King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:2 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:2 in the King James Version says “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 13:2 · 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.

4

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, vaunteth: or, is not rash


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And though I have the gift of prophecy (καὶ ἐὰν ἔχω προφητείαν, kai ean echō prophēteian)—Paul now addresses a gift he ranked highest for edification (14:1-5). Prophēteia means inspired proclamation of God's truth, not merely prediction. Even this supremely valuable gift becomes worthless without love.

And understand all mysteries, and all knowledge (καὶ εἰδῶ τὰ μυστήρια πάντα καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γνῶσιν, kai eidō ta mystēria panta kai pasan tēn gnōsin)—Mystēria refers to divine secrets revealed only by God (1 Corinthians 2:7; Romans 11:25; Ephesians 3:3-9). Gnōsis is comprehensive understanding. Paul's hyperbolic "all mysteries and all knowledge" includes theological mastery, biblical expertise, and supernatural insight—the very knowledge Corinthians prized (1 Corinthians 8:1).

And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing (οὐθέν εἰμι, outhen eimi)—Jesus promised mountain-moving faith to His disciples (Matthew 17:20; 21:21). Outhen is absolute zero, not "little" but literally "nothing." Without love, even miracle-working faith reduces the miracle-worker to ontological nothingness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthians' obsession with knowledge (gnōsis) appears throughout the letter: "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (8:1), their false wisdom (1:18-25), divisions over teachers (1:12; 3:4-7). Greek philosophical schools in Corinth emphasized esoteric knowledge and mystery religions offered secret revelations. Paul insists Christian maturity isn't measured by spiritual information but Christlike love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might theological knowledge or doctrinal correctness become a source of pride rather than love for the church?
  2. What does it mean that prophetic gifting, mystery knowledge, and mountain-moving faith can coexist with being 'nothing' in God's eyes?
  3. How does verse 2 challenge the modern church's tendency to elevate gifted teachers and celebrity Christians over character?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἐὰν2 of 28

though

G1437

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

ἔχω3 of 28

I have

G2192

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

προφητείαν4 of 28

the gift of prophecy

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

καὶ5 of 28

And

G2532

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

εἰδῶ6 of 28

understand

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὰ7 of 28
G3588

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

μυστήρια8 of 28

mysteries

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

πᾶσαν9 of 28

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ10 of 28

And

G2532

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

πᾶσαν11 of 28

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὴν12 of 28
G3588

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

γνῶσιν13 of 28

knowledge

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

καὶ14 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἐὰν15 of 28

though

G1437

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

ἔχω16 of 28

I have

G2192

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

πᾶσαν17 of 28

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὴν18 of 28
G3588

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

πίστιν19 of 28

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὥστε20 of 28

so

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ὄρη21 of 28

mountains

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

μεθιστάνειν22 of 28

that I could remove

G3179

to transfer, i.e., carry away, depose or (figuratively) exchange, seduce

ἀγάπην23 of 28

charity

G26

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

δὲ24 of 28

and

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ25 of 28

not

G3361

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

ἔχω26 of 28

I have

G2192

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

οὐθέν27 of 28

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

εἰμι28 of 28

I am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)


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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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