1 Corinthians 13:13

νυνὶ δὲ μένει κ. τ. λ. final conclusion of the matter, μένει being antithetical to πίπτει κ. τ. λ. of the foregoing: “But as it is (nunc autem), there abides faith, hope, love these three l” they stay; the others pass (1 Corinthians 13:8 ff.). Faith and Hope are elements of the perfect and permanent state; new objects of trust and desire will come into sight in the widening visions of the life eternal. But Love, both now and then, surpasses its companions, being the character of God (1 Corinthians 8:3; 1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16); in Love is the fruition of Faith's efforts (Galatians 5:6) and Hope's anticipations; it alone gives worth to every human power (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). The popular interpretation, since Cm [2010], has read νυνὶ as temporal instead of logical, identifying it with the ἄρτι of 1 Corinthians 13:12, as though the Ap. meant that for the present Faith and Hope “abide” with Love, but Love alone “abides” for ever. But P. puts the three on the same footing in respect of enduringness “ these three” in comparison with the other three of 1 Corinthians 13:8 pointedly adding Faith and Hope to share and support the “abiding” of Love; “love is greater among these,” not more lasting. For μείζων with partitive gen [2011], cf. Matthew 23:11, and see Wr [2012], p. 303. For the pregnant, absolute μένει, cf, 1 Corinthians 3:14; 1 John 2:6; 2 John 1:2.

[2010] John Chrysostom's Homiliœ († 407).

[2011] genitive case.

[2012] Winer-Moulton's Grammar of N.T. Greek (8th ed., 1877).