1 Corinthians 13:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 13:3
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 13 is a hymn to love chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy, obedience. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 13:3
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Love: John 12:43, 15:13
- Good: Hebrews 13:9
- Parallel theme: Matthew 23:5, Luke 18:22, 18:28, Galatians 5:26, 1 Timothy 4:8