1 Corinthians 13:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

If I have the ability to speak in the languages of human beings and angels [Note: Perhaps the idea is supernaturally and eloquently], but do not have love [for people], I have become [no more than] a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

Cross References

1 Timothy 1:5

But the goal of this instruction is [to] love [God and people] from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.

1 Peter 4:8

Above everything else, have a warm love for one another, for such a love keeps many sins from occurring [between you].

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

1 Corinthians 13:8

Love will never cease. But though there are [now supernatural gifts of] prophecies, [someday] they will be abolished [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there are [now supernatural gifts of] languages, [someday] they will stop [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there is [now the supernatural gift of] knowledge, [someday] it will be abolished [i.e., this gift will cease to be exercised]

Galatians 5:6

For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others].

1 Corinthians 8:1

I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually].

2 Peter 2:18

[Although] their talk is big, what they say is worthless, and by [offering people] fleshly desires [i.e., sexual gratification], they lead people astray, who are barely escaping from the error of the world.

Romans 14:15

For if your brother is hurt [spiritually] by [your eating certain] food, you are no longer acting lovingly [toward him]. Do not destroy [spiritually] the person Christ died for by what you eat.

Matthew 25:45

Then the Lord will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did not do it for one of these least [significant brothers of mine], you did not do it for me.’

1 Corinthians 12:8

For one person is given the [supernatural] message of wisdom through the Holy Spirit; another person is given the [supernatural] message of knowledge by means of the same Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:16

And if the ear should say, “I am not part of the body because I am not the eye,” that does not mean it is not part of the body [does it?]

2 Corinthians 12:4

was [actually] taken up into Paradise. [Note: This is the same as the “third heaven” of the previous verse, and was a place in the presence of God. See Luke 23:43; Rev. 2:7]. There he heard inexpressible words which are not permitted for people to repeat.

Mark 16:17

And these [miraculous] signs will attend [the conversion of] those who believe. [Note: This refers to the supernatural miracles performed by the apostles and their associates during the apostolic age. See verse 20 and Acts 2:43]. In my name [i.e., by my authority], they will drive out evil spirits; they will speak in languages [supernaturally];

1 Corinthians 12:10

Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally].

1 Corinthians 14:2

For the person who speaks in a language [supernaturally] does not speak to people, but to God, for no one can understand him [i.e., unless there is an interpreter or it is the person’s native language]; he speaks [previously] unrevealed truths under the influence of the Holy Spirit [or “in his spirit”]. [Note: For a correct understanding of this chapter, it must be kept in mind that Paul is addressing a misuse of the gift of speaking in languages supernaturally. The Corinthians were doing this in the wrong way and for the wrong purpose].

1 Corinthians 14:4

The person who speaks in a language [supernaturally], builds up [only] himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:5

Now I would like all of you to speak in languages [supernaturally], but I would rather have you prophecy. For the person who prophesies is more important [i.e., to the church] than those who speak in languages [supernaturally], unless that person interprets [the languages], so the church can be built up [spiritually].

Revelation 14:2

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of much rushing water, and like the sound of loud thunder. And the sound I heard was like people playing their harps.