1 Corinthians 13:2

Authorized King James Version

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐὰν

G1437

though

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἔχω

G2192

I have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

προφητείαν

G4394

the gift of prophecy

prediction (scriptural or other)

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰδῶ

G1492

understand

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μυστήρια

G3466

mysteries

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#12

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

γνῶσιν

G1108

knowledge

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

ἐὰν

G1437

though

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

#16

ἔχω

G2192

I have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#17

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#18

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

πίστιν

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#20

ὥστε

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

#21

ὄρη

G3735

mountains

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

#22

μεθιστάνειν

G3179

that I could remove

to transfer, i.e., carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce

#23

ἀγάπην

G26

charity

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

#24

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#25

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#26

ἔχω

G2192

I have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#27

οὐθέν

G3762

nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#28

εἰμι

G1510

I am

i exist (used only when emphatic)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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