What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:1?

If I speak in the tongues of men

• Paul opens with human languages—real, understandable speech like that heard at Pentecost (Acts 2:4-11).

• Spiritual gifts can be impressive, yet even the clearest proclamation (Romans 10:14-17) gains its value from the motive behind it.

• The verse assumes that eloquence alone never equals spiritual maturity (James 3:1-6).

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and of angels

• Paul’s hyperbole extends to heavenly languages—speech so exalted it would seem other-worldly (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:4; Psalm 103:20).

• He reminds us that no skill, however supernatural, outranks the call to love (Galatians 5:22-23).

• The merely spectacular is subordinate to the fruit that remains (John 15:16).

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but have not love

• Love (agapē) is the chief evidence of Christ in a believer (John 13:35; 1 John 4:7-12).

• It is an action, not a feeling—patient, kind, self-sacrificing (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

• Without this motive, even the noblest ministry becomes empty (Revelation 2:2-4).

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I am only a ringing gong

• Ancient gongs were loud yet hollow; they drew attention but gave no melody.

• Ministry fueled by pride echoes the same emptiness (Matthew 6:1-2).

• Noise without love points hearers to the speaker, not the Savior (Philippians 2:3-4).

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or a clanging cymbal

• Cymbals in worship (Psalm 150:5) were meaningful only when joined to heartfelt praise.

• Continuous clanging fatigues the listener, illustrating how loveless service alienates rather than edifies (1 Corinthians 14:7-9).

• The Spirit’s gifts are intended for building up the body in love (Ephesians 4:15-16).

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summary

Spiritual gifts, even speech that spans earth and heaven, lose all worth when love is absent. God values motive above spectacle, substance above sound. True ministry speaks with warmth, serves with humility, and leaves behind the clear resonance of Christlike love.