, while not exclusively Christian, was elevated by the early church to describe a divine, unconditional love distinct from *eros* (romantic love) or *philia* (brotherly affection), which were more common in the broader Hellenistic culture.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter") is central to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. The most prominent is the **supremacy of love** over all other spiritual gifts and human achievements, serving as the ultimate measure of spiritual maturity and the "bond of perfection" ([Colossians 3:14](/colossians/3-14 "Colossians 3:14 - Clothe Yourselves with Love")). This verse also contributes to the theme of **unity in the body of Christ**, as the absence of envy, boasting, and pride (all antithetical to love) is essential for harmonious fellowship. Furthermore, it highlights **humility and selflessness** as core Christian virtues, contrasting sharply with the arrogance and self-centeredness that characterized some members of the Corinthian church. Finally, it underscores the **practicality of faith**, demonstrating that true spirituality is not merely about miraculous displays but about the daily living out of Christ-like character, starting with the qualities described in [1 Corinthians 13:4](/1_corinthians/13-4 "1 Corinthians 13:4 - Characteristics of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charity (Greek, _agápē'_):** This is the foundational term for the entire chapter. Unlike *eros* (passionate, often self-serving love) or *philia* (affectionate, brotherly love), *agápē* denotes a selfless, unconditional, and benevolent love that is often a matter of the will and deliberate action rather than mere emotion. It is a love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their merit or response. In the KJV, "charity" reflects the Latin *caritas*, which conveyed this sense of costly, self-giving love.
* **suffereth long (Greek, _makrothyméō'_):** Derived from *makros* (long) and *thymos* (temper, passion), this word literally means "long-tempered" or "long-spirited." It describes patience in the face of provocation, injury, or injustice, enduring without retaliating or giving up hope. It implies a steadfastness that does not quickly lose heart or become resentful, even when wronged. This is a divine attribute, as God is often described as "longsuffering" ([Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - The Lord is Slow to Anger")).
* **puffed up (Greek, _physióō'_):** From *physis* (nature) in the sense of blowing or inflating, this term literally means "to inflate" or "to puff up." Figuratively, it describes being arrogant, conceited, or haughty. It suggests an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or superiority, often leading to boastfulness and looking down on others. Paul frequently uses this word in 1 Corinthians to address the pride and arrogance prevalent in the church ([1 Corinthians 4:6](/1_corinthians/4-6 "1 Corinthians 4:6 - Not Puffed Up")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Charity suffereth long":** This clause introduces the first positive characteristic of *agape*: its enduring patience. True love is not easily provoked or quick to anger. It bears with the faults, weaknesses, and offenses of others, demonstrating forbearance and resilience in difficult relationships and circumstances. This patience is active, not passive resignation, choosing to extend grace and understanding over immediate reaction or retaliation.
* **"and is kind":** Following patience, kindness is presented as the active expression of love. While patience is about enduring, kindness is about acting benevolently. It describes a disposition that is gentle, gracious, and helpful in practical ways. Love manifests itself through thoughtful deeds, compassionate words, and a genuine desire to serve and benefit others. It is the practical outworking of a loving heart.
* **"charity envieth not":** Here, Paul begins to define love by what it is *not*. Love is not jealous or resentful of the success, possessions, gifts, or recognition of others. It does not begrudge another's blessings but rather rejoices in their well-being and achievements. Envy is a destructive emotion that corrodes relationships and fosters division, precisely what *agape* seeks to overcome.
* **"charity vaunteth not itself":** This phrase describes love's freedom from boastfulness or self-promotion. Love does not seek to draw attention to itself, nor does it brag about its own accomplishments, qualities, or spiritual gifts. It is humble and modest, not needing to display its superiority or impress others. This directly counters the competitive and self-aggrandizing spirit that was evident among some Corinthians.
* **"is not puffed up":** This final negative characteristic in the verse reinforces the idea of humility. Love is not arrogant, conceited, or inflated with an exaggerated sense of self-importance. It does not think more highly of itself than it ought, nor does it look down on others. Instead, it maintains a realistic and humble perspective, recognizing that all gifts and abilities come from God. This quality is crucial for fostering genuine unity and mutual respect within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in [1 Corinthians 13:4](/1_corinthians/13-4 "1 Corinthians 13:4 - Characteristics of Love") to vividly portray the essence of *agape*. Foremost is **Personification**, where love is treated as a living entity capable of human actions and dispositions ("suffereth long," "is kind," "envieth not," "vaunteth not itself," "is not puffed up"). This technique makes the abstract concept of love tangible and relatable, allowing the reader to visualize its characteristics in action. The repeated use of "charity" (or "love") at the beginning of clauses demonstrates **Anaphora**, which creates a rhythmic emphasis and continually reinforces the central subject, underscoring that *love* is the agent of these qualities. Furthermore, Paul uses **Juxtaposition** and **Negative Definition** by contrasting what love *is* (patient, kind) with what it *is not* (envious, boastful, proud). This method of defining by negation is highly effective, as it directly addresses the specific vices prevalent in the Corinthian church, providing a clear and practical guide for self-examination and behavioral correction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The characteristics of love described in [1 Corinthians 13:4](/1_corinthians/13-4 "1 Corinthians 13:4 - Characteristics of Love") are not merely human virtues but reflections of the very nature of God, who is *agape* ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God is Love")). God's patience, kindness, and humility are perfectly demonstrated throughout redemptive history, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For believers, cultivating these qualities is not just a moral imperative but a spiritual transformation, as the Holy Spirit works to produce the "fruit of the Spirit," which begins with love ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). This divine love empowers believers to fulfill the greatest commandments—to love God and to love their neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")), thereby fulfilling the Law itself ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). The absence of envy and pride, as outlined in this verse, is crucial for fostering genuine unity and mutual edification within the church, reflecting the selfless nature of Christ's body.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")
* [Colossians 3:12-14](/colossians/3-12-14 "Colossians 3:12-14 - Clothe Yourselves with Love")
* [1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 13:4 provides a mirror for self-examination, challenging us to assess the authenticity and maturity of our own love. It calls us to move beyond mere sentimentality to a robust, active, and counter-cultural expression of *agape*. Are we truly "longsuffering" with those who annoy or offend us, or do we quickly lose our temper and harbor resentment? Do we actively seek opportunities to be "kind" and benevolent, or are we primarily focused on our own needs and comfort? This verse compels us to confront the insidious presence of envy in our hearts, urging us to genuinely rejoice in the successes of others rather than feeling threatened or diminished. Furthermore, it demands humility, dismantling any tendencies toward boasting or self-inflation, reminding us that true love uplifts others, not ourselves. Applying this verse means making daily, conscious choices to embody these qualities, allowing the Spirit of God to transform our natural inclinations into expressions of divine love that build up the body of Christ and bear witness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate patience and kindness towards others, especially those who provoke me or are difficult to love?**
* **In what specific areas do I struggle with envy or boasting, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and selfless spirit?**
* **How can the church community I belong to better embody the characteristics of love described in this verse, fostering genuine unity and mutual care rather than competition or pride?**
* **Considering the contrast between love and spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13, how might I re-evaluate my priorities in ministry and personal spiritual growth?**

### FAQ

**Why does the KJV use "charity" instead of "love" in this passage?**

Answer: The King James Version (KJV) was translated in the early 17th century, and at that time, the English word "charity" (derived from the Latin *caritas*) carried a richer and more specific meaning than "love." While "love" could refer to various types of affection (romantic, familial, friendly), "charity" specifically denoted a selfless, benevolent, and often sacrificial love, particularly in a theological context. It conveyed the meaning of the Greek word *agápē* more accurately for its time, emphasizing its active, self-giving nature rather than mere emotional attachment. Modern translations often use "love" because the meaning of "charity" has narrowed over time to primarily refer to almsgiving or philanthropic acts, which does not fully capture the biblical concept of *agápē*.

**How is "suffereth long" different from simply being patient?**

Answer: While "suffereth long" (Greek: *makrothyméō*) certainly encompasses patience, it implies a deeper and more enduring quality. Simple patience might refer to waiting calmly for something or tolerating a minor inconvenience. *Makrothyméō*, however, refers to "longsuffering" in the face of significant provocation, injury, or injustice. It describes the capacity to endure mistreatment or persistent annoyance without retaliation, resentment, or losing one's temper. It is a divine attribute, reflecting God's own forbearance towards humanity's sin ([Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Patience Leads to Repentance")). Thus, it's not just about waiting, but about waiting or enduring with a steadfast and forgiving spirit, refusing to give up on someone or react impulsively.

**What does "vaunteth not itself" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: "Vaunteth not itself" (Greek: *perpereúomai*) means that love does not boast, brag, or show off. In practical terms, it signifies a humble disposition that avoids self-promotion or drawing undue attention to one's own achievements, talents, or possessions. Someone who "vaunteth not itself" does not seek to impress others with their spiritual gifts, knowledge, or status. They do not exaggerate their own importance or take credit for things that belong to God. Instead, they are content to serve quietly, giving glory to God and uplifting others, rather than seeking personal recognition or applause. It is the opposite of arrogance and self-aggrandizement, fostering an atmosphere of genuine humility and mutual respect within the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The characteristics of *agape* love described in [1 Corinthians 13:4](/1_corinthians/13-4 "1 Corinthians 13:4 - Characteristics of Love") find their perfect and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of love that "suffereth long," enduring the stubbornness of His disciples ([Mark 9:19](/mark/9-19 "Mark 9:19 - O Faithless Generation")) and the hostility of His enemies ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Father, Forgive Them")). His entire ministry was a testament to love that "is kind," healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and extending compassion to the marginalized and outcast ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion")). Jesus never "envied" the power of earthly rulers or the popularity of religious leaders; rather, He emptied Himself for the sake of others ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He certainly did not "vaunt Himself" or "puff Himself up," consistently deferring glory to His Father and living a life of profound humility, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His perfect *agape* on the cross, where He laid down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")) and even for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love Demonstrated")), is the supreme demonstration of this love. As believers, we are called to imitate this Christ-like love, empowered by the Holy Spirit who pours God's love into our hearts ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "God's Love Poured Out")), enabling us to live out the very qualities described in this foundational verse.

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 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Colossians 3:12

¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Proverbs 10:12

¶ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.