1 Corinthians 13:4-6

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:6

Rejoiceth not in iniquity; rather, at unrighteousness. The rejoicing at sin, the taking pleasure in them that commit sin, the exultation over the fall of others into sin, are among the worst forms of malignity ( Romans 1:32 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:12 ). The Greeks had a word, ἐπιχαιρεκακία , to describe "rejoicing at the evil" (whether sin or misfortune) of others ( Proverbs 24:17 ); Schadenfreude, "malignant joy" (Arist., 'Eth.,' 2.7, 15). It is the detestable feeling indicated... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:6

The joy of love. There is, perhaps, no test of character more decisive than this: in what is the chief pleasure of life placed? Where is satisfaction of the soul? Whence does joy proceed? If Christianity is indeed a revolutionary religion, it will effect a change here—in this vital respect. Even in St. Paul's time, it appeared that with Christianity a new force—the force of love—had been introduced into humanity, a force able to direct human delight into another and purer and nobler... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:4

Charity suffereth long - Paul now proceeds to illustrate the “nature” of love, or to show how it is exemplified. His illustrations are all drawn from its effect in regulating our conduct toward others, or our contact with them. The “reason” why he made use of this illustration, rather than its nature as evinced toward “God,” was, probably, because it was especially necessary for them to understand in what way it should be manifested toward each other. There were contentions and strifes among... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly - (οὐκ ἀσχημονεῖ ouk aschēmonei). This word occurs in 1 Corinthians 7:36. See the note on that verse. It means to conduct improperly, or disgracefully, or in a manner to deserve reproach. Love seeks that which is proper or becoming in the circumstances and relations of life in which we are placed. It prompts to the due respect for superiors, producing veneration and respect for their opinions; and it prompts to a proper regard for inferiors, not despising... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:6

Rejoiceth not in iniquity - Does not rejoice over the “vices” of other people; does not take delight when they are guilty of crime, or when, in any manner, they fall into sin. It does not find pleasure in hearing others accused of sin, and in having it proved that they committed it. It does not find a malicious pleasure in the “report” that they have done wrong; or in following up that report, and finding it established. Wicked people often find pleasure in this Romans 1:32, and rejoice when... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

1 Corinthians 13:4-5. Love suffereth long Here the apostle attributes to love the qualities and actions of a person, in order to render his account of that divine grace the more lively and affecting. The love of God, and of our neighbour for God’s sake, is patient toward all men. It suffers all the weakness, ignorance, errors, and infirmities of the children of God; and all the malice and wickedness of the children of the world; and all this not only for a time, but to the end; and in every... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

1 Corinthians 13:6-7. Love rejoiceth not in iniquity Takes no pleasure to see an adversary fall into an error or sin, by which his reputation should be blasted, and his interest ruined. On the contrary, the man influenced by this love, is truly sorry for either the sin or folly of even an enemy; takes no pleasure in hearing or in repeating it, but desires it may be forgotten for ever. But rejoiceth in the truth Good in general is its glory and joy, wherever diffused through the world;... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Love is greater than the gifts (13:1-13)The Corinthians were impressed with people who exercised the more spectacular gifts. Paul reminds them that no matter what gifts they have - tongues, prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, faith - if they lack love they are not merely unimportant, they are nothing (13:1-2). People may be so generous with their goods and money that in the end they themselves become poor. They may be so faithful to their duty that they sacrifice their lives. But without love they... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Corinthians 13:4

is kind . Greek. chresteuomai. Only here. Compare App-184 . Note the Figure of speech Asyndeton in these verses: 1 Corinthians 13:13 , 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 . envieth . Greek. zeloo. See Acts 7:9 . vaunteth . Greek. perpereuomai. Only here. is . . . puffed up . See 1 Corinthians 4:6 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth . . . behave, &c . Greek. aschemoneo. Only here and 1 Corinthians 7:36 . is . . . easily provoked = is . . . roused to anger. Greek. paroxunomai Only here and Acts 17:16 . There is no word for "easily". The statement is absolute. thinketh no evil = reckons not (Greek. ou) the evil done to it). evil . App-128 . read more

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