13:1 tongues of men See note on 12:10.

of angels The reference to tongues “of angels” probably indicates the belief that one type of “gift of tongues” involved speaking in the language of angels.

love A genuine and selfless concern for the well-being of others. Paul identifies it as the greatest of the three Christian virtues (v. 13). Paul chastised the wealthy believers because they did not demonstrate love to the less wealthy believers (see 11:17–21).

clashing cymbal People used cymbals to worship Dionysus, the god of wine. Paul mentions the crashing cymbal to suggest that spiritual gifts without love make the Corinthians’ worship no different from the pagans’.

13:2 gift of prophecy See note on 12:10.

all mysteries See 4:1 and note; Rom 11:25 and note.

remove mountains See note on Mark 11:23; compare Zech 4:7.

13:3 parcel out all my possessions Echoes Jesus’ command to the rich young man (Matt 19:21; Luke 18:22). The early Christians sold their property to meet the needs of those around them (Acts 2:45). Helping the poor was a focus of Paul’s ministry (Gal 2:10).

be burned Refers to execution or martyrdom by fire—offering his very self as a sacrifice for his cause.

13:4 jealous Refers to the intense desire to advance at the disadvantage of someone else. Those who are jealous resent the success of others.

boast Refers to the desire to obtain adoration or acknowledgment from others by explaining to others your own self-worth (usually without them asking to know about it). See note on 1 Cor 1:29.

conceited Refers to self-admiration that leads a person to consider himself or herself better than others.

13:5 dishonorably A failure to show respect and honor to others. The wealthy Corinthian believers dishonored the poor believers (11:17–21). Some of the Corinthian women also dishonored themselves (see note on 11:6).

keep a record of wrongs Refers to the refusal to forgive someone of a wrongdoing.

13:6 truth The Greek word used here, alētheia, refers to the gospel message and stands in contrast to “unrighteousness.” Love rejoices in this truth because the gospel demonstrates God’s love (Rom 5:8).

13:7 bears all things Involves enduring difficulties, and even taking on (spiritually) the difficulty of others (being compassionate; see 1 Cor 9:12).

hopes all things Exhibiting confidence in God and His promises. See note on Eph 1:18.

endures all things Includes hardships and persecution (see 2 Cor 11:23–28).

13:8 Love never ends Love will not become obsolete or invalid. The Corinthian believers emphasized the gift of tongues as a sign (perhaps even a required sign) of Christ dwelling with someone. Paul reveals that the gifts will one day be no longer necessary, but love will always be (1 Cor 13:13). Therefore, love is the true sign of someone who follows Christ (John 13:35).

tongues, they will cease Paul refers to three spiritual gifts that will no longer be necessary in the age to come—prophecy, tongues, and knowledge.

13:10 whenever the perfect comes The Greek word used here, teleios, refers to the fullness of God’s salvation that will come at the second coming of Jesus Christ (see note on Phil 1:6).

13:11 When I was a child The Greek word used here, nēpios, refers to a child about three to four years old. Certain behavior was appropriate for this age, but that behavior “ceased” once the child grew up. Likewise, the spiritual gifts are appropriate for this age, but they will cease when Christ returns.

13:12 through a mirror In the Graeco-Roman world, a mirror consisted of a polished metal disc with a handle. The reflection visible in the polished silver or bronze was a much more imperfect and indirect representation than modern mirrors. Alternatively, Paul may be referring to the idea of a mirror as an instrument of self-reflection (e.g., Jas 1:23–24).

then face to face Paul implies that believers will see God. It is possible that seeing God will result in perfect knowledge to understand the “mysteries” (1 Cor 13:2).

13:13 remain May imply that there is a temporary aspect to faith and hope (see Rom 8:24; 2 Cor 5:7); or these virtues may remain through eternity as believers trust and hope in God in the new era (1 Cor 15:19).

the greatest of these is love Love is the greatest because it is eternal and reflects God’s fundamental character (e.g., Rom 5:8). Love is also greater than the gifts because it remains while they cease (1 Cor 13:8).