1 Corinthians 12:31
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χαρίσματα
gifts
G5486
χαρίσματα
gifts
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
4 of 13
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρείττονα
the best
G2909
κρείττονα
the best
Strong's:
G2909
Word #:
6 of 13
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
Καὶ
and
G2532
Καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καθ'
a more
G2596
καθ'
a more
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
9 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὑπερβολὴν
excellent
G5236
ὑπερβολὴν
excellent
Strong's:
G5236
Word #:
10 of 13
a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently
Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.Philippians 3:8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Historical Context
This transitional verse climaxes Paul's gift-teaching and launches into the love-chapter. The Corinthians needed correction on two fronts: wrong gifts pursued (tongues over prophecy) and wrong motivation (self-display over love). Chapters 12-14 form a unit: gifts' source (12), gifts' motive (13), gifts' use (14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'covet earnestly the best gifts' square with earlier teaching that the Spirit distributes 'as He wills' (v.11)?
- What are the 'best gifts' for your church's context—which gifts would most edify your body?
- How does the 'more excellent way' of love transform how you view and exercise spiritual gifts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But covet earnestly the best gifts—Zēloute de ta charismata ta meizona (ζηλοῦτε δὲ τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα)—zēloute can be translated "earnestly desire" or "zealously seek." Meizona ("greater") suggests a hierarchy, though context clarifies: "greater" means more beneficial to the body's edification, not intrinsically superior. Prophecy is "greater" than uninterpreted tongues because it builds up the church (14:5). This isn't about personal spiritual status but corporate benefit.
And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way—Kai eti kath' hyperbolēn hodon hymin deiknymi ("and yet a still more excellent way I show you")—kath' hyperbolēn means "beyond measure, surpassing, exceedingly." The "more excellent way" is agapē (love), expounded in chapter 13. Love transcends all gifts—without it, prophecy, tongues, knowledge, and miracles are worthless (13:1-3). This verse bridges chapters 12 and 13, preparing the transition: gifts matter, but love matters infinitely more. Pursue edifying gifts zealously, yes—but pursue love supremely.