1 Corinthians 13

1 and of angels. This may mean, more than man can utter.

charity. Not almsgiving (see ver. 3), but “love,” as the word is rendered in most places, and in R.V. throughout this chapter.

linking. Rather, “clanging” (R.V.).

2 mysteries. See note on Matt. xiii. 11. “Faith” here is the same as in xii. 9; which might exist apart from love: see Matt. vii. 21-23.

3 though I bestow all my goods, etc. “Dole out in food” (Speaker’s Commentary). Notwithstanding

4. Is kind. The French version has “elle est douce.”

charity envieth not. Love is neither envious nor jealous.

5 seeketh not her own. Love is disinterested. Is not [easily] provoked. The word easily has been added by the translators to the apostle’s statement. It is omitted in R.V.

thinketh no evil. i.e., takes no account of it, forgives it. Evil of course must be understood in the sense of injury: not moral evil generally.

6 in the truth. Properly, “with the truth”; sharing the joy of its triumphs. The contrast between “inignity” (or unrighteousness) and “truth” shows the inseparable connexion between true principles and right conduct.

7 beareth all things. The Greek means “covereth.” The Speaker’s Commentary explains: “is proof against all provocations”; “knows how to be silent” (Weymouth); “always slow to expose” (Moffatt). “All things” must, of course, mean all that can be thus treated with a good conscience.

believeth all things. Love is not distrustful, but is hopeful; looking on the brighter side of things and persons.

8 shall fail. Rather, “shall be done away,” as no more needed.

it shall vanish away. Or, “be done away,” as in ver. 8. Even inspired men “know” and “speak” only “in part”; with the conceptions and utterance of “a babe.” Truth is presented to them “in dark hints”; not with open “face,” but in the dimmed reflection of “a mirror” (12). This “shall be done away,” superseded by perfect knowledge in heaven.

10 perfect. “Full-grown” contrasted with “babe.”

12 through a glass. Rather as R.V., “in a mirror” (ep. James i. 23). “Mirrors” were generally made by the ancients of polished metal (Exod. xxxviii. 8; Job xxxvii. 18).

13. And now abideth. Confidence in God, and expectation of still future good, will be as permanent in heaven as love.

the greatest of these is charity. Faith and hope belong to man as a creature; love constitutes his likeness to God (1 John iv. 7-19). Faith and hope benefit the man himself; love diffuses its blessings to others. Faith and hope are the results of love (see ver. 7), which therefore as “their sentient and sustaining principle” (Ellicott) is greater than either.