1 Corinthians 13:4

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV)

This verse is part of the famous "love chapter" (1 Corinthians 13), where the Apostle Paul describes the essential nature and characteristics of genuine Christian love, which the KJV translates as "charity." Paul is contrasting this foundational quality with the more spectacular, but ultimately temporary, spiritual gifts he discussed in the previous chapter.

The word translated "charity" here is the Greek word agape, which refers to a selfless, unconditional, and benevolent love that is more a matter of the will and action than mere emotion. Paul lists several key aspects of this love:

  • Charity suffereth long: This translates the Greek word makrothumia, meaning patience or endurance, especially in the face of provocation or injury. True love is patient with others' faults and failings.
  • and is kind: This comes from the Greek word chresteuomai, meaning to be kind, gracious, or benevolent in action. Love expresses itself through gentle and helpful deeds.
  • charity envieth not: Love is not jealous or resentful of the success, possessions, or gifts of others. It rejoices in their well-being.
  • charity vaunteth not itself: This means love does not boast or brag. It is not showy or self-promoting.
  • is not puffed up: This translates the Greek word physioō, meaning to be inflated, arrogant, or conceited. Love is humble and does not have an exaggerated sense of its own importance or superiority.

Together, these descriptions paint a picture of love that is patient, active in goodness, free from jealousy and pride, and focused outwardly rather than on self. These qualities serve as a timeless standard for evaluating the presence and maturity of love in individuals and communities.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 4:8 (79 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 4:32 (60 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:21 (59 votes)

    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 (59 votes)

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

  • Colossians 3:12 (48 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 10:12 (45 votes)

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

  • 1 John 4:11 (32 votes)

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