1 Corinthians 13:3 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

³ And if I donate all my possessions to feed poor people, and if I surrender my body to be burned [Note: This probably refers to becoming a martyr, but some manuscripts read, “that I may be able to boast”], but do not have love [for people], it is no benefit to me.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

³ Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.

American Standard Version (1901)

³ And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

Common English Bible

³ If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I’ve done but I don’t have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever.

Catholic Public Domain Version

³ And if I distribute all my goods in order to feed the poor, and if I hand over my body to be burned, yet not have charity, it offers me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3 Cross References

Matthew 23:5

But they do all their deeds just to be seen by people. They wear elaborate Scripture texts displayed on their clothing and enlarge [conspicuously] the fringes of their robes.

Luke 18:22

When Jesus heard this He said to him, “[There is] one thing you still lack. Sell all your possessions and distribute [the money] to poor people; become my follower, [and then] you will have treasure in heaven.”

Luke 18:28

Then Peter said, “Look, we have left our homes to follow you.”

Luke 19:8

Then Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I [plan to] give half of my possessions to poor people. And if I have cheated anyone out of something, [I promise] to repay them four times as much.”

John 12:43

For they loved the honor they received from people more than the honor they [could] receive from God.

John 13:37

Peter [then] said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow you [there] even now? I am willing to die for you.”

John 15:13

No one has [any] greater love than to give up his life for his friends. John 15:14 You people are my friends if you do what I command you to.

John 6:63

It is the Holy Spirit who [Note: The Greek word here is “that” instead of “who”] gives life [i.e., understanding the spiritual nature of Jesus’ teaching can produce spiritual life]; the flesh is of no value [i.e., understanding Jesus’ teaching only in a physical sense makes it worthless]. The words I have spoken to you are [from the] Holy Spirit and [they give] life.

Acts 21:13

[But] Paul answered, “What are you trying to do [by your] crying and breaking my heart [like this]? [Do you not know that] I am ready, not only to be chained up, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?”

Galatians 5:26

We should avoid foolish pride as well as provoking or envying one another.

Philippians 2:3

Do not do anything from rivalry or from empty conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.

1 Timothy 4:8

For physical training is useful to some extent [or, “for a short time”], but living godly is useful in every way, for it promises benefits [not only] for the present life, but [also] for the life to come.

Hebrews 13:9

Do not continue to be swept off your course by all kinds of strange teachings. For it is good for your hearts to be strengthened by God’s unearned favor [upon you] and not by [keeping regulations about] foods, which do not benefit those who observe them.