1 Corinthians 13:5

KJV

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

KJV (with Strong's)

Doth {G807} not {G3756} behave itself unseemly {G807}, seeketh {G2212} not {G3756} her own {G1438}, is {G3947} not {G3756} easily provoked {G3947}, thinketh {G3049} no {G3756} evil {G2556};

Complete Jewish Bible

not proud, rude or selfish, not easily angered,
and it keeps no record of wrongs.

Berean Standard Bible

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.

American Standard Version

doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 13:5, a pivotal verse within Paul's celebrated discourse on love, meticulously describes the practical outworking of *agape* in human relationships. It delineates love as a force that operates with dignity and propriety, always prioritizing the welfare of others over its own self-interest. Furthermore, this verse portrays love as possessing an enduring patience, immune to easy provocation, and characterized by a gracious refusal to impute malicious motives or keep a record of wrongs against others. It serves as a profound ethical and spiritual benchmark for genuine Christian conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the heart of Paul's "love chapter," [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"), which immediately follows his extensive discussion of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and 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," which he then unveils as *agape* love in chapter 13. This chapter serves as the interpretive lens through which all spiritual gifts and Christian practices must be viewed. Verse 5 is part of a detailed list of love's characteristics, following its patience and kindness, and preceding its enduring nature. It contrasts love's selfless and noble attributes with the self-serving and divisive behaviors prevalent in the Corinthian church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Apostle Paul was addressing a deeply fractured and problematic church in Corinth. This bustling, cosmopolitan Greek city was known for its wealth, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. The Corinthian believers were struggling with internal divisions, pride, spiritual elitism (particularly concerning the use of spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy), and a general lack of love that manifested in lawsuits, immorality, and disrespect during communal meals. Paul's emphasis on love's selflessness ("seeketh not her own") and propriety ("doth not behave itself unseemly") directly countered the prevailing Greco-Roman cultural values that often prioritized personal honor, status, and self-advancement. His teaching challenged them to adopt a counter-cultural ethic rooted in Christ's own self-sacrificial love, rather than the competitive and self-indulgent spirit of their surrounding society.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter") is saturated with the theme of **agape love** as the supreme virtue, transcending all spiritual gifts and knowledge. This verse specifically contributes to the themes of **propriety and decorum** in Christian conduct, emphasizing that love always acts appropriately and respectfully, avoiding anything that would cause offense or shame. It powerfully underscores the theme of **radical selflessness**, portraying love as inherently other-oriented, prioritizing the well-being and interests of others above its own. This characteristic is foundational to Christian ethics and is echoed in passages like [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness"), which exhorts believers to consider others better than themselves. Finally, it highlights **patience and forbearance**, demonstrating that true love is not easily angered or quick to take offense, but rather endures slights and irritations with a steady, forgiving spirit, a quality also praised in [Proverbs 14:29](/proverbs/14-29 "Proverbs 14:29 - Slow to Anger").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unseemly (Greek, _aschēmonéō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "uncomely" or "indecent," this term signifies acting in an improper, rude, or disgraceful manner. Love, by its very nature, never behaves in a way that is undignified, offensive, or inappropriate. It always maintains a sense of decorum and respect in its interactions, reflecting the beauty and order of God.
* **seeketh (Greek, _zētéō'_):** This verb means "to seek," "to desire," or "to endeavor." When paired with "her own" (from the reflexive pronoun *heautoû*), it emphasizes that love does not pursue or insist upon its own advantage, rights, or desires. It is fundamentally altruistic, not self-serving. This characteristic stands in stark contrast to the self-centeredness that often characterized the Corinthian church and human nature generally.
* **thinketh (Greek, _logízomai'_):** This term carries the meaning "to take an inventory," "to estimate," "to reckon," or "to impute." In the context of "no evil" (*kakós*), it means that love does not calculate, keep a record of, or hold onto wrongs committed against it. It refuses to dwell on past hurts or to attribute malicious motives to others without just cause. This implies a spirit of forgiveness, trust, and a refusal to harbor resentment or suspicion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Doth not behave itself unseemly":** This clause asserts that love's conduct is always appropriate, honorable, and respectful. It is never rude, indecent, or offensive in its actions or demeanor. Love considers the sensibilities of others and acts with grace and dignity, reflecting the character of God.
* **"seeketh not her own":** This is a profound statement about love's selflessness. True love does not prioritize its own interests, desires, or comfort above the well-being of others. Instead, it is outwardly focused, willing to sacrifice personal advantage for the benefit of another, embodying a spirit of humility and service.
* **"is not easily provoked":** This phrase describes love's patience and emotional stability. Love is not quick-tempered, irritable, or easily angered by minor offenses or annoyances. It possesses a deep inner calm and resilience, enduring slights and frustrations without becoming inflamed or reactive.
* **"thinketh no evil":** This final clause indicates that love does not keep a mental ledger of wrongs, nor does it readily impute malicious motives to others. It is characterized by a generous spirit that gives others the benefit of the doubt, is quick to forgive, and refuses to dwell on past hurts or suspicions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in 1 Corinthians 13:5 to vividly portray the nature of *agape*. **Personification** is prominent, as love is described with human actions and attributes: it "behaves," "seeketh," "is provoked," and "thinketh." This makes the abstract concept of love tangible and relatable, illustrating how it actively manifests in daily life. Furthermore, Paul utilizes **Negative Definition** throughout this verse, defining love by what it *is not* rather than solely by what it is. By stating that love "doth not behave itself unseemly," "seeketh not her own," "is not easily provoked," and "thinketh no evil," he sharply contrasts true *agape* with the selfish and ungracious behaviors that were common in the Corinthian church and human society. This method of definition highlights the counter-cultural and transformative power of love. Implicit within these negative definitions is the device of **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, as each characteristic of love is implicitly set against its opposite (e.g., propriety vs. unseemliness, selflessness vs. selfishness, patience vs. irritability, trust vs. suspicion). This rhetorical strategy underscores the radical and challenging nature of *agape*.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 13:5 profoundly illustrates the practical outworking of *agape*, a love that is not merely an emotion but a deliberate, ethical choice reflecting the very character of God. Theologically, this verse connects to the imago Dei, reminding us that as image-bearers, our conduct should reflect divine attributes of holiness, selflessness, and grace. It underscores the New Covenant emphasis on internal transformation, where love becomes the guiding principle for all relationships, fulfilling the Law's demands not through external adherence but through an inner disposition. The selflessness described here is a core tenet of Christian discipleship, challenging believers to live cruciform lives, prioritizing the needs and dignity of others above their own desires or comfort. It is a call to relational holiness, where our interactions are marked by integrity, patience, and a refusal to harbor bitterness or suspicion, fostering unity and peace within the body of Christ.

* [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness")
* [Proverbs 10:12](/proverbs/10-12 "Proverbs 10:12 - Love Covers All Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 13:5 offers a challenging yet liberating mirror for our hearts and actions, calling us to a higher standard of love in every facet of our lives. It compels us to examine whether our conduct is truly becoming, respectful, and considerate of others, or if we sometimes act in ways that are rude or insensitive. The call to "seeketh not her own" demands a radical reorientation from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, prompting us to ask if we are genuinely prioritizing the needs and well-being of those around us, or if our own desires consistently take precedence. The admonition "is not easily provoked" challenges our quickness to anger or irritation, inviting us to cultivate greater patience and forbearance, especially with those who test our limits. Finally, "thinketh no evil" confronts our tendency to harbor grudges, keep score, or impute malicious motives, urging us instead to extend grace, forgiveness, and the benefit of the doubt. Living out these qualities requires intentionality, humility, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our natural inclinations into expressions of divine love. It is in these practical, everyday manifestations that the power of Christ's love is truly demonstrated to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be "behaving unseemly" in my relationships, perhaps without realizing it?**
* **How often do I truly "seek not my own," prioritizing the needs or desires of others over my own comfort or agenda?**
* **Am I "easily provoked" by minor irritations or disagreements, and what steps can I take to cultivate greater patience?**
* **Do I tend to "think evil" or hold grudges, and how can I practice forgiveness and gracious interpretation of others' actions?**

### FAQ

**What does "thinketh no evil" truly mean in practice? Does it mean being naive or ignoring real wrongdoing?**

Answer: "Thinketh no evil" does not imply a naive or blind acceptance of all behavior, nor does it mean ignoring genuine sin or injustice. Rather, it means that love does not *impute* evil motives where none are necessarily present, nor does it *keep a record* of wrongs. In practice, it means:
* **Giving the Benefit of the Doubt:** Love assumes the best of others' intentions until proven otherwise. It avoids jumping to negative conclusions or attributing malice without clear evidence.
* **Refusal to Dwell on Wrongs:** Love does not keep a mental ledger of past offenses, nor does it constantly recall and rehash hurts. It is quick to forgive and release, allowing for genuine reconciliation and moving forward.
* **Absence of Malice or Suspicion:** Love is not characterized by a suspicious, cynical, or vengeful spirit. It seeks to build trust and understanding, rather than fostering resentment or paranoia.
While love is discerning and wise (e.g., [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves")), it operates from a default position of grace and forgiveness, reflecting God's own character towards us (e.g., [Psalm 103:10](/psalm/103-10 "Psalm 103:10 - God Does Not Deal With Us According to Our Sins")). It's about a disposition of heart that refuses to allow bitterness or suspicion to take root.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 13:5 finds its ultimate and most perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of *agape* love, perfectly demonstrating every quality described in this verse. Jesus "did not behave himself unseemly"; His life was marked by perfect decorum, holiness, and respect, even when confronting sin (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Crucially, He "sought not His own"; His entire earthly ministry was characterized by radical selflessness, always prioritizing the Father's will and the salvation of humanity over His personal comfort or glory. As [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ") powerfully states, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross. Furthermore, Jesus "was not easily provoked"; despite constant opposition, betrayal, and immense suffering, He responded with divine patience and composure (e.g., [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Christ's Silent Suffering")). Even on the cross, He "thought no evil," but rather prayed for His persecutors, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). Christ's life is the living commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:5, revealing that true love is not merely an ideal, but a tangible, self-sacrificial reality, empowering believers to live out this same love through His Spirit (e.g., [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out Through the Holy Spirit")).

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 Corinthians 10:24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth].

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Philippians 2:21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.