1 Corinthians 13 3

1 Corinthians 13:3 kjv

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.

1 Corinthians 13:3 nkjv

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3 niv

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3 esv

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3 nlt

If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.

1 Corinthians 13 verses

1 Corinthians 13 3 Meaning

Giving all your possessions to the poor and surrendering your body to be burned, without love, profits you nothing. This verse emphasizes that even the most extreme acts of sacrifice and self-denial are worthless in God's sight if they are not motivated and permeated by genuine love. It underscores love as the essential, indispensable element that gives value and meaning to all other spiritual gifts and deeds.

1 Corinthians 13 3 Context

First Corinthians chapter 13, often called the "love chapter," is embedded within Paul's discourse on spiritual gifts in chapters 12-14. The Corinthian church was characterized by a strong emphasis on charismatic manifestations, leading to divisions and a lack of mature understanding. Paul interjects this chapter to correct their flawed perspective, asserting that all spiritual gifts, no matter how spectacular, are hollow without the foundation of love. This verse specifically serves as the climax of Paul's argument regarding the inferiority of gifts without love, stating that even the ultimate sacrifices are rendered meaningless if love is absent. He aims to guide them towards a more Christ-like and ordered expression of spiritual life.

1 Corinthians 13 3 Word Analysis

• Εὰν (ean): "If." A conditional particle introducing a hypothetical scenario.
• δὲ (de): "but," "and." A conjunctive particle indicating a transition or contrast.
• ποιῶ (poio): "I give," "I bestow," "I do." From the verb poieō, meaning to do, make, or cause. Here, it signifies the act of giving or offering.
• τοῖς (tois): "the" (dative plural masculine). Article used with the following noun.
• πτωχοῖς (ptōchois): "poor" (dative plural masculine). Refers to the destitute, the needy, those who are poor in a material and potentially spiritual sense.
• βρώμασιν (brōmasin): "food," "meats," "sustenance." The instrumental plural of brōma. It refers to what is eaten.
• τὴν (tēn): "the" (accusative singular feminine). Article used with the following noun.
• οὐσίαν (ousian): "substance," "property," "possessions." Refers to one's estate or goods.
• μου (mou): "my" (genitive singular pronoun). Possessive.
• καὶ (kai): "and." Connects clauses or items.
• παραδῶ (paradō): "I give up," "I hand over." From the verb paradidōmi, meaning to deliver up, surrender, or commit.
• τὸ (to): "the" (accusative singular neuter). Article used with the following noun.
• σῶμά (sōma): "body." The physical person.
• μου (mou): "my" (genitive singular pronoun). Possessive.
• ἵνα (hina): "so that," "in order that." Introduces a purpose clause.
• καυχῶμαι (kauchōmai): "I may boast," "I may glory." From the verb kauchaomai, meaning to boast or exult. In this context, it implies a self-congratulatory pride.
• τὸ (to): "the" (nominative singular neuter). Article.
• δὲ (de): "but," "and." Conjunction.
• εἰ (ei): "if." Introduces a conditional clause, emphasizing the lack of value without love.
• ἀγάπην (agapēn): "love" (accusative singular feminine). Refers to unconditional, sacrificial, benevolent love, the highest form of love described in Scripture.
• μὴ (mē): "not." Negative particle.
• ἔχω (echō): "I have" (subjunctive mood). From the verb echō, meaning to have or possess.

Grouped analysis:

• "Ἐὰν δέ ποιῶ τοῖς πτωχοῖς πάντα τὰ ὑπάρχοντα μου" (If I give all my possessions to the poor): This phrase describes an extreme act of radical generosity, disposing of one's entire earthly wealth for the benefit of the needy. It represents a total abandonment of material possessions.
• "καὶ παραδῶ τὸ σῶμά μου ἵνα καυχῶμαι" (and surrender my body so that I may boast): This presents another extreme act, offering one's physical being, even to the point of martyrdom or severe suffering, potentially with a motive of self-glorification rather than pure love.
• "τὸ δὲ εἰ ἀγάπην μὴ ἔχω" (but if I have not love): This is the crucial counterpoint, highlighting the absolute necessity of love. The structure positions the lack of love as nullifying all the preceding extravagant actions. The subjunctive mood for "have not" implies a potential state of lacking love, rendering the deeds futile.

1 Corinthians 13 3 Bonus Section

The emphasis on giving all possessions to the poor ("pastor of the poor" movements, asceticism) and surrendering the body (martyrdom) points to actions that were admired in ancient cultures and potentially in Corinth. Paul counters any notion that outward piety or dramatic self-sacrifice equates to spiritual maturity or God's approval. The motive for "boasting" (kauchōmai) suggests a performance-based religiosity or seeking human applause, a critique often leveled by Paul against certain tendencies in the Corinthian church. This verse stands as a foundational principle, emphasizing that the motive of love transforms action from self-centered to God-centered and other-centered.

1 Corinthians 13 3 Commentary

This verse vividly illustrates the principle that religious deeds and sacrifices, even those seemingly selfless and impressive, are ultimately valueless to God if not motivated by divine love. The apostle Paul uses hyperbole—giving away all possessions and being burned—to demonstrate that the attitude and intent behind our actions are paramount. Without the agape love that reflects God's nature, these acts become mere displays or empty rituals. It's not about the grandeur of the sacrifice but the purity of the heart fueling it. True sacrifice finds its meaning and divine acceptance when rooted in a love for God and for others, mirroring Christ's own sacrificial love.