King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:5 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:5 in the King James Version says “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 13:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Doth not behave itself unseemly (οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ, ouk aschēmonei)—Aschēmoneō means to act dishonorably, rudely, or indecently (cf. 7:36). Love respects propriety and others' dignity, refusing to shame or disgrace. This contrasts with the Corinthians' shameful behavior at the Lord's Supper (11:20-22) and chaotic worship (14:23, 40).

Seeketh not her own (οὐ ζητεῖ τὰ ἑαυτῆς, ou zētei ta heautēs)—Love is fundamentally other-centered, the opposite of selfish ambition. Paul models this (10:24, 33) and commands it (Philippians 2:4). Christ supremely embodied it (Philippians 2:5-8). This demolishes Corinthian factionalism, litigation (6:1-8), and selfish use of Christian liberty (8:9-13).

Is not easily provoked (οὐ παροξύνεται, ou paroxunetai)—Literally "not sharpened" or irritated. The same verb describes Paul's spirit being "provoked" by Athenian idolatry (Acts 17:16) and the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39). Love maintains composure under irritation, refusing to be baited into anger.

Thinketh no evil (οὐ λογίζεται τὸ κακόν, ou logizetai to kakon)—Logizomai is an accounting term meaning "to reckon, calculate, keep records." Love doesn't keep a mental ledger of wrongs for future use in arguments or revenge. This is the opposite of nursing grievances. As God doesn't count our sins against us when we're in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19), so love forgives and forgets.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture was built on honor-shame dynamics and reciprocity—keeping careful accounts of slights, favors, and debts. Legal disputes (6:1-8), factions (1:10-13), and competition over status (4:8-13) all reflect this cultural obsession with personal rights and vindication. Paul's call to not 'think evil' (keep accounts) is a radical departure from both Greco-Roman and Jewish honor culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What mental 'ledger' of wrongs might you be keeping against family members, church members, or colleagues? How would love 'close the books'?
  2. How does 'seeking not her own' challenge American individualism and the cultural emphasis on personal rights and self-actualization?
  3. Why is 'not easily provoked' especially difficult in our age of social media outrage and cancel culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
οὐ1 of 12

“no”

G3756

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

ἀσχημονεῖ2 of 12

“Doth”

G807

to be (i.e., act) unbecoming

οὐ3 of 12

“no”

G3756

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

ζητεῖ4 of 12

“seeketh”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τὰ5 of 12
G3588

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

ἑαυτῆς6 of 12

“her own”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

οὐ7 of 12

“no”

G3756

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

παροξύνεται8 of 12

“easily provoked”

G3947

to sharpen alongside, i.e., (figuratively) to exasperate

οὐ9 of 12

“no”

G3756

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

λογίζεται10 of 12

“thinketh”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

τὸ11 of 12
G3588

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

κακόν12 of 12

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:24Philippians 2:3-51 John 3:16-17James 1:19Philippians 2:21Philippians 4:8

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