And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:3KJV
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1 Corinthians 13:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 13:3 mean?

1 Corinthians 13:3 says that even if a person gives away everything they own to help the poor, or even sacrifices their own body, if they do not have "charity" (meaning love), these actions gain them nothing. The verse stresses that outward acts, no matter how impressive, are worthless without genuine love.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing Christians who were proud of their spiritual gifts and good deeds. Here, Paul explains that the true value of any sacrifice or generosity depends on whether it is motivated by real love. This verse is part of a larger section where Paul describes love as the most important quality for followers of Jesus.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 13:3

  • ἀγάπη (agapē): Translated as "charity" in the KJV, this Greek word means a deep, selfless love that seeks the good of others. Paul uses this word to highlight that not just any feeling or action counts—only this kind of love gives value to our deeds.
  • ψωμίζω (psōmizō): Translated as "bestow...to feed," this word means to dole out food in small pieces, suggesting careful, personal giving. Paul points out that even the most thoughtful generosity is empty without love.
  • παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi): Translated as "give" (my body), this word often means to hand over or surrender, even to the point of martyrdom. Paul’s point is that even the ultimate sacrifice is meaningless without love.
  • οὐδέν (ouden): Translated as "nothing," this word means absolutely nothing at all. Paul is emphatic—without love, even the greatest acts have zero value.

Why 1 Corinthians 13:3 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 13:3 corrects the idea that good deeds or self-sacrifice are valuable on their own; Paul insists that motivation matters more than the action itself.
  • This verse connects to the larger argument in 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul shows that love is greater than any spiritual gift or act of service.
  • The verse challenges readers to examine not just what they do, but why they do it, making love the true measure of spiritual maturity.

Where else these words appear

“bestow” Greek G5595 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

“burned” Greek G2545 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
  • Revelation 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

“goods” Greek G5224 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Luke 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
  • Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

“me” Greek G5623 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
  • Mark 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.