King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 13:8 Mean?
“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”
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
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **Charity never faileth.**—From the positive and negative qualities of love described and enumerated in the preceding passage, the Apostle now turns to contrast the imperishable character of love and other graces with the ephemeral nature of gifts. The Corinthians held an exaggerated estimate of the value of gifts such as tongues and prophecy, and under-valued the graces of faith and love. Now the Apostle shows that they were thereby preferring the things which are for a time to the graces which are for ever. One faction, indeed, exalted to the highest place a gift—that of tongues—which was the most ephemeral of all Christian gifts. On the “tongues,” see Note on 1Corinthians 14:2. “Prophecies,” in the plural, intimates the varied gradations of power possessed by the preachers, in some cases including that deep spiritual insight into the realities of the present which enabled the preacher to foretell distant events.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
1 Corinthians 13:13
→1 Corinthians 13:1-2
→Galatians 5:6
→Acts 2:4
→1 Corinthians 13:10
→1 Corinthians 12:10
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge