I Corinthians 13:5
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
not . . . unseemly--is not uncourteous, or inattentive to civility and propriety. thinketh no evil--imputeth not evil [ALFORD]; literally, "the evil" which actually is there (Pro 10:12; Pe1 4:8). Love makes allowances for the falls of others, and is ready to put on them a charitable construction. Love, so far from devising evil against another, excuses "the evil" which another inflicts on her [ESTIUS]; doth not meditate upon evil inflicted by another [BENGEL]; and in doubtful cases, takes the more charitable view [GROTIUS].
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle goes on to show more particularly what that more excellent way was of which he had just before been speaking. He recommends it, I. By showing the necessity and importance of it (Co1 13:1-3). II. By giving a description of its properties and fruits (Co1 13:4-7). III. By showing how much it excels the best of gifts and other graces, by its continuance, when they shall be no longer in being, or of any use (Co1 13:8 to the end).
Open source ↗13:5 It does not demand its own way: Love is not self-centered, not concerned simply with its own interests (see Phil 2:4-8).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another.
that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.