1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,1 Corinthians 13:4
What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 mean?
Paul describes love not as a feeling but as a set of behaviors: patient, kind, free from envy, boasting, and pride. It's a working definition of love in action, meant to be lived out even when it's difficult.
Context
1 Corinthians 13 sits between two chapters about spiritual gifts (chapters 12 and 14) in a letter Paul wrote to a church at Corinth that was divided over which gifts mattered most. Rather than settling the argument by ranking gifts, Paul redirects the whole conversation toward love as the necessary foundation beneath any gift — without it, even the most impressive abilities amount to nothing (13:1-3).
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Bible study
- Why do you think Paul places this description of love between two chapters about spiritual gifts?
- Which of the qualities Paul names (patient, kind, not envious, not boastful) is hardest for you to live out?
- How does defining love by actions, rather than feelings, change how you think about loving others?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, teach me to love the way this describes — patient and kind, without envy or pride. Where I fall short, grow that love in me. Amen.
Memorize this verse
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
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Frequently asked questions
Why did Paul write this passage about love?
The Corinthian church was divided over spiritual gifts and status; Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13 to show that love must undergird every gift, or the gift means nothing (13:1-3).
Is 1 Corinthians 13 only about romantic love?
No — in its original context it's about love within the church community, especially how believers treat one another despite differing gifts and disagreements.