1 Corinthians – Chapter 13

New Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

1 Corinthians 13 opens with the words: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: love and charity and faith and trust in God. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up,

5Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil:

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth:

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed.

9For we know in part: and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.

12We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known.

13And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

Important Verses in 1 Corinthians 13

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

1 Corinthians 13:1

“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth:”

1 Corinthians 13:6

“For we know in part: and we prophesy in part.”

1 Corinthians 13:9

“And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity. ”

1 Corinthians 13:13

Historical Context

1 Corinthians belongs to the New Testament and was composed for the divided church of Corinth, called back to unity and holiness. Chapter 13 of 16 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling…" The chapter ends with: "And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity. " The wider setting of 1 Corinthians is this: Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city, and its young church mirrored its problems: factions, lawsuits, immorality, and confusion about worship. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 1 Corinthians around About AD 56, from Ephesus.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 56, from Ephesus

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." The passage repeatedly touches on love and charity.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of unity, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. Paul's teaching on the Eucharist and the body of Christ (CIC 1329, 791). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2340).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.
  • ✓Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • ✓True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection for Today

1 Corinthians Chapter 13, the great hymn to love, is treasured in Catholic tradition as the supreme description of Christian charity. The Catechism teaches that charity is "the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God" (CIC 1822). This chapter shows that all spiritual gifts are worthless without love.

Paul's description of love's characteristics—patient, kind, not envious or boastful—provides a practical guide for examining conscience. The Catechism presents these qualities as the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in believers (CIC 1832). Catholic spiritual tradition uses this passage for meditation and self-examination.

The declaration that "love never ends" while prophecies and tongues will cease establishes love's eternal significance. The Catechism teaches that faith and hope will pass away in heaven, but love will remain forever (CIC 1829). This chapter reminds us that the goal of Christian life is not spectacular gifts but the humble, patient love that reflects God's own nature.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 about?

1 Corinthians 13 contains 13 verses. It opens with "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling…" and closes with "And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 1 Corinthians 13?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote 1 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 56, from Ephesus.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love🙏Litany of the Sacred Heart🙏The Apostles' Creed🙏Prayer to the Holy Spirit

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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