King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:8 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:8 in the King James Version says “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whe...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 13:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. done away: Gr. vanish away

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Charity never faileth (ἡ ἀγάπη οὐδέποτε πίπτει, hē agapē oudepote piptei)—Piptō means "to fall" or "fail." Love never collapses, expires, or becomes obsolete. Unlike gifts that are temporary tools for this age, love is eternal. This introduces the contrast between transient gifts and permanent love (verses 8-13).

But whether there be prophecies, they shall fail (εἴτε προφητεῖαι, καταργηθήσονται, eite prophēteiai, katargēthēsontai)—Katargeō means "to render inoperative, abolish, nullify." Prophecy, so valued by Paul (14:1), will be abolished when we see Christ face to face and no longer need mediated revelation.

Whether there be tongues, they shall cease (εἴτε γλῶσσαι, παύσονται, eite glōssai, pausontai)—Pauō means "to stop, come to an end." Tongues, the Corinthians' prized gift, will simply stop when their purpose is fulfilled. The middle voice suggests they will cease on their own.

Whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away (εἴτε γνῶσις, καταργηθήσεται, eite gnōsis, katargēthēsetai)—Even gnōsis (theological knowledge, doctrinal understanding) will be abolished in glory. Not because truth changes, but because partial knowledge gives way to complete knowledge. The three most celebrated gifts in Corinth—prophecy, tongues, knowledge—are temporary. Only love endures into eternity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By AD 55, the Corinthian church had elevated spiritual gifts (especially tongues and knowledge) as markers of spiritual maturity. Chapter 13 interrupts Paul's extended discussion (12-14) to relativize these gifts. In eternity, when we're with Christ, there will be no need for prophecy (we'll see Him), tongues (we'll communicate perfectly), or partial knowledge (we'll know fully). But love will continue forever.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might your pursuit of spiritual experiences, theological knowledge, or ministry effectiveness be eclipsing the primacy of Christlike love?
  2. What does love's eternality reveal about why Jesus commanded love (John 13:34-35) as the identifying mark of discipleship rather than gifts?
  3. How should the temporary nature of even valued gifts like prophecy and knowledge affect how you prioritize spiritual growth?

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

οὐδέποτε3 of 14

“never”

G3763

not even at any time, i.e., never at all

ἐκπίπτει4 of 14

“faileth”

G1601

to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient

εἴτε5 of 14

“whether”

G1535

if too

δὲ6 of 14

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

προφητεῖαι7 of 14

“there be prophecies”

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

καταργηθήσεται8 of 14

“it shall vanish away”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

εἴτε9 of 14

“whether”

G1535

if too

γλῶσσαι10 of 14

“there be tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

παύσονται·11 of 14

“they shall cease”

G3973

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

εἴτε12 of 14

“whether”

G1535

if too

γνῶσις13 of 14

“there be knowledge”

G1108

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

καταργηθήσεται14 of 14

“it shall vanish away”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 13:131 Corinthians 13:1-2Galatians 5:6Acts 2:41 Corinthians 13:101 Corinthians 12:10

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