King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 12:31 Mean?

1 Corinthians 12:31 in the King James Version says “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

1 Corinthians 12:31 · KJV

Context

29

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? workers: or, powers?

30

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Read 1 Corinthians 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But covet earnestly the best gifts—Zēloute de ta charismata ta meizona (ζηλοῦτε δὲ τὰ χαρίσματα τὰ μείζονα)—zēloute can be translated "earnestly desire" or "zealously seek." Meizona ("greater") suggests a hierarchy, though context clarifies: "greater" means more beneficial to the body's edification, not intrinsically superior. Prophecy is "greater" than uninterpreted tongues because it builds up the church (14:5). This isn't about personal spiritual status but corporate benefit.

And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way—Kai eti kath' hyperbolēn hodon hymin deiknymi ("and yet a still more excellent way I show you")—kath' hyperbolēn means "beyond measure, surpassing, exceedingly." The "more excellent way" is agapē (love), expounded in chapter 13. Love transcends all gifts—without it, prophecy, tongues, knowledge, and miracles are worthless (13:1-3). This verse bridges chapters 12 and 13, preparing the transition: gifts matter, but love matters infinitely more. Pursue edifying gifts zealously, yes—but pursue love supremely.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This transitional verse climaxes Paul's gift-teaching and launches into the love-chapter. The Corinthians needed correction on two fronts: wrong gifts pursued (tongues over prophecy) and wrong motivation (self-display over love). Chapters 12-14 form a unit: gifts' source (12), gifts' motive (13), gifts' use (14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'covet earnestly the best gifts' square with earlier teaching that the Spirit distributes 'as He wills' (v.11)?
  2. What are the 'best gifts' for your church's context—which gifts would most edify your body?
  3. How does the 'more excellent way' of love transform how you view and exercise spiritual gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ζηλοῦτε1 of 13

“covet earnestly”

G2206

to have warmth of feeling for or against

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὰ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χαρίσματα4 of 13

“gifts”

G5486

a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o

τὰ5 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρείττονα6 of 13

“the best”

G2909

stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler

Καὶ7 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔτι8 of 13

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

καθ'9 of 13

“a more”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὑπερβολὴν10 of 13

“excellent”

G5236

a throwing beyond others, i.e., (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with g1519 or g2596) pre- eminently

ὁδὸν11 of 13

“way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ὑμῖν12 of 13

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

δείκνυμι13 of 13

“shew I”

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 12:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 12:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 13:1-14:11 Corinthians 14:39Matthew 5:6Philippians 3:81 Corinthians 8:1Luke 10:42

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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