What does 1 Corinthians 13:3 mean?

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

Explanation

The passage from 1 Corinthians 13:3 discusses the idea of charity, which in the context of the Bible is more appropriately understood as “love” or “agape” in the original Greek. Love here refers to a selfless, sacrificial love that values and seeks the best for others. The apostle Paul, writing to the church of Corinth, is suggesting that even the most extreme acts of self-sacrifice or philanthropy, like giving away all one’s possessions or enduring martyrdom, are of no value if not carried out in love. The verse highlights that actions, no matter how good or sacrificial they seem, are essentially empty if they aren’t infused with this divine love that is meant to typify Christian behavior.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by Paul the Apostle around A.D. 55 to the church in Corinth. Corinth was a major Greek city-state and a hub of commerce, culture, and religion. The church there was comprised of a diverse set of believers from different social and ethnic backgrounds. It had various problems including divisions, moral issues, and misunderstandings of spiritual gifts. In this context, Paul addressed the importance of love as the greatest of all virtues and as the solution to the community’s issues.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse underscores the primacy of love as the ultimate Christian virtue. Theological interpretations vary, but most agree on the fundamental idea that love is central to Christian ethics and spirituality. Without love, actions lack Christian value, regardless of their outward appearance. This verse can be seen as a critique of legalism, where the letter of the law is followed without the spirit of the law, which is love.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as a reminder that one’s motives are just as important as one’s actions. In everyday life, this encourages individuals to examine why they do what they do, urging them to act out of pure motives of love rather than for recognition, pride, or any self-serving reasons. It teaches that true charity involves sincere concern for others’ well-being and promotes actions born out of this concern.

Cross-References

• 1 John 3:17: “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
• Matthew 6:1-2: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:1-2: “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.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key word is “ἀγάπη” (agape), which means love. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional, differing from other types of love such as “ἔρως” (eros) or “φιλία” (philia) which pertain to romantic or brotherly love respectively. “ἀγάπη” in its verb form “ἀγαπᾷν” (to love) reflects a recurring theme in Paul’s writings that signifies one of the highest moral virtues of Christian life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Compare this Christian notion of agape to other ancient practices, the Greco-Roman culture emphasized philanthropy, or the love for humanity, especially in the context of patronage and civic virtue. However, what Paul proposes goes beyond cultural norms, as it extends to all humans and involves a selflessness that was not always present in cultural expectations of the period. Religiously, this concept of agape is distinctively Christian when compared to ancient myths, which often revolved around the actions of capricious deities rather than selfless love.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse may intersect with modern scientific understandings in the field of psychology and the study of altruism. Research on pro-social behavior aligns with the idea that actions conducted with genuine concern for others can lead to more significant social cohesion and personal well-being. Psychologists also study the motivation behind actions, supporting the scriptural notion that the ‘why’ behind actions is as important as the actions themselves.

commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians reflect on this verse as an essential aspect of Christian character. They often use this passage to emphasize that without love, achievements are hollow. John Calvin wrote about this verse, suggesting that actions and generosity, no matter how grand, are nothing if they’re not grounded in true charity. Matthew Henry’s Commentary reiterates that it is love alone that gives worth to all our services and sufferings. Modern-day commentaries continue to focus on love as the essential Christian attribute, making this a continuously relevant and foundational text for the Christian faith.