But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:31KJV
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1 Corinthians 12:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:31 mean?

1 Corinthians 12:31 tells the reader to strongly desire the best spiritual gifts, but then says there is an even better way to live and act. The verse suggests that while spiritual gifts are valuable, there is something even greater that Paul is about to explain.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, where people were eager for impressive spiritual abilities. He encourages them to seek the most helpful gifts, but hints that there is a "more excellent way"—which, as the next chapter reveals, is the way of love. This sets up a contrast between spiritual gifts and the importance of love in the Christian life.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 12:31

  • The word "earnestly" is ζηλοῦτε (zēloute), which means to deeply desire or be zealous for something. Paul is not just suggesting a casual interest, but a strong longing for the best gifts.
  • The phrase "best gifts" uses the word κρείττονα (kreittona), meaning "better" or "superior." Paul is pointing the Corinthians toward gifts that are most beneficial to the community, not just the most impressive.
  • The phrase "a more excellent way" uses καθ’ ὑπερβολὴν (kath’ huperbolēn), meaning "beyond measure" or "far surpassing." Paul is emphasizing that what comes next (love) is not just another gift, but something that surpasses all gifts in value.

Why 1 Corinthians 12:31 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that spiritual gifts are the highest goal; Paul is about to show that love is even more important.
  • It connects the discussion of spiritual gifts in chapter 12 to the famous "love chapter" (chapter 13), showing that gifts should be used in the context of love.
  • The verse challenges readers to think about their motives for seeking spiritual gifts—are they seeking what helps others most, or just what seems impressive?

Where else these words appear

“excellent” Greek G5236 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

“earnestly” Greek G2206 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 7:9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
  • 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
  • Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

“best” Greek G2909 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
  • Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
  • Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

“gifts” Greek G5486 · used in 17 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.