1 Corinthians 13:13 Explained

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV)

The closing line of the love chapter, and the reason it ranks love above faith is one most readers never hear.

Read it in context: 1 Corinthians 13 · The Book of 1 Corinthians. Also gathered under verses about love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 in context

What does 1 Corinthians 13:13 mean?

'Charity' is the King James word for agape — not affection but committed goodwill. Love is greatest for a structural reason, not a sentimental one: faith is trust in what you cannot see and hope is expectation of what has not come, so both are answered and finished when God is finally present. Love is the only one of the three with nothing to outgrow.

What is the context of 1 Corinthians 13:13?

Paul has spent a chapter defining love against a church that prized spectacular gifts. Just before this he says that prophecy, tongues and knowledge will end. Verse 13 names what does not end.

How do I pray 1 Corinthians 13:13?

Pray it against the instinct to rank spiritual seriousness by anything visible. Ask where you have been measuring faith by knowledge or intensity. Then pick the least impressive act of goodwill available to you today and do it, since the chapter's whole argument is that this is the part that lasts.

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