This chapter 1 Corinthians 13:1 is a continuation of the subject commenced in 1 Corinthians 12. In that chapter Paul had introduced the subject of the various endowments which the Holy Spirit confers on Christians, and had shown that these endowments, however various they were, were conferred in suc... [ Continue Reading ]
THOUGH I SPEAK WITH THE TONGUES OF MEN - Though I should be able to speak all the languages which are spoken by people. To speak foreign languages was regarded then, as it is now, as a rare and valuable endowment; compare Virgil, _Aeneas_ vi. 625ff. The word “I” here is used in a popular sense, and... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY - See the note at 1 Corinthians 12:10; note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. AND UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES - On the meaning of the word “mystery” see note, 1 Corinthians 2:7. This passage proves that it was one part of the prophetic office, as referred to here, to be able... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THOUGH I BESTOW - The Greek word used here ψωμίσω psōmisō, from ψάω psaō, to break off) meant properly to break off, and distribute in small portions; to feed by morsels; and may be applicable here to distributing one’s property in small portions. Charity or alms to the poor, was usually di... [ Continue Reading ]
CHARITY SUFFERETH LONG - Paul now proceeds to illustrate the “nature” of love, or to show how it is exemplified. His illustrations are all drawn from its effect in regulating our conduct toward others, or our contact with them. The “reason” why he made use of this illustration, rather than its natur... [ Continue Reading ]
DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY - (οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ ouk aschēmonei). This word occurs in 1 Corinthians 7:36. See the note on that verse. It means to conduct improperly, or disgracefully, or in a manner to deserve reproach. Love seeks that which is proper or becoming in the circumstances and relatio... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY - Does not rejoice over the “vices” of other people; does not take delight when they are guilty of crime, or when, in any manner, they fall into sin. It does not find pleasure in hearing others accused of sin, and in having it proved that they committed it. It does not find... [ Continue Reading ]
BEARETH ALL THINGS - Compare the note at 1 Corinthians 9:12. Doddridge renders this, “covers all things.” The word used here (στέγει stegei) properly means to “cover” (from στέγη stegē, a covering, roof; Matthew 8:8; Luke 7:6); and then to “hide,” “conceal,” not to make known. If this be the sens... [ Continue Reading ]
CHARITY NEVER FAILETH - Paul here proceeds to illustrate the value of love, from its “permanency” as compared with other valued endowments. It is valuable, and is to be sought because it will always abide; may be always exercised; is adapted to all circumstances, and to all worlds in which we may be... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WE KNOW IN PART - Compare the note on 1 Corinthians 12:27. This expression means “only in part;” that is, “imperfectly.” Our knowledge here is imperfect and obscure. It may, therefore, all vanish in the eternal world amidst its superior brightness; and we should not regard that as of such vast v... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME - Does come; or shall come. This proposition is couched in a general form. It means that when anything which is perfect is seen or enjoyed, then that which is imperfect is forgotten, laid aside, or vanishes. Thus, in the full and perfect light of day, the imper... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN I WAS A CHILD - The idea here is, that the knowledge which we now have, compared with that which we shall have in heaven, is like that which is possessed in infancy compared with that we have in manhood; and that as, when we advance in years, we lay aside, as unworthy of our attention, the view... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS - Paul here makes use of another illustration to show the imperfection of our knowledge here. Compared with what it will be in the future world, it is like the imperfect view of an object which we have in looking through an obscure and opaque medium compared with the v... [ Continue Reading ]
AND NOW ABIDETH - “Remains” (μένει menei). The word means properly to remain, continue, abide; and is applied to persons remaining in a place, in a state or condition, in contradistinction from removing or changing their place, or passing away. Here it must be understood to be used to denote “perma... [ Continue Reading ]