King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:7 in the King James Version says “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 13:7 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

8

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. fail: Gr. vanish away

9

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

Read 1 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beareth all things (πάντα στέγει, panta stegei)—Stegō has two possible meanings: (1) "to cover" (as a roof covers), suggesting love protects others by covering their faults (cf. 1 Peter 4:8, "love covers a multitude of sins"); (2) "to bear up under," suggesting endurance. Both nuances fit: love both shields and endures.

Believeth all things (πάντα πιστεύει, panta pisteuei)—Not gullible credulity, but trusting others in the best possible light. Love doesn't assume the worst, isn't cynical or suspicious, gives the benefit of the doubt. This doesn't mean naïveté—Jesus "knew what was in man" (John 2:24-25)—but rather refusing to prejudge or assume malice.

Hopeth all things (πάντα ἐλπίζει, panta elpizei)—Elpizō is confident expectation, not wishful thinking. Love maintains hope for others' redemption, growth, and change. It doesn't write people off as hopeless cases. This hope rests in God's transforming power, not human potential.

Endureth all things (πάντα ὑπομένει, panta hypomenei)—Hypomenō means steadfast perseverance under trial. Love doesn't quit when relationships become difficult. The four panta ("all things") emphasize love's comprehensive, unwavering character. Together they present love as protective, trusting, hopeful, and persistent—the very opposite of the Corinthians' quick divisions and broken relationships.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthian church exhibited the opposite of these qualities: divisions instead of covering faults (1:10-13), suspicion and judgment instead of believing the best (4:1-5), giving up on difficult brothers (5:1-5; 6:1-8), and abandoning relational endurance. Roman society quickly severed relationships when inconvenient. Paul presents Christ's love—which covered our sins, believed in our redemption, hoped for our transformation, and endured the cross—as the model.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of these four qualities—bearing, believing, hoping, enduring—is most difficult for you in a specific strained relationship?
  2. How does Christ's endurance of the cross ('endured all things') and hope for your sanctification ('hopes all things') model this love?
  3. In what ways might cynicism or suspicion ('not believing all things') be protecting you from vulnerability but also preventing genuine love?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
πάντα1 of 8

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

στέγει2 of 8

“Beareth”

G4722

to roof over, i.e., (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)

πάντα3 of 8

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πιστεύει4 of 8

“believeth”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

πάντα5 of 8

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐλπίζει6 of 8

“hopeth”

G1679

to expect or confide

πάντα7 of 8

“all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑπομένει8 of 8

“endureth”

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

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 13:7 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 13:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 4:81 Corinthians 13:41 Peter 2:242 Timothy 2:24Proverbs 10:121 Corinthians 9:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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