1 Corinthians 13:7
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Original Language Analysis
στέγει
Beareth
G4722
στέγει
Beareth
Strong's:
G4722
Word #:
2 of 8
to roof over, i.e., (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,1 Corinthians 13:4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.1 Corinthians 9:12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.Galatians 6:2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.2 Timothy 4:5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.Psalms 119:66Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church exhibited the opposite of these qualities: divisions instead of covering faults (1:10-13), suspicion and judgment instead of believing the best (4:1-5), giving up on difficult brothers (5:1-5; 6:1-8), and abandoning relational endurance. Roman society quickly severed relationships when inconvenient. Paul presents Christ's love—which covered our sins, believed in our redemption, hoped for our transformation, and endured the cross—as the model.
Questions for Reflection
- Which of these four qualities—bearing, believing, hoping, enduring—is most difficult for you in a specific strained relationship?
- How does Christ's endurance of the cross ('endured all things') and hope for your sanctification ('hopes all things') model this love?
- In what ways might cynicism or suspicion ('not believing all things') be protecting you from vulnerability but also preventing genuine love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Beareth all things (πάντα στέγει, panta stegei)—Stegō has two possible meanings:
Both nuances fit: love both shields and endures.
Believeth all things (πάντα πιστεύει, panta pisteuei)—Not gullible credulity, but trusting others in the best possible light. Love doesn't assume the worst, isn't cynical or suspicious, gives the benefit of the doubt. This doesn't mean naïveté—Jesus "knew what was in man" (John 2:24-25)—but rather refusing to prejudge or assume malice.
Hopeth all things (πάντα ἐλπίζει, panta elpizei)—Elpizō is confident expectation, not wishful thinking. Love maintains hope for others' redemption, growth, and change. It doesn't write people off as hopeless cases. This hope rests in God's transforming power, not human potential.
Endureth all things (πάντα ὑπομένει, panta hypomenei)—Hypomenō means steadfast perseverance under trial. Love doesn't quit when relationships become difficult. The four panta ("all things") emphasize love's comprehensive, unwavering character. Together they present love as protective, trusting, hopeful, and persistent—the very opposite of the Corinthians' quick divisions and broken relationships.