1 Corinthians 13Church Fathers' Commentary on Every Verse

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up,

The Fathers read this verse as the opening of a portrait of love. John Chrysostom notes that Paul begins with long-suffering, "the root of all wisdom." Theophylact of Bulgaria sees each trait aimed at Corinthian faults: quarrels, envy and frivolity. Augustine of Hippo links envy to pride, since "pride is the mother of envy," while love remains humble-minded.

Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil:

For John Chrysostom, love does not count even extreme sufferings for the beloved as dishonor, as Christ showed with the harlot. Theodoret of Cyrus explains that it seeks the profit of many, bears grievous things magnanimously and assumes wrongs were not done with evil intent. Theophylact of Bulgaria adds that love does not even think of revenge.

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth:

The Fathers read this verse as sharing in sorrow and joy. According to John Chrysostom, love does not rejoice when others suffer evil, but rejoices over those rightly ordered in life, counting the goods of others as its own. Tichon of Zadonsk adds that it suffers when a neighbor is wronged. Theophylact of Bulgaria applies the verse against the envious.

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

John Chrysostom sees in "bears all things" the power of love, which by long-suffering and meekness endures insults, blows and even death, as David did toward his rebellious son. Hoping, believing and enduring show its goodness: love expects every good from the beloved without despairing. Theodoret of Cyrus adds that nothing can tear the lover from love.

Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed.

For we know in part: and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.

We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known.

And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.