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1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13 is part of “Spiritual Gifts and Love” (12–14) in the outline of 1 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 13 summary

In this chapter the apostle goes on to show more particularly what that more excellent way was of which he had just before been speaking. He recommends it, I. By showing the necessity and importance of it (Co1 13:1-3). II.

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In this chapter the apostle goes on to show more particularly what that more excellent way was of which he had just before been speaking. He recommends it, I. By showing the necessity and importance of it (Co1 13:1-3). II. By giving a description of its properties and fruits (Co1 13:4-7). III. By showing how much it excels the best of gifts and other graces, by its continuance, when they shall be no longer in being, or of any use (Co1 13:8 to the end).

Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).

Key verses in 1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13 (GNV)

Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)

The Way of Love

1Though I speake with the tongues of men and Angels, and haue not loue, I am as sounding brasse, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I had the gift of prophecie, and knewe all secrets and all knowledge, yea, if I had all faith, so that I could remooue mountaines and had not loue, I were nothing. 3And though I feede the poore with all my goods, and though I giue my body, that I be burned, and haue not loue, it profiteth me nothing. 4Loue suffreth long: it is bountifull: loue enuieth not: loue doeth not boast it selfe: it is not puffed vp: 5It doeth no vncomely thing: it seeketh not her owne things: it is not prouoked to anger: it thinketh not euill: 6It reioyceth not in iniquitie, but reioyceth in the trueth: 7It suffreth all things: it beleeueth all things: it hopeth all things: it endureth all things.

Love Never Ends

8Loue doeth neuer fall away, though that prophecyings be abolished, or the tongues cease, or knowledge vanish away. 9For we knowe in part, and we prophecie in part. 10But when that which is perfect, is come, then that which is in part, shalbe abolished. 11When I was a childe, I spake as a childe, I vnderstoode as a childe, I thought as a childe: but when I became a man, I put away childish thinges. 12For nowe we see through a glasse darkely: but then shall wee see face to face. Nowe I know in part: but then shall I know euen as I am knowen. 13And nowe abideth faith, hope and loue, euen these three: but the chiefest of these is loue.

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About the book of 1 Corinthians