And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:2KJV
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1 Corinthians 13:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 13:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 13:2 says that even if someone has remarkable spiritual gifts—like prophecy, deep understanding, all knowledge, or faith strong enough to move mountains—without “charity” (meaning love), those abilities amount to nothing. The verse insists that love is more important than any impressive ability or achievement.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing a group that valued spiritual gifts and knowledge highly. Here, Paul stresses that no matter how extraordinary someone’s abilities are, they are empty without genuine love for others. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul explains that love is the essential quality for Christian life, more important than any spiritual power or knowledge.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 13:2

  • “Charity” is ἀγάπη (agapē), which means selfless, unconditional love. Paul uses this word to highlight a kind of love that goes beyond feelings or affection—it’s about caring for others in a deep, committed way.
  • “Prophecy” is προφητεία (prophēteia), which refers to speaking messages from God or understanding divine truths. Paul includes this to show that even the most respected spiritual gifts are not enough without love.
  • “Faith” is πίστις (pistis), and here it is described as so strong it could “remove mountains.” This is a vivid way to say even the greatest trust in God is empty if it isn’t joined with love.
  • “Nothing” is οὐδείς (oudeis), meaning absolutely nothing or of no value. Paul uses this strong word to make clear that love is not just one quality among many—it is essential.

Why 1 Corinthians 13:2 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that spiritual gifts or impressive acts are the highest goals; Paul makes clear that love is the true measure of worth.
  • Paul’s emphasis on love helps the Corinthians—and readers today—see that outward abilities or achievements are hollow if not motivated by genuine care for others.
  • The verse sets up the rest of 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul describes what real love looks like, showing that love is the foundation for all Christian behavior and community.

Where else these words appear

“remove” Greek G3179 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Acts 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

“prophecy” Greek G4394 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

“mysteries” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“knowledge” Greek G1108 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
  • 2 Corinthians 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.