King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:1 in the King James Version says “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 13:1 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels (ταῖς γλώσσαις τῶν ἀνθρώπων... καὶ τῶν ἀγγέλων, tais glōssais tōn anthrōpōn... kai tōn angelōn)—Paul begins his love discourse by relativizing the Corinthians' most prized gift. Glōssais encompasses both human languages and ecstatic utterance. The hyperbolic "tongues of angels" (possibly referencing celestial praise languages) sets the highest imaginable standard for eloquence.

And have not charity (ἀγάπην δὲ μὴ ἔχω, agapēn de mē echō)—Agapē is self-sacrificial, covenant love modeled supremely in Christ's death (Romans 5:8). Unlike phileo (affection) or eros (desire), agapē chooses the good of others regardless of reciprocation. Paul uses the strong adversative de to contrast gifts with character.

I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal (γέγονα χαλκὸς ἠχῶν ἢ κύμβαλον ἀλαλάζον, gegona chalkos ēchōn ē kymbalon alalazon)—The perfect tense gegona indicates a settled state of worthlessness. Ancient temples used bronze gongs and clashing cymbals in pagan worship—loud, attention-grabbing, but meaningless cacophony. Without love, even supernatural speech is just religious noise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa 55 AD from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey to a divided Corinthian church. Corinth was a cosmopolitan port notorious for immorality and religious pluralism. The church, influenced by Greek philosophy's love of wisdom and rhetoric, competed over spiritual gifts, particularly tongues (chapters 12-14). Chapter 13 interrupts this discussion to establish love as the "more excellent way" (12:31).

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual activities or religious performances might you be engaging in that lack genuine agapē love toward others?
  2. How does Paul's equation of loveless gifts with pagan temple noise challenge modern emphasis on spectacular spiritual experiences?
  3. In what ways might your theological eloquence or doctrinal precision become 'sounding brass' without love for those you correct?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Ἐὰν1 of 19

Though

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ταῖς2 of 19
G3588

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

γλώσσαις3 of 19

with the tongues

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

τῶν4 of 19
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων5 of 19

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

λαλῶ6 of 19

I speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ7 of 19

and

G2532

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

τῶν8 of 19
G3588

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

ἀγγέλων9 of 19

of angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἀγάπην10 of 19

charity

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

δὲ11 of 19

and

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ12 of 19

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχω13 of 19

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γέγονα14 of 19

I am become

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

χαλκὸς15 of 19

brass

G5475

copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it)

ἠχῶν16 of 19

as sounding

G2278

to make a loud noise, i.e., reverberate

17 of 19

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

κύμβαλον18 of 19

cymbal

G2950

a "cymbal" (as hollow)

ἀλαλάζον19 of 19

a tinkling

G214

to vociferate, i.e., (by implication) to wail; figuratively, to clang


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 13:1 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 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study