1 Corinthians 13:3

Authorized King James Version

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me 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

ψωμίσω

G5595

I bestow

to supply with bits, i.e., (generally) to nourish

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ

G3588

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

ὑπάρχοντά

G5224

goods

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

μου

G3450

of me

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

#10

παραδῶ

G3860

I give

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

#11

τὸ

G3588

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

#12

σῶμά

G4983

body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

#13

μου

G3450

of me

#14

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#15

καυθήσωμαι

G2545

be burned

to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume

#16

ἀγάπην

G26

charity

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

#17

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#18

μὴ

G3361

not

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

#19

ἔχω

G2192

have

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

#20

οὐδὲν

G3762

nothing

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

#21

ὠφελοῦμαι

G5623

it profiteth me

to be useful, i.e., to benefit

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Topics

Love