1 Corinthians 13:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 13:2
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 13 is a hymn to love chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, righteousness, 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 13:2
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Matthew 17:20, 21:21
- Love: 1 Corinthians 13:1, 13:3, 16:22, 1 John 4:8
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:19, Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 3:4, Colossians 1:26