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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 13 - Verse 13

13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Meaning

1 Corinthians 13:13 highlights three key virtues that are essential for a fulfilling and meaningful life: faith, hope, and charity (or love). While faith and hope are important aspects of Christian belief and practice, the verse emphasizes that charity, or love, surpasses them all in significance. This is because love is considered the greatest virtue in Christianity, as it is the foundation of all other virtues and the basis for living a Christ-like life. Love is not just an emotion or feeling, but an active expression of kindness, compassion, and selflessness towards others. The verse encourages believers to prioritize love above all else, as it is the ultimate expression of God's love for humanity and the key to building strong relationships and communities. By embodying love in our thoughts, words, and actions, we demonstrate our faith in God and our hope for a better world.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse from 1 Corinthians 13:13, it is essential to understand the significance of the three virtues mentioned: faith, hope, and charity. These virtues are considered foundational in Christian theology. Faith is the belief in things unseen and serves as the bedrock of Christianity. Hope is the confident expectation of future blessings and is essential for the Christian's perseverance in difficult times. Lastly, charity, also known as love, is the highest virtue according to the Bible. In this verse, charity is emphasized as the greatest because it is the essence of God's character and the defining characteristic of a true Christian.

American Standard Version

But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
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