King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:4 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:4 in the King James Version says “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, vaunteth: or, i...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 13:4 · KJV

Context

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;

6

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; in the truth: or, with the truth

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Charity suffereth long (ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ, hē agapē makrothymei)—Paul begins defining love's positive qualities. Makrothymeō means "long-tempered" (literally "long passion"), the opposite of quick-tempered. It's patience under provocation, enduring difficult people without retaliation. God's own makrothymia delays judgment to allow repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

And is kind (χρηστεύεται, chrēsteuetai)—Chrēsteuomai appears only here in the NT, meaning actively benevolent, showing practical goodness. Love doesn't merely refrain from harm (patience) but actively does good (kindness). These two qualities form love's foundational posture: enduring and generous.

Charity envieth not (οὐ ζηλοῖ, ou zēloi)—Zēloō can mean healthy zeal or sinful jealousy; context determines meaning. Here, negative: love doesn't envy others' gifts, possessions, or status. This directly confronts Corinthian jealousy over spiritual gifts (3:3; 12:31).

Charity vaunteth not itself (οὐ περπερεύεται, ou perpereuetai)—This rare verb (appears only here in biblical Greek) means boastful self-display or bragging. Love doesn't parade achievements or seek recognition.

Is not puffed up (οὐ φυσιοῦται, ou physioutai)—Physioō is Paul's favorite term for arrogance in 1 Corinthians (4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1). Literally "inflated," it describes pride that puffs up with self-importance. Love deflates ego.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthian church was rife with competition: factions boasting of teachers (1:12; 3:21; 4:6), arrogance over knowledge (8:1), divisions at the Lord's Supper (11:17-22), and jealousy over gifts (12:14-26). Greco-Roman society rewarded self-promotion and honor-seeking. Against this, Paul presents love as patient, kind, humble, and non-competitive—radically countercultural in ancient Corinth and modern Western culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of these five qualities—patience, kindness, contentment, humility, or selflessness—most challenges you in your closest relationships?
  2. How does social media culture encourage the very self-promotion ('vaunting') and envy that Paul says love rejects?
  3. In what specific ways might you be 'puffed up' with spiritual pride over knowledge, gifts, or theological correctness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Ἡ1 of 14
G3588

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

ἀγάπη2 of 14

“Charity”

G26

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

μακροθυμεῖ3 of 14

“suffereth long”

G3114

to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient

χρηστεύεται4 of 14

“and is kind”

G5541

to show oneself useful, i.e., act benevolently

ἡ5 of 14
G3588

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

ἀγάπη6 of 14

“Charity”

G26

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

οὐ7 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ζηλοῖ8 of 14

“envieth”

G2206

to have warmth of feeling for or against

ἡ9 of 14
G3588

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

ἀγάπη10 of 14

“Charity”

G26

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

οὐ11 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

περπερεύεται12 of 14

“not itself”

G4068

perhaps by reduplication of the base of g4008); to boast

οὐ13 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

φυσιοῦται14 of 14

“is”

G5448

to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)

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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:8Ephesians 4:32Galatians 5:21-22Proverbs 10:12Colossians 3:121 John 4:11

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