King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:3 in the King James Version says “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 prof...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 13:3 · 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

5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Read 1 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor (κἂν ψωμίσω πάντα τὰ ὑπάρχοντά μου, kan psōmisō panta ta hyparchonta mou)—Psōmizō literally means "to feed morsel by morsel," suggesting gradual, deliberate distribution of one's entire estate. This is radical generosity, total divestment for charity—the highest imaginable sacrifice in a patronage-based society where wealth meant status, security, and honor.

And though I give my body to be burned (καὶ ἐὰν παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου ἵνα καυχήσωμαι, kai ean paradō to sōma mou hina kauchēsōmai)—Most manuscripts read kauchēsōmai ("that I may boast") rather than kauthēsōmai ("to be burned"), though both appear in tradition. The concept is martyrdom—ultimate self-sacrifice, possibly referencing Daniel's friends (Daniel 3) or anticipating Christian persecution. Yet even dying for one's faith is worthless if motivated by pride rather than love.

And have not charity, it profiteth me nothing (οὐδὲν ὠφελοῦμαι, ouden ōpheloumai)—I gain zero benefit. Paul's third escalation moves from being nothing (v. 2) to gaining nothing. Without agapē, even seemingly selfless acts—total charity, martyrdom—are spiritually bankrupt. Motive matters as much as action.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the honor-shame culture of the Roman Empire, public benefaction (euergetism) brought social status and immortal fame. Wealthy citizens funded games, buildings, and grain distributions to be praised as public benefactors. Jewish tradition also honored almsgiving and martyrdom (2 Maccabees 6-7). Paul radically reorients motivation: acts done for glory or self-justification, not love, profit nothing eternally.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sacrificial acts might you be performing for recognition, moral satisfaction, or self-justification rather than genuine love?
  2. How does this verse expose the danger of 'virtue signaling'—public displays of generosity or justice performed primarily for social approval?
  3. Why does God value the motive (love) as much as or more than the act (charity, martyrdom) itself?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ἐὰν2 of 21

“though”

G1437

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

ψωμίσω3 of 21

“I bestow”

G5595

to supply with bits, i.e., (generally) to nourish

πάντα4 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ5 of 21
G3588

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

ὑπάρχοντά6 of 21

“goods”

G5224

things extant or in hand, i.e., property or possessions

μου7 of 21

“my”

G3450

of me

καὶ8 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ἐὰν9 of 21

“though”

G1437

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

παραδῶ10 of 21

“I give”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

τὸ11 of 21
G3588

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

σῶμά12 of 21

“body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

μου13 of 21

“my”

G3450

of me

ἵνα14 of 21

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καυθήσωμαι15 of 21

“be burned”

G2545

to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume

ἀγάπην16 of 21

“charity”

G26

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

δὲ17 of 21

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

μὴ18 of 21

“not”

G3361

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

ἔχω19 of 21

“have”

G2192

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

οὐδὲν20 of 21

“nothing”

G3762

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

ὠφελοῦμαι21 of 21

“it profiteth me”

G5623

to be useful, i.e., to benefit

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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 2:14-17John 15:13Matthew 23:5Matthew 7:22-23Matthew 6:1-41 Timothy 4:8

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 13 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes