1 Corinthians 13:8

¶ Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Charity {G26} never {G3763} faileth {G1601}: but {G1161} whether {G1535} there be prophecies {G4394}, they shall fail {G2673}; whether {G1535} there be tongues {G1100}, they shall cease {G3973}; whether {G1535} there be knowledge {G1108}, it shall vanish away {G2673}.

Love never ends; but prophecies will pass,
tongues will cease, knowledge will pass.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed.

Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away.

1 Corinthians 13:8 delivers a profound statement on the enduring nature of love (charity) in contrast to the temporary status of spiritual gifts. This verse serves as a pivotal point in Paul's renowned discourse on love, emphasizing its eternal value over even the most remarkable spiritual manifestations.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's famous "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13, which is nestled between two chapters (12 and 14) that extensively discuss spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. The Corinthians were experiencing divisions and pride, partly due to an overemphasis on certain showy gifts like tongues and prophecy. Paul's intent in this chapter is to elevate love as the "more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31), demonstrating that without love, even the most impressive spiritual expressions are meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Verse 8 specifically highlights that these gifts are transient, while love is eternal.

Key Themes

  • The Enduring Nature of Love: The central message is that "Charity never faileth." Love, or agape, is presented as an eternal, unwavering quality that will persist beyond this earthly life and the current dispensation of spiritual gifts.
  • The Temporary Nature of Spiritual Gifts: Paul lists three prominent gifts: prophecies, tongues, and knowledge. He explicitly states they "shall fail," "shall cease," and "shall vanish away." This indicates that these gifts serve a specific purpose for a specific time, but are not permanent.
  • Anticipation of the Perfect: While not explicitly stated in verse 8, this verse sets the stage for the following verses (1 Corinthians 13:9-10), which explain that these gifts are "in part" and will be superseded "when that which is perfect is come." This "perfect" is widely understood to refer to the consummation of God's plan, either at Christ's return or in the eternal state, when we will know fully, as we are fully known.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Charity" (Greek: agapē): This is the highest form of love, often described as unconditional, self-sacrificial, and divine love. It is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice and action, distinct from familial love (philia) or romantic love (eros). Its enduring nature ("never faileth") is a hallmark of its divine origin.
  • "Faileth" (Greek: ekpiptō): Used for love, meaning "to fall out," "to cease to exist," or "to fail." The strong negative "never" emphasizes its permanence.
  • "Fail" (Greek: katargeō): Used for prophecies, meaning "to render inoperative," "to abolish," or "to make void."
  • "Cease" (Greek: pauō): Used for tongues, meaning "to stop," "to come to an end," or "to rest from."
  • "Vanish away" (Greek: katargeō): Used again for knowledge, reinforcing that it, too, will be abolished or rendered ineffective in its current form.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 13:8 calls believers to prioritize love above all else. In an age where spiritual experiences, intellectual understanding, or unique abilities can be highly valued, this verse reminds us that only love possesses eternal significance. It encourages us to cultivate a life centered on agape love, recognizing that while our current gifts and knowledge serve a purpose now, they are temporary. Our ultimate goal should be to grow in love, as it is the lasting characteristic of God's kingdom and the greatest virtue (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:13

    And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1

    ¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:2

    And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:10

    But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

  • Hebrews 8:13

    In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.

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