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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle gives us in these verses some of the properties and effects of charity, both to describe and commend it, that we may know whether we have this grace and that if we have not we may fall in love with what is so exceedingly amiable, and not rest till we have obtained it. It is an excellent grace, and has a world of good properties belonging to it. As,
I.It is long suffering - makrothumei.
It can endure evil, injury, and provocation, without being filled with resentment, indignation, or revenge. It makes the mind firm, gives it power over the angry passions, and furnishes it with a persevering patience, that shall rather wait and wish for the reformation of a brother than fly out in resentment of his conduct. It will put up with many slights and neglects from the person it loves, and wait long to see the kindly effects of such patience on him.
II.It is kind - chrēsteuetai.
It is benign, bountiful; it is courteous and obliging. The law of kindness is in her lips; her heart is large, and her hand open. She is ready to show favours and to do good. She seeks to be useful; and not only seizes on opportunities of doing good, but searches for them. This is her general character. She is patient under injuries, and apt and inclined to do all the good offices in her power. And under these two generals all the particulars of the character may be reduced.
III.Charity suppresses envy:
It envieth not; it is not grieved at the good of others; neither at their gifts nor at their good qualities, their honours not their estates. If we love our neighbour we shall be so far from envying his welfare, or being displeased with it, that we shall share in it and rejoice at it. His bliss and sanctification will be an addition to ours, instead of impairing or lessening it. This is the proper effect of kindness and benevolence: envy is the effect of ill-will. The prosperity of those to whom we wish well can never grieve us; and the mind which is bent on doing good to all can never with ill to any.
IV.Charity subdues pride and vain-glory; It vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, is not bloated with self-conceit, does not swell upon its acquisitions, nor arrogate to itself that honour, or power, or respect, which does not belong to it. It is not insolent, apt to despise others, or trample on them, or treat them with contempt and scorn. Those who are animated with a principle of true brotherly love will in honour prefer one another, Rom 12:10. They will do nothing out of a spirit of contention or vain-glory, but in lowliness of mind will esteem others better than themselves, Phi 2:3. True love will give us an esteem of our brethren, and raise our value for them; and this will limit our esteem of ourselves, and prevent the tumours of self-conceit and arrogance. These ill qualities can never grow out of tender affection for the brethren, nor a diffusive benevolence. The word rendered in our translation vaunteth itself bears other significations; nor is the proper meaning, as I can find, settled; but in every sense and meaning true charity stands in opposition to it. The Syriac renders it, non tumultuatur - does not raise tumults and disturbances. Charity calms the angry passions, instead of raising them. Others render it, Non perper et pervers agit - It does not act insidiously with any, seek to ensnare them, nor tease them with needless importunities and addresses. It is not froward, nor stubborn and untractable, nor apt to be cross and contradictory. Some understand it of dissembling and flattery, when a fair face is put on, and fine words are said, without any regard to truth, or intention of good. Charity abhors such falsehood and flattery. Nothing is commonly more pernicious, nor more apt to cross the purposes of true love and good will.
V.Charity is careful not to pass the bounds of decency; ouk aschēmonei - it behaveth not unseemly; it does nothing indecorous, nothing that in the common account of men is base or vile. It does nothing out of place or time; but behaves towards all men as becomes their rank and ours, with reverence and respect to superiors, with kindness and condescension to inferiors, with courtesy and good-will towards all men. It is not for breaking order, confounding ranks bringing all men on a level; but for keeping up the distinction God has made between men, and acting decently in its own station, and minding its own business, without taking upon it to mend, or censure, or despise, the conduct of others. Charity will do nothing that misbecomes it.
VI.Charity is an utter enemy to selfishness:
Seeketh not its own, does not inordinately desire nor seek its own praise, or honour, or profit, or pleasure. Indeed self-love, in some degree, is natural to all men, enters into their very constitution. And a reasonable love of self is by our Saviour made the measure of our love to others, that charity which is here described, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The apostle does not mean that charity destroys all regard to self; he does not mean that the charitable man should never challenge what is his own, but utterly neglect himself and all his interests. Charity must then root up that principle which is wrought into our nature. But charity never seeks its own to the hurt of others, or with the neglect of others. It often neglects its own for the sake of others; prefers their welfare, and satisfaction, and advantage, to its own; and it ever prefers the weal of the public, of the community, whether civil or ecclesiastical, to its private advantage. It would not advance, nor aggrandize, nor enrich, nor gratify itself, at the cost and damage of the public.
VII.It tempers and restrains the passions.
Ou paroxunetai - is not exasperated. It corrects a sharpness of temper, sweetens and softens the mind, so that it does not suddenly conceive, nor long continue, a vehement passion. Where the fire of love is kept in, the flames of wrath will not easily kindle, nor long keep burning. Charity will never be angry without a cause, and will endeavour to confine the passions within proper limits, that they may not exceed the measure that is just, either in degree or duration. Anger cannot rest in the bosom where love reigns. It is hard to be angry with those we love, but very easy to drop our resentments and be reconciled.
VIII.Charity thinks no evil.
It cherishes no malice, nor gives way to revenge: so some understand it. It is not soon, nor long, angry; it is never mischievous, nor inclined to revenge; it does not suspect evil of others, ou logizetai to kakon - it does not reason out evil, charge guilt upon them by inference and innuendo, when nothing of this sort appears open. True love is not apt to be jealous and suspicious; it will hide faults that appear, and draw a veil over them, instead of hunting and raking out those that lie covered and concealed: it will never indulge suspicion without proofs, but will rather incline to darken and disbelieve evidence against the person it affects. It will hardly give into an ill opinion of another, and it will do it with regret and reluctance when the evidence cannot be resisted; hence it will never be forward to suspect ill, and reason itself into a bad opinion upon mere appearances, nor give way to suspicion without any. It will not make the worst construction of things, but put the best face that it can on circumstances that have no good appearance.
IX.The matter of its joy and pleasure is here suggested:
1.Negatively: It rejoiceth not in iniquity. It takes no pleasure in doing injury or hurt to any. It thinks not evil of any, without very clear proof. It wishes ill to none, much less will it hurt or wrong any, and least of all make this matter of its delight, rejoice in doing harm and mischief. Nor will it rejoice at the faults and failings of others, and triumph over them, either out of pride or ill-will, because it will set off its own excellences or gratify its spite. The sins of others are rather the grief of a charitable spirit than its sport or delight; they will touch it to the quick, and stir all its compassion, but give it no entertainment. It is the very height of malice to take pleasure in the misery of a fellow-creature. And is not falling into sin the greatest calamity that can befall one? How inconsistent is it with Christian charity, to rejoice at such fall!
2.Affirmatively: It rejoiceth in the truth, is glad of the success of the gospel, commonly called the truth, by way of emphasis, in the New Testament; and rejoices to see men moulded into an evangelical temper by it, and made good. It takes no pleasure in their sins, but is highly delighted to see them do well, to approve themselves men of probity and integrity. It gives it much satisfaction to see truth and justice prevail among men, innocency cleared, and mutual faith and trust established, and to see piety and true religion flourish.
X.It beareth all things, it endureth all things, panta stegei, panta hupomenei.
Some read the first, covers all things. So the original also signifies. Charity will cover a multitude of sins, Pe1 4:8. It will draw a veil over them, as far as it can consistently with duty. It is not for blazing nor publishing the faults of a brother, till duty manifestly demands it. Necessity only can extort this from the charitable mind. Though such a man be free to tell his brother his faults in private, he is very unwilling to expose him by making them public. Thus we do by our own faults, and thus charity would teach us to do by the faults of others; not publish them to their shame and reproach, but cover them from public notice as long as we can, and be faithful to God and to others. Or, it beareth all things, - will pass by and put up with injuries, without indulging anger or cherishing revenge, will be patient upon provocation, and long patient, panta hupomenei - holds firm, though it be much shocked, and borne hard upon; sustains all manner of injury and ill usage, and bears up under it, such as curses, contumacies, slanders, prison, exile, bonds, torments, and death itself, for the sake of the injurious, and of others; and perseveres in this firmness. Note, What a fortitude and firmness fervent love will give the mind! What cannot a lover endure for the beloved and for his sake! How many slights and injuries will he put up with! How many hazards will he run and how many difficulties encounter!
XI.Charity believes and hopes well of others:
Believeth all things; hopeth all things. Indeed charity does by no means destroy prudence, and, out of mere simplicity and silliness, believe every word, Pro 14:15. Wisdom may dwell with love, and charity be cautious. But it is apt to believe well of all, to entertain a good opinion of them when there is no appearance to the contrary; nay, to believe well when there may be some dark appearances, if the evidence of ill be not clear. All charity is full of candour, apt to make the best of every thing, and put on it the best face and appearance? it will judge well, and believe well, as far as it can with any reason, and will rather stretch its faith beyond appearances for the support of a kind opinion; but it will go into a bad one with the upmost reluctance, and fence against it as much as it fairly and honestly can. And when, in spite of inclination, it cannot believe well of others, it will yet hope well, and continue to hope as long as there is any ground for it. It will not presently conclude a case desperate, but wishes the amendment of the worst of men, and is very apt to hope for what it wishes. How well-natured and amiable a thing is Christian charity? How lovely a mind is that which is tinctured throughout with such benevolence, and has it diffused over its whole frame! Happy the man who has this heavenly fire glowing in his heart, flowing out of his mouth, and diffusing its warmth over all with whom he has to do! How lovely a thing would Christianity appear to the world, if those who profess it were more actuated and animated by this divine principle, and paid a due regard to a command on which its blessed author laid a chief stress! A new commandment give I to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another, Joh 13:34. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, Joh 13:35. Blessed Jesus! how few of thy professed disciples are to be distinguished and marked out by this characteristic!
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
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But the perfect man, out of love, "beareth all things, endureth all things," "as not pleasing man, but God." Although praise follows him as a consequence, it is not for his own advantage, but for the imitation and benefit of those who praise him.
But love is in truth celestial food, the banquet of reason. "It beareth all things, endureth all things, hopeth all things. Love never faileth." "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." But the hardest of all cases is for charity, which faileth not, to be cast from heaven above to the ground into the midst of sauces. And do you imagine that I am thinking of a supper that is to be done away with? "For if," it is said, "I bestow all my goods, and have not love, I am nothing."
Bearing all things, enduring all things for our love and hope regarding him, let us give thanks for all things, both favorable and unfavorable alike—I mean the pleasant and the painful—since reason often knows even these as arms of salvation.
He that has this charity fears nothing, for charity casteth out fear; and fear being thus banished and thrown aside, charity beareth all things, endureth all things. He who by charity endures all things, cannot fear martyrdom; and so in another place he speaks as a conqueror at the end of his course, The world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Out of long suffering love bears all things, whether they are burdensome or grievous, whether insults, lashes or even death.
Nevertheless, he is not content with these, but hath something even more than these to say: according to his plan of stating the stronger points later. Wherefore he saith, "beareth all things." From her long-suffering, from her goodness; whether they be burdensome, or grievous, or insults, or stripes, or death, or whatsoever else. And this again one may perceive from the case of blessed David. For what could be more intolerable than to see a son rising up against him, and aiming at the usurpation, and thirsting for a father's blood? Yet this did that blessed one endure, nor even so could he bear to throw out one bitter expression against the parricide; but even when he left all the rest to his captains, gave a strong injunction respecting his safety. For strong was the foundation of his love. Wherefore also it "beareth all things."
Now its power the Apostle here intimates, but its goodness, by what follows. For, "it hopeth all things," saith he, "believeth all things, endureth all things." What is, "hopeth all things?" It doth not despair, saith he, of the beloved, but even though he be worthless, it continues to correct, to provide, to care for him.
"Believeth all things." For it doth not merely hope, saith he, but also believeth from its great affection. And even if these good things should not turn out according to its hope, but the other person should prove yet more intolerable, it bears even these. For, saith he, it "endureth all things."
The greater the love of God that the saints possess, the more they endure all things for him.
For what is it to hear about oneself from you but to know oneself? Who, then, can know himself and say “It is false,” unless he himself lies? But because “charity believes all things,” certainly among those whom it makes one, in intimate union with each other, I, also, O Lord, do even confess to you in such a way that men may hear, though I cannot prove to them the things I confess are true. But those whose ears charity opens to me, they believe.
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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, 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). 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), then by describing its core attributes (what it is and is not) in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6. 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. 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). 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). 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Does "believeth all things" mean love is naive or gullible?
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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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.