What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 13:4 is one of the most famous and often-quoted verses from the New Testament of the Christian Bible because it captures the essence of what genuine love, often translated as "charity" in the King James Version, entails.

This verse begins the detailed description of love's characteristics.

"Charity suffereth long" implies that love is patient and willing to endure difficulties and delay without becoming annoyed or upset.

The term "suffereth long" aligns with the notion of forbearance under provocation or strain.

"and is kind" adds that love is also actively good and compassionate towards others. Kindness suggests benevolent behavior that seeks to assist and comfort.

"charity envieth not" means that love is not jealous or covetous. It does not resent the good fortune or success of others.

"charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up" indicates that love is not boastful or arrogant. It does not parade itself or inflate one's own importance. True love speaks to humility and a lack of self-preoccupation.

Collectively, this verse provides a stark and powerful portrayal of love, selfless, enduring, giving, humble, and devoid of envy.

Historical Context

This verse comes from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, written in the mid-1st century A.D.

The Apostle Paul is addressing a Christian community in the ancient city of Corinth, a bustling urban center known for its cultural diversity and moral laxity.

Paul's writings here are part of a larger section where he deals with spiritual gifts and their use in the church.

The Corinthian church had issues with divisiveness, spiritual pride, and a misunderstanding of the true nature of spiritual gifts.

In contrast to those problems, Paul introduces the 'more excellent way' of love as the foundation for all Christian action and the true mark of a functioning Christian community.

Theological Insights

Theologically, 1 Corinthians 13:4 challenges many philosophical and cultural definitions of love.

From a Christian standpoint, it provides a divine standard that human love can strive towards but often falls short of without divine help.

Paul's conception of love here is radical in its counter-cultural implications, it challenges the self-centeredness prevalent in both ancient and modern societies.

Many Christian theologians argue that the characteristics listed in this verse reflect God's nature, as God is love (1 John 4:8), and thus this verse calls Christians to emulate God's character in their relationships with others.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 13:4 offers practical guidance on how to love in everyday interactions.

Being patient and kind affects how one might respond to family, friends, colleagues, or strangers.

Not envying others and not boasting suggests a more content and humble approach to personal achievements and material possessions.

The verse can be used to evaluate one’s attitudes and behaviors: Are we acting out of love that resembles the one described in this passage? The humility and selflessness that Paul describes are key to maintaining harmony and nurturing relationships.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:2 – "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
• Proverbs 14:30 - "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."
• 1 Peter 4:8 - "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."
• James 3:14 - "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth."
• Philippians 2:3 - "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

Language Study

The original Greek language provides depth to this verse that is sometimes lost in translation.

The word translated as "charity" is "agape" (ἀγάπη), which is a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love.

"Suffereth long" from "makrothumei" (μακροθυμεῖ) means to be patient and slow to anger.

"Kind" is translated from "chrēsteuetai" (χρηστεύεται), indicating acting usefully or benevolently.

"Envieth not" comes from "zeloi" (ζηλοῖ), which directly translates to "to be heated or to boil with jealousy." "Vaunteth not itself" and "is not puffed up" are translations of "ou perpereuetai" (οὐ περπερεύεται) and "phusioutai" (φυσιοῦται), meaning does not brag or act arrogantly and is not inflated with a sense of self-importance, respectively.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of love as patient, kind, not envious or boastful is not unique to Christianity; however, the radical egalitarianism suggested by such love was relatively unique in the ancient world.

Most ancient cultures, like Greco-Roman society, placed a high value on honor, power, and status.

The 'agape' love in 1 Corinthians presents a countercultural and revolutionary view.

This concept of love also has parallels in other religious traditions: for example, Buddhism's emphasis on compassion (karuna) and selflessness (anatta), or Hinduism's practice of selfless service (seva).

Scientific Perspectives

While theology and science approach topics such as love from very different standpoints, recent studies in psychology have begun to delve into the benefits of love and kindness.

Acts of kindness and a compassionate lifestyle have been linked to improved mental and physical health.

There is also research suggesting that envy can negatively affect an individual's well-being and social relationships.

Thus, the behaviors and attitudes encouraged in 1 Corinthians 13:4 are not only spiritually beneficial but could also contribute to better overall health and societal well-being.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 13:4.

Many echo the sentiment that love, as depicted here, should be the guiding principle for Christian behavior.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that love and kindness are the heart's graces and should be in the heart of every Christian.

The MacArthur Study Bible comments on how this love is an act of the will, not driven by feelings or emotions.

Adam Clarke's Commentary emphasizes that these characteristics of love are perennial and that without this love all talents and gifts are worthless.

Although interpretations may slightly vary, the consensus is on the paramount importance of love as characterized by these attributes for an authentic Christian life.