1 Corinthians 13 5

1 Corinthians 13:5 kjv

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

1 Corinthians 13:5 nkjv

does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

1 Corinthians 13:5 niv

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:5 esv

or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

1 Corinthians 13:5 nlt

or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

1 Corinthians 13 verses

1 Corinthians 13 5 Meaning

Love does not behave improperly, it does not seek its own way. It is not easily angered, nor does it hold grudges. It rejoices in truth, but not in wrong. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13 5 Context

First Corinthians 13 is known as the "love chapter" and is situated between discussions on spiritual gifts. Paul's purpose here is to demonstrate that while spiritual gifts are valuable and essential for building up the church, love is the supreme virtue, without which these gifts are meaningless. Chapter 13 emphasizes the characteristics of genuine love (agape), which is a sacrificial, Christ-like love. This specific verse details further negative attributes that love does not do, reinforcing the practical outworking of love within the Christian community. The Corinthian church was known for its divisions, immaturity, and misuse of spiritual gifts, so this chapter serves as a powerful corrective and guide.

1 Corinthians 13 5 Word analysis

• οὐ (ou) - A negative particle, meaning "not." It negates the action that follows.
• φυσιοῦται (physioutai) - From physioō (φυσιόω), meaning "to inflate," "to cause to swell," "to make proud." In this context, it signifies "is puffed up," "acts conceitedly," "is arrogant." It refers to an unseemly, arrogant demeanor.
• εἰς (eis) - A preposition indicating direction or movement toward; here it means "toward" or "in."
• τὰ (ta) - The definite article, neuter plural, "the."
• ἀρεστὰ (aresta) - From arestos (ἀρεστός), meaning "pleasing," "acceptable," "agreeable." Here used as a substantive adjective, "pleasing things," meaning things that are agreeable or acceptable to oneself. It suggests seeking personal advantage or comfort.
• οὐ (ou) - Another instance of the negative particle, "not."
• ζητεῖ (zētei) - From zēteō (ζητέω), meaning "to seek," "to look for," "to desire," "to try to find."
• τὰ (ta) - The definite article, neuter plural, "the."
• ἑαυτῆς (heautē) - The reflexive pronoun, feminine genitive singular, "of herself," "of itself." Refers back to "love."
• οὐ (ou) - "not."
• παροξύνεται (paroxynetetai) - From paroxynō (παροξύνω), meaning "to irritate," "to provoke to anger," "to exasperate." Here in the passive voice, "is provoked," "is stirred up," "is angered." It denotes becoming easily or unreasonably agitated.
• οὐ (ou) - "not."
• λογίζεται (logizetai) - From logizomai (λογίζομαι), meaning "to reckon," "to calculate," "to impute," "to keep an account of." In this context, "is accounted," "is credited with," or "holds against."
• τὸ (to) - The definite article, neuter singular, "the."
• κακόν (kakon) - From kakos (κακός), meaning "evil," "bad," "wrong." Here, "evil," "wrongdoing," or "harm."
• οὐ (ou) - "not."
• χαίρει (charei) - From chairō (χαίρω), meaning "to rejoice," "to be glad."
• ἐπὶ (epi) - A preposition with various meanings, including "on," "upon," "at," "over." Here it signifies "concerning" or "because of."
• τῇ (tē) - The definite article, feminine dative singular, "the."
• ἀδικίᾳ (adikia) - From adikia (ἀδικία), meaning "injustice," "unrighteousness," "wrong." It signifies doing wrong or rejoicing in wrongdoing.
• συν (syn) - A prefix meaning "with" or "together."
• δὲ (de) - A conjunction meaning "but," "and," "moreover."
• τῇ (tē) - The definite article, feminine dative singular, "the."
• ἀληθείᾳ (alētheia) - From alētheia (ἀλήθεια), meaning "truth," "truthfulness."

Words group by words:

• "does not behave improperly" (οὐ φυσιοῦται - ou physioutai): This highlights that true love is characterized by humility and appropriateness in conduct, not arrogance or boastfulness.
• "does not seek its own way" (οὐ ζητεῖ τὰ ἑαυτῆς - ou zētei ta heautēs): This emphasizes love’s selflessness; it does not pursue selfish interests or personal desires at the expense of others.
• "is not easily angered" (οὐ παροξύνεται - ou paroxynetetai): Love guards against sudden outbursts of temper or irritation, not easily provoked.
• "nor does it hold grudges" (οὐ λογίζεται τὸ κακόν - ou logizetai to kakon): Love does not keep a record of wrongs, forgiving and not harboring resentment for offenses.
• "rejoices in truth, but not in wrong" (συν χαίρει τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, δὲ τῇ ἀδικίᾳ - syn chairei tē alētheia, de tē adikia): Love finds joy in what is right and true, and actively dislikes or grieves over unrighteousness.

1 Corinthians 13 5 Bonus section

The Greek verb physioutai (puffed up) has implications of swelling or inflating, painting a picture of arrogance growing unnaturally large. This stands in stark contrast to the humility Christ exemplified. The phrase "does not seek its own way" echoes Philippians 2:4, a core directive for Christian living. The prohibition against "holding grudges" points to a restorative, rather than punitive, mindset towards sin and offenses, mirroring God's own disposition towards His people. The connection between rejoicing in truth and not rejoicing in unrighteousness highlights love's inseparable link to morality and divine standard.

1 Corinthians 13 5 Commentary

This verse describes the actions love avoids. It is not boastful or proud (puffed up); it doesn't seek personal advantage or self-gratification. Genuine love doesn't become irrationally angry or harbor resentment when wronged. Instead, it rejoices when truth prevails and is saddened by injustice. This describes a love that is other-focused, patient, and morally upright, actively aligning with righteousness and shunning deceit and wrongdoing.

• Practical usage: When faced with an offense, remember love doesn't keep a record of wrongs and isn't easily provoked.
• Practical usage: Celebrate successes that align with truth and righteousness, rather than seeking to outdo others.
• Practical usage: When provoked, pause and recall that love is not easily angered or vengeful.