What does 1 Corinthians 13:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse from 1 Corinthians 13:11 reflects on the theme of growth and maturity.

The apostle Paul is making an analogy between the natural process of growing up and the spiritual process of maturing in faith.

Literally, Paul reflects on his own experience of growing from childhood to adulthood, and he compares the behaviors, understanding, and thoughts of a child to that of an adult, emphasizing the transformative nature of maturity.

On a deeper level, this verse is often interpreted as a call for spiritual growth and development.

When Paul speaks of "childish things," he is referring to immature behavior, limited understanding, and simplistic thinking.

As believers grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God, they are expected to develop a more profound understanding of theological concepts, exhibit more mature behavior, and adopt thought patterns that reflect their faith and spiritual maturity.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians 13 is part of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, which is believed to have been written around A.D. 55. The city of Corinth was a major commercial center in ancient Greece, and its population included a diverse mix of cultures, religions, and socio-economic statuses.

The Corinthian church, like the city itself, was diverse and was facing internal issues related to spiritual gifts, theological understanding, and moral behavior.

Paul wrote this letter to address these problems and to provide guidance and correction.

In this particular chapter, Paul emphasized the importance of love as the highest Christian virtue, urging the Corinthians to value it above all spiritual gifts.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer varied insights into 1 Corinthians 13:11. Here are several perspectives:

• Evangelical Perspective: Evangelicals may focus on the personal relationship with Jesus Christ, emphasizing that spiritual maturity comes from a deeper understanding and acceptance of the Gospel.

• Catholic Perspective: The Catholic Church may highlight the importance of this growth within the context of the Church's sacramental life and community, viewing it as a continuing journey aided by grace.

• Progressive Theology: A progressive theological stance might view the "childish things" as outdated dogmas or harmful beliefs that must be abandoned as one's faith and social awareness evolve.

• Conservative Theology: Conversely, conservative theologians might argue that "childish things" refer to worldly pursuits and that maturity involves adhering more strictly to scriptural authority and traditional values.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse have several practical applications in daily life:

• Personal Development: Individuals can apply this verse to their personal growth and life journey, seeking to evolve maturely and wisely.

• Leadership: Those in leadership positions can reflect on how their decisions and guidance are influenced by mature, spiritually grounded reasoning rather than impulsive, selfish motives.

• Conflict Resolution: In resolving conflicts, the verse encourages looking beyond petty grievances or immature responses and striving for reconciliation with humility and love.

Cross-References

• "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)
• "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11) [The verse in question]
• "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." (1 Corinthians 14:20)
• "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:14)
• "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (Ephesians 4:15)

Language Study

In the original Greek text of 1 Corinthians 13:11, the key words are:

• "child": This comes from the Greek "νήπιος" (nēpios), which indicates an infant, minor, or someone who is immature.
• "thought": The Greek word used here is "ἐφρόνουν" (ephronoun), derived from "φρονέω" (phroneō), which means to think or have a mindset.
• "put away": This is translated from the Greek word "κατήργηκα" (katērgēka), which means to abolish, render inactive, or put aside.

An understanding of these Greek terms provides greater insight into the nuances of what kind of behaviors or mindsets Paul is referring to as "childish."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, the progression from childhood to adulthood is marked by specific rites of passage. Similarly, the transition from immature to mature understanding is often highlighted in religious texts.

For example, in Judaism, the Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies signify the coming of age for boys and girls, respectively. Similarly, Hinduism has the Upanayana ceremony, which marks the beginning of the study of sacred texts and entering spiritual life.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of human development corroborates the notion that with age, humans typically develop greater cognitive abilities, emotional maturity, and moral reasoning. Neuroscience shows that brain development continues into early adulthood, affecting reasoning and decision-making.

Paul's analogy aligns with the modern scientific understanding that thought processes evolve as one matures, and past immature behaviors or beliefs are often discarded in favor of more profound, rational, and ethically informed approaches.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians offer commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:11:

• John Wesley: He emphasizes that childish things include trifling and temporary possessions, which we should outgrow in the pursuit of eternal things.

• Matthew Henry: Henry's perspective is that understanding and speaking truth are essential qualities that mark mature Christian faith and practice.

• William Barclay: Barclay interprets Paul's words as a challenge for believers to grow in their understanding of God and to move beyond the elementary teachings of faith to a deeper knowledge.

• Gordon Fee: In his commentary, Fee sees the verse as a call to spiritual maturity and the importance of love as the key to this maturity and to the Christian life as a whole.

These commentaries showcase the variety of interpretations and applications that scholars have derived from this single verse.