Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
What does 1 Corinthians 13:5 mean?
Some of the effects of charity are stated, that we may know whether we have this grace; and that if we have not, we may not rest till we have it.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:5
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Doth not behave itself unseemly - (ουκ ασχημονει ouk aschemonei). This word occurs in 1 Corinthians 7:36 . See the note on that verse. It means to conduct improperly, or disgracefully, or in a manner to deserve reproach. Love seeks that which is proper or becoming in the circumstances and relations of life in which we are placed.
Key words
- is not ambitious
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is not ambitious.
- behave
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Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Doth not behave itself unseemly - (ουκ ασχημονει ouk aschemonei).
- itself
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Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Doth not behave itself unseemly - (ουκ ασχημονει ouk aschemonei).
Context in 1 Corinthians 13
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1 Corinthians 13 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as the resurrection chapter and closing. First Corinthians is a pastoral and doctrinal letter correcting divisions while teaching about holiness, worship, gifts, and resurrection. Read this chapter with the wider themes of the cross, church order, and holiness in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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