1 Corinthians 13:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
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 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπάρχοντά
goods
G5224
ὑπάρχοντά
goods
Strong's:
G5224
Word #:
6 of 21
things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
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 #:
9 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμά
body
G4983
σῶμά
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
12 of 21
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
καυθήσωμαι
be burned
G2545
καυθήσωμαι
be burned
Strong's:
G2545
Word #:
15 of 21
to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume
ἀγάπην
charity
G26
ἀγάπην
charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
16 of 21
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
18 of 21
(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 #:
19 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
John 15:13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Matthew 23:5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.John 12:43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.Luke 18:22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.Luke 18:28Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
Historical Context
In the honor-shame culture of the Roman Empire, public benefaction (euergetism) brought social status and immortal fame. Wealthy citizens funded games, buildings, and grain distributions to be praised as public benefactors. Jewish tradition also honored almsgiving and martyrdom (2 Maccabees 6-7). Paul radically reorients motivation: acts done for glory or self-justification, not love, profit nothing eternally.
Questions for Reflection
- What sacrificial acts might you be performing for recognition, moral satisfaction, or self-justification rather than genuine love?
- How does this verse expose the danger of 'virtue signaling'—public displays of generosity or justice performed primarily for social approval?
- Why does God value the motive (love) as much as or more than the act (charity, martyrdom) itself?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor (κἂν ψωμίσω πάντα τὰ ὑπάρχοντά μου, kan psōmisō panta ta hyparchonta mou)—Psōmizō literally means "to feed morsel by morsel," suggesting gradual, deliberate distribution of one's entire estate. This is radical generosity, total divestment for charity—the highest imaginable sacrifice in a patronage-based society where wealth meant status, security, and honor.
And though I give my body to be burned (καὶ ἐὰν παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου ἵνα καυχήσωμαι, kai ean paradō to sōma mou hina kauchēsōmai)—Most manuscripts read kauchēsōmai ("that I may boast") rather than kauthēsōmai ("to be burned"), though both appear in tradition. The concept is martyrdom—ultimate self-sacrifice, possibly referencing Daniel's friends (Daniel 3) or anticipating Christian persecution. Yet even dying for one's faith is worthless if motivated by pride rather than love.
And have not charity, it profiteth me nothing (οὐδὲν ὠφελοῦμαι, ouden ōpheloumai)—I gain zero benefit. Paul's third escalation moves from being nothing (v. 2) to gaining nothing. Without agapē, even seemingly selfless acts—total charity, martyrdom—are spiritually bankrupt. Motive matters as much as action.