1 Corinthians 13:5

Authorized King James Version

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
ἀσχημονεῖ
Doth
to be (i.e., act) unbecoming
#3
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#4
ζητεῖ
seeketh
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#5
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἑαυτῆς
her own
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#7
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#8
παροξύνεται
easily provoked
to sharpen alongside, i.e., (figuratively) to exasperate
#9
οὐ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
λογίζεται
thinketh
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
#11
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
κακόν
evil
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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