Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:31

What does 1 Corinthians 12:31 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:31 means

Paul concludes with two directives. First, desire earnestly the greater gifts—those that most edify the church, especially in corporate settings. Ambition here is holy when aimed at building others up. Second, he points to a still more excellent way, preparing to show that love surpasses all gifts in value and permanence. Gifts without love fail their purpose; love shapes and measures every ministry. This verse refuses both complacency and competitiveness, calling believers to pursue what most strengthens the body while anchoring everything in Christlike love, the defining mark of the Spirit’s work.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But let your desires be turned to the more important things given by the Spirit. And now I am pointing out to you an even better way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and desire earnestly the better gifts; and yet a far excelling way do I shew to you:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But be zealous for the better gifts. And I shew unto you yet a more excellent way.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But desire earnestly the greater gifts, and yet shew I unto you a way of more surpassing excellence.

Context

After showing that not all have the same gifts (verses 29–30), Paul does not discourage zeal but redirects it. He urges earnest pursuit of the greater gifts, then immediately signals a higher standard—the way of love that chapter 13 will expound. The flow from chapter 12 to 13 ensures that discussions of gifts are governed by the character of love. This final verse thus bridges diversity and priority with the supreme ethic needed to keep the church united and edified.

v.30have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

v.31This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 11:4

    By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.

  • Luke 10:42

    but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1

    If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

  • Philippians 3:8

    Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,

  • Matthew 5:6

    Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:39

    Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

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