Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
What does 1 Corinthians 13:1 mean?
The excellent way had in view in the close of the former chapter, is not what is meant by charity in our common use of the word, almsgiving, but love in its fullest meaning; true love to God and man.
Key themes
LoveEternal lifeTruthThe cross
Read with
Keep this verse inside 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Glossary
- Tongues, Confusion of People
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At Babel, the cause of the early separation of mankind and their division into nations. The descendants of Noah built a tower to prevent their dispersion; but God “confounded their language”.