07/02/2026

 

Samuel Clifford

 

1 Corinthians 13:1 KJV

“[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

 

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he writes much about the spiritual gifts. In this passage, Paul speaks more specifically about the gift of tongues. This is likely do to the fascination the Corinthians had with tongues (1 Corinthians 14).

 

Paul used the first person because the Corinthians believed they did speak with the tongues of men and of angels (1 Corinthians 14:14-15). The tongues of men refers to languages humans speak while tongues of angels probably refers to the more exalted and expressive language with which angels communicate with one another. This does not mean, however, that Paul supports the charismatic view of tongues. There’s no evidence in the passage that Paul regarded the gift of tongues as anything more than languages. Infact, throughout the entire New Testament, “tongues” refers to languages.

 

Some even argue that “tongues of angels” is a hyperbole used by Paul that appears in 1 Corinthians 13:2. In other words, there isn’t such thing as angelic tongues. It’s simply a phrase that depicts exalted speech.

 

Yet, I digress. The true meaning of this passage isn’t affected by the way people view tongues of angels and tongues of men. Paul’s point in the passage is that “charity” (ἀγάπην; love) is superior to all gifts. No matter what gift they had or you have, whether it be Tongues, Prophecy (1 Corinthians 13:2), it is ultimately pointless and meaningless without love. Even a faith that is able to move mountains (1 Corinthians 13:2) is not as important as love. Even self-sacrifice (1 Corinthians 13:3) is non-beneficial without love.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 KJV

“[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;”

 

Paul continued by writing on the qualities of love. Love is “long-suffering” or patient. It has a passive response. Love is kind, it has an active initiative. Paul also writes on how love does not behave. Love has no envy, it isn’t boastful and proud, it isn’t rude and self seeking. The Corinthians behavior, like many today, exhibited qualities that weren’t loving.

 

1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV

“[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

 

Finally, Paul writes on how love never fails and outlasts earthly things. The spiritual gifts are temporary provisions, some have already ceased, but love will never pass away, it won’t fail, it won’t cease, it won’t vanish away, it is eternal.

 

1 Corinthians 16:14 KJV

“[14] Let all your things be done with charity. (Love)”