Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 13:4
What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 mean?
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1 Corinthians 13:4
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It's easy to read this and think "okay, these are just nice qualities." But Paul uses very active words here – love isn't envious, it doesn't boast. He's not just describing a passive state of being, but an ongoing, deliberate choice to actively refrain from destructive actions and attitudes. This isn't just about feeling good things, but about doing good things and not doing harmful ones.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' disunity and their immature use of spiritual gifts, which was causing division in the church. He pauses his argument to describe the true nature of love, pointing them to a deeper, more Christ-like way to relate to one another. This definition of love is crucial for understanding how genuine spiritual gifts should be exercised, in contrast to the pride and division they were currently exhibiting.
We often think of love as a feeling, but Paul shows us it's also a doing. What are the first two actions love takes?
Paul kicks off his famous definition of love not with a grand statement, but with two foundational actions: patience and kindness.
Patience: The Long View
Kindness: The Gentle Touch
Love isn't just about what it does; it's also about what it refuses to do. What destructive attitudes does love reject?
After describing love's positive actions, Paul immediately contrasts it with negative behaviors that tear down. These all stem from a self-centered perspective.
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No Envy:
No Boasting or Arrogance:
Understand the original words
makrothymeō · Greek Verb
The quality of long-suffering or enduring steadfastness in the face of provocation or difficulty, refusing to retaliate.
chrēsteuomai · Greek Verb
An active commitment to do good and show benevolence to others, reflecting the gracious character of God.
zēloō · Greek Verb
A sinful disposition of covetousness or jealousy over the success, possessions, or gifts of another, contrary to brotherly affection.
perpereuomai · Greek Verb
An attitude of self-importance or prideful display, often characterized by talking excessively about one's own achievements or status.
physioō · Greek Verb
A sense of inflated self-importance or pride, often manifested as "puffed up" attitudes that look down on others.
This passage echoes the call to patience and kindness, urging believers to 'clothe yourselves with compassion, humility, meekness, and patience,' directly reflecting the patient and kind nature of love described in 1 Corinthians.
1 Peter 4:8Peter emphasizes that 'above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins,' highlighting love's protective and forgiving qualities, which align with love not boasting or being arrogant.
Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit includes 'love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,' many of which are essential components of the patient and kind, non-envious, and non-boastful love described here.
Philippians 2:3This verse instructs believers to 'do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,' directly contrasting with arrogance and envy, and promoting the selfless nature of true love.
It's easy to read this and think "okay, these are just nice qualities." But Paul uses very active words here – love isn't envious, it doesn't boast. He's not just describing a passive state of being, but an ongoing, deliberate choice to actively refrain from destructive actions and attitudes. This isn't just about feeling good things, but about doing good things and not doing harmful ones.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' disunity and their immature use of spiritual gifts, which was causing division in the church. He pauses his argument to describe the true nature of love, pointing them to a deeper, more Christ-like way to relate to one another. This definition of love is crucial for understanding how genuine spiritual gifts should be exercised, in contrast to the pride and division they were currently exhibiting.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' disunity and their immature use of spiritual gifts, which was causing division in the church. He pauses his argument to describe the true nature of love, pointing them to a deeper, more Christ-like way to relate to one another. This definition of love is crucial for understanding how genuine spiritual gifts should be exercised, in contrast to the pride and division they were currently exhibiting.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant" — It's easy to read this and think "okay, these are just nice qualities." But Paul uses very active words here – love isn't envious, it doesn't boast. He's not just describing a passive state of be…
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Last reviewed October 2026