1 Corinthians 13:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
though
G1437
ἐὰν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 28
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰδῶ
understand
G1492
εἰδῶ
understand
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 28
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
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστήρια
mysteries
G3466
μυστήρια
mysteries
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
8 of 28
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνῶσιν
knowledge
G1108
γνῶσιν
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
13 of 28
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
though
G1437
ἐὰν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
15 of 28
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 28
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστιν
faith
G4102
πίστιν
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
19 of 28
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ὥστε
so
G5620
ὥστε
so
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
20 of 28
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
μεθιστάνειν
that I could remove
G3179
μεθιστάνειν
that I could remove
Strong's:
G3179
Word #:
22 of 28
to transfer, i.e., carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce
ἀγάπην
charity
G26
ἀγάπην
charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
23 of 28
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
25 of 28
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
26 of 28
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
1 John 4:8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.1 Corinthians 13:3And 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.Matthew 17:20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.Matthew 21:21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.Ephesians 3:4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)1 Corinthians 13:1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.Galatians 5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.Colossians 1:26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:1 Corinthians 7:19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Historical Context
The Corinthians' obsession with knowledge (gnōsis) appears throughout the letter: "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (8:1), their false wisdom (1:18-25), divisions over teachers (1:12; 3:4-7). Greek philosophical schools in Corinth emphasized esoteric knowledge and mystery religions offered secret revelations. Paul insists Christian maturity isn't measured by spiritual information but Christlike love.
Questions for Reflection
- How might theological knowledge or doctrinal correctness become a source of pride rather than love for the church?
- What does it mean that prophetic gifting, mystery knowledge, and mountain-moving faith can coexist with being 'nothing' in God's eyes?
- How does verse 2 challenge the modern church's tendency to elevate gifted teachers and celebrity Christians over character?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And though I have the gift of prophecy (καὶ ἐὰν ἔχω προφητείαν, kai ean echō prophēteian)—Paul now addresses a gift he ranked highest for edification (14:1-5). Prophēteia means inspired proclamation of God's truth, not merely prediction. Even this supremely valuable gift becomes worthless without love.
And understand all mysteries, and all knowledge (καὶ εἰδῶ τὰ μυστήρια πάντα καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γνῶσιν, kai eidō ta mystēria panta kai pasan tēn gnōsin)—Mystēria refers to divine secrets revealed only by God (1 Corinthians 2:7; Romans 11:25; Ephesians 3:3-9). Gnōsis is comprehensive understanding. Paul's hyperbolic "all mysteries and all knowledge" includes theological mastery, biblical expertise, and supernatural insight—the very knowledge Corinthians prized (1 Corinthians 8:1).
And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing (οὐθέν εἰμι, outhen eimi)—Jesus promised mountain-moving faith to His disciples (Matthew 17:20; 21:21). Outhen is absolute zero, not "little" but literally "nothing." Without love, even miracle-working faith reduces the miracle-worker to ontological nothingness.