1 Corinthians 13:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 13:4
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 13 is a hymn to love chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, grace, redemption. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 13:4
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Analysis
Charity suffereth long (ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ, hē agapē makrothymei)—Paul begins defining love's positive qualities. Makrothymeō means "long-tempered" (literally "long passion"), the opposite of quick-tempered. It's patience under provocation, enduring difficult people without retaliation. God's own makrothymia delays judgment to allow repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).
And is kind (χρηστεύεται, chrēsteuetai)—Chrēsteuomai appears only here in the NT, meaning actively benevolent, showing practical goodness. Love doesn't merely refrain from harm (patience) but actively does good (kindness). These two qualities form love's foundational posture: enduring and generous.
Charity envieth not (οὐ ζηλοῖ, ou zēloi)—Zēloō can mean healthy zeal or sinful jealousy; context determines meaning. Here, negative: love doesn't envy others' gifts, possessions, or status. This directly confronts Corinthian jealousy over spiritual gifts (3:3; 12:31).
Charity vaunteth not itself (οὐ περπερεύεται, ou perpereuetai)—This rare verb (appears only here in biblical Greek) means boastful self-display or bragging. Love doesn't parade achievements or seek recognition.
Is not puffed up (οὐ φυσιοῦται, ou physioutai)—Physioō is Paul's favorite term for arrogance in 1 Corinthians (4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1). Literally "inflated," it describes pride that puffs up with self-importance. Love deflates ego.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church was rife with competition: factions boasting of teachers (1:12; 3:21; 4:6), arrogance over knowledge (8:1), divisions at the Lord's Supper (11:17-22), and jealousy over gifts (12:14-26). Greco-Roman society rewarded self-promotion and honor-seeking. Against this, Paul presents love as patient, kind, humble, and non-competitive—radically countercultural in ancient Corinth and modern Western culture.
Reflection
- Which of these five qualities—patience, kindness, contentment, humility, or selflessness—most challenges you in your closest relationships?
- How does social media culture encourage the very self-promotion ('vaunting') and envy that Paul says love rejects?
- In what specific ways might you be 'puffed up' with spiritual pride over knowledge, gifts, or theological correctness?
Cross-References
- Love: Proverbs 10:12, 17:9, Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 3:8, 4:8
- Parallel theme: Ephesians 4:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:14