Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 Corinthians 13:5
“or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
NIV · New International Version
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
WEB · World English Bible
doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;
What does 1 Corinthians 13:5 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 1 Corinthians 13:5
Doth not behave itself unseemly,.... By using either unbecoming words, or doing indecent actions; for a man unprincipled with this grace will be careful that no filthy and corrupt communication proceed out of his mouth, which may offend pious ears; and that he uses no ridiculous and ludicrous gestures, which may expose himself and grieve the saints; accordingly the Syriac version renders it, "neither does it commit that which is shameful": such an one will not do a little mean despicable action, in reproaching one, or flattering another, in order to gain a point, to procure some worldly advantage, or an interest in the friendship and affection of another. Some understand it in this sense…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 Corinthians 13:4–8
5. Doth not behave itself unseemly Erasmus renders it "Is not disdainful;" but as he quotes no author in support of this interpretation, I have preferred to retain its proper and usual signification. I explain it, however, in this way -- that love does not exult in a foolish ostentation, or does not bluster, but observes moderation and propriety. And in this manner, he again reproves the Corinthians indirectly, because they shamefully set at naught all propriety by an unseemly haughtiness. [786] Seeketh not its own.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 Corinthians 13:2–8 (WEB)
2If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing. 3If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing. 4Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, 5doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; 6doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.
Cross references
- 1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no one seek his own, but each one his neighbor’s good.
- Philippians 2:3–5
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
- 1 John 3:16–17
By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
- James 1:19
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
- Philippians 2:21
For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.
- Galatians 6:1–2
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- Romans 15:1–2
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q86. What is required in the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment requires full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbor, and all that is his.