1 Corinthians 13:1
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐὰν
Though
G1437
Ἐὰν
Though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλώσσαις
with the tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
with the tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
3 of 19
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλων
of angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
of angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
9 of 19
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἀγάπην
charity
G26
ἀγάπην
charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
10 of 19
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχω
have
G2192
ἔχω
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
γέγονα
I am become
G1096
γέγονα
I am become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
χαλκὸς
brass
G5475
χαλκὸς
brass
Strong's:
G5475
Word #:
15 of 19
copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it)
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,1 Corinthians 13:8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.Romans 14:15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.Matthew 25:45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.1 Corinthians 12:8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Historical Context
Written circa 55 AD from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey to a divided Corinthian church. Corinth was a cosmopolitan port notorious for immorality and religious pluralism. The church, influenced by Greek philosophy's love of wisdom and rhetoric, competed over spiritual gifts, particularly tongues (chapters 12-14). Chapter 13 interrupts this discussion to establish love as the "more excellent way" (12:31).
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual activities or religious performances might you be engaging in that lack genuine agapē love toward others?
- How does Paul's equation of loveless gifts with pagan temple noise challenge modern emphasis on spectacular spiritual experiences?
- In what ways might your theological eloquence or doctrinal precision become 'sounding brass' without love for those you correct?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels (ταῖς γλώσσαις τῶν ἀνθρώπων... καὶ τῶν ἀγγέλων, tais glōssais tōn anthrōpōn... kai tōn angelōn)—Paul begins his love discourse by relativizing the Corinthians' most prized gift. Glōssais encompasses both human languages and ecstatic utterance. The hyperbolic "tongues of angels" (possibly referencing celestial praise languages) sets the highest imaginable standard for eloquence.
And have not charity (ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω, agapēn de mē echō)—Agapē is self-sacrificial, covenant love modeled supremely in Christ's death (Romans 5:8). Unlike phileo (affection) or eros (desire), agapē chooses the good of others regardless of reciprocation. Paul uses the strong adversative de to contrast gifts with character.
I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal (γέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον, gegona chalkos ēchōn ē kymbalon alalazon)—The perfect tense gegona indicates a settled state of worthlessness. Ancient temples used bronze gongs and clashing cymbals in pagan worship—loud, attention-grabbing, but meaningless cacophony. Without love, even supernatural speech is just religious noise.