1 Corinthians 13:7

KJV

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beareth {G4722} all things {G3956}, believeth {G4100} all things {G3956}, hopeth {G1679} all things {G3956}, endureth {G5278} all things {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Love always bears up, always trusts,
always hopes, always endures.

Berean Standard Bible

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

American Standard Version

beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 13:7 encapsulates four active and enduring characteristics of *agape* love: its capacity to protect and bear burdens, its disposition to trust and believe the best, its unwavering optimism and expectation of good, and its steadfast perseverance through all trials. This verse, situated within Paul's sublime discourse on love, presents a challenging yet inspiring portrait of love's resilient and unwavering nature, serving as a vital corrective and aspirational standard for the Corinthian believers and for all followers of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Corinthians 13 stands as the climactic center of Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. Following his detailed exposition on the diversity and unity of gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), where he emphasizes that all gifts are from the same Spirit and for the common good, Paul introduces love as "a still more excellent way" ([1 Corinthians 12:31](/1_corinthians/12-31 "1 Corinthians 12:31 - The More Excellent Way")). Chapter 13 then defines this "more excellent way," first by illustrating love's indispensable nature even over the most impressive spiritual manifestations ([1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love's Supremacy Over Gifts")), then by describing its core attributes (what it is and is not) in [1 Corinthians 13:4-6](/1_corinthians/13-4-6 "1 Corinthians 13:4-6 - The Qualities of Love"). Verse 7, therefore, functions as a powerful summary of love's enduring and active qualities, bridging the descriptive attributes with the declaration of love's eternal nature in [1 Corinthians 13:8-13](/1_corinthians/13-8-13 "1 Corinthians 13:8-13 - Love Never Fails"). It highlights the robust, resilient, and proactive aspects of *agape* that are essential for the healthy functioning of the church community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by numerous issues, including divisions, spiritual pride, misuse of gifts, and ethical failings. Located in a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its immorality, the believers struggled to live out their faith consistently. Paul's letter addresses these specific problems, contrasting the self-serving, competitive spirit prevalent in Corinth with the self-giving, unifying nature of *agape* love. The emphasis on love's endurance and belief in others directly counters the suspicion, jealousy, and judgmental attitudes that fueled factions and disputes within the community. In a culture where honor and shame were paramount, and public exposure of faults was common, Paul's call for love to "bear all things" and "believe all things" was counter-cultural, advocating for a protective and trusting disposition that prioritized unity and restoration over personal vindication or social standing.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **supremacy and necessity of *agape* love** as the foundational virtue for Christian life and community, without which even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts are meaningless ([1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love's Indispensability")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Christian maturity and spiritual growth**, presenting love as the antidote to the immaturity and divisiveness seen in Corinth. True spiritual maturity is not merely about possessing gifts, but about embodying the character of Christ, which is defined by this enduring love. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **perseverance and steadfastness** in faith, echoing the call to run the race with endurance found elsewhere in Paul's writings ([Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race with Endurance")). Finally, it implicitly connects to the **character of God**, as *agape* love, with its qualities of bearing, believing, hoping, and enduring, reflects the very nature of God's steadfast love and faithfulness towards humanity, even in the face of sin and rebellion ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beareth (Greek, _stégō'_):** from στέγη; to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently):--(for-)bear, suffer. This word suggests a protective covering, like a roof, that shields and contains. In the context of love, it implies a willingness to patiently endure, to keep silent about the faults of others, or to bear up under burdens without exposing them. It speaks to love's capacity to protect, to absorb blows, and to patiently endure offenses or difficulties without retaliating or exposing the faults of others.
* **Believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** from πίστις; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. This signifies a disposition of trust and confidence. Love chooses to give others the benefit of the doubt, to believe the best about them, and is not quick to suspicion or cynicism. While not naive, it actively seeks to trust and hope for good, even when circumstances are challenging or when others have disappointed.
* **Hopeth (Greek, _elpízō'_):** from ἐλπίς; to expect or confide:--(have, thing) hope(-d) (for), trust. This is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation, even in seemingly hopeless situations. It anticipates the best possible outcome, clings to the possibility of reconciliation, restoration, or improvement, and never gives up on a person or a situation. This hope is deeply rooted in God's faithfulness and power, extending grace and patience to others.
* **Endureth (Greek, _hypoménō'_):** from ὑπό and μένω; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere:--abide, endure, (take) patient(-ly), suffer, tarry behind. This term denotes an active, courageous steadfastness and perseverance in the face of adversity, trials, or opposition. It describes love's unwavering commitment and strength, standing firm and remaining steadfast without collapsing under pressure. It is a patient and persistent bearing up under difficult circumstances for the sake of the beloved or the relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beareth all things":** This clause highlights love's protective and patient nature. It signifies love's capacity to cover, to shield, and to bear up under the weight of another's weaknesses, faults, or the burdens of a difficult situation. It implies a refusal to expose, gossip, or retaliate, instead choosing to patiently endure and protect, much like a roof covers and shelters. This is not about condoning sin but about extending grace and protecting the dignity of the person.
* **"Believeth all things":** This phrase describes love's trusting and optimistic disposition. It means love is inclined to give others the benefit of the doubt, to assume good intentions, and to believe the best about them, rather than being quick to suspicion, cynicism, or judgment. It fosters an environment of trust and confidence, even when faced with ambiguity or potential disappointment, choosing faith over doubt.
* **"Hopeth all things":** This clause emphasizes love's unwavering optimism and expectation. Love maintains a positive outlook even in seemingly dire or hopeless situations. It clings to the possibility of reconciliation, healing, restoration, or positive change, and never gives up on a person or a situation. This hope is not naive but is rooted in the belief in God's redemptive power and the potential for transformation in individuals.
* **"Endureth all things":** This final phrase speaks to love's ultimate perseverance and resilience. It signifies love's ability to stand firm, remain steadfast, and not collapse under the pressure of trials, opposition, or suffering. This endurance is active and courageous, demonstrating love's unwavering commitment and strength through hardships, setbacks, and personal offenses, reflecting a profound and unwavering commitment.

#### Literary Devices
1 Corinthians 13:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the robust nature of *agape* love. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "all things" (G3956, *pâs*) at the end of each of the four clauses. This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the comprehensive and boundless scope of love's qualities, suggesting that true *agape* is not limited by circumstances or conditions. While "all things" might seem like **Hyperbole**, it is understood within the context of love's ideal and aspirational character, implying "all things that are consistent with truth and righteousness." The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, presenting four distinct but complementary actions of love in a balanced and rhythmic structure, enhancing its memorability and impact. Furthermore, **Personification** is evident as love (an abstract concept) is described as performing actions: "beareth," "believeth," "hopeth," and "endureth." This gives love an active, dynamic quality, portraying it as a living force that shapes behavior and relationships.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 13:7 presents a profound theological statement about the nature of *agape* love, revealing it as a robust, resilient, and active virtue that profoundly shapes Christian character and community. This love is not passive sentimentality but a proactive commitment that mirrors the steadfastness of God's own character. It underscores the truth that genuine faith is expressed through love that endures, trusts, and hopes, even in the face of adversity. This verse challenges believers to cultivate a love that is not easily defeated, reflecting the divine attribute of patient endurance and unwavering faithfulness. It is a love that seeks the good of the other, even at personal cost, and is foundational for unity and spiritual health within the body of Christ.

* [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - The God of Hope")
* [James 1:12](/james/1-12 "James 1:12 - Blessed is the One Who Endures")
* [1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 13:7 provides a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging us to assess the quality of our love in practical, tangible ways. It calls us beyond mere sentimentality to a robust, active, and resilient form of love that is willing to bear burdens, extend trust, maintain hope, and persevere through all circumstances. In a world often characterized by cynicism, quick judgment, and easy surrender, this verse beckons believers to embody a counter-cultural love that protects rather than exposes, believes the best rather than assumes the worst, anticipates good even in despair, and stands firm when others falter. Applying these principles means actively choosing to cover a friend's weakness instead of gossiping, giving a colleague the benefit of the doubt instead of jumping to conclusions, holding onto hope for a broken relationship, and steadfastly enduring personal slights or difficult seasons without giving up on people or God's purposes. This kind of love is not easy, but it is transformative, building strong relationships and reflecting the very heart of God to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific relationships or situations do I find it most challenging to "bear all things" (i.e., protect, cover, or patiently endure)?**
* **Am I quick to believe the worst about people, or do I actively choose to "believe all things" and give them the benefit of the doubt? How can I cultivate a more trusting disposition?**
* **When faced with difficult or seemingly hopeless circumstances, how well do I "hope all things," maintaining an optimistic outlook rooted in God's faithfulness?**
* **What trials or adversities am I currently facing, and how can I intentionally apply the principle of "enduring all things" with steadfast love?**
* **How might practicing these four aspects of love transform my interactions within my family, church, or community?**

### FAQ

**Does "believeth all things" mean love is naive or gullible?**

Answer: No, "believeth all things" does not imply naiveté or gullibility. The Greek word *pisteúō* (G4100) means to have faith, to trust, or to credit. In the context of *agape* love, it signifies a disposition to give others the benefit of the doubt, to assume good intentions, and to believe the best about them, rather than being quick to suspicion or cynicism. It's a choice to extend trust and hope for good, even when circumstances are challenging or when others have disappointed. This is a moral and volitional choice, not a blind acceptance of falsehood. True love, while trusting, is also discerning and does not rejoice in wrongdoing but "rejoices with the truth" ([1 Corinthians 13:6](/1_corinthians/13-6 "1 Corinthians 13:6 - Love Rejoices with the Truth")). Therefore, it's about a positive, hopeful inclination towards others, not a denial of reality or a compromise of truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 13:7 finds its ultimate and most perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of *agape* love, demonstrating each of these four qualities in His earthly ministry and sacrificial death. Jesus "bore all things" by patiently enduring the rejection, betrayal, and suffering inflicted upon Him, ultimately bearing the sins of the world on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). He consistently "believed all things" in the sense that He always trusted His Father's will and believed in the potential for redemption in even the most hardened hearts, calling sinners to repentance and offering forgiveness ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Even in the face of death, Jesus "hoped all things," confidently looking forward to the resurrection and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, a hope that became the cornerstone of Christian faith ([Acts 2:25-28](/acts/2-25-28 "Acts 2:25-28 - Peter's Sermon on the Resurrection")). Finally, He "endured all things"—the cross, the shame, the separation from the Father—for the joy set before Him, perfectly demonstrating steadfast perseverance and unwavering commitment to His mission ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Thus, 1 Corinthians 13:7 is not merely a list of virtues for believers to emulate, but a profound reflection of the very character of Christ, who is our perfect example and the source of our capacity to love.

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.

1 Corinthians 13:4

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

2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Proverbs 10:12

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

1 Corinthians 9:12

If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.