What does 1 Corinthians 13:5 mean?
"Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;" - 1 Corinthians 13:5

1 Corinthians 13:5 in the King James Version reads, "Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." This verse is a part of the famous "Love Chapter" in the Bible, which is 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter is often read at weddings and is well known for its profound description of the qualities of love.
The context of 1 Corinthians 13:5 is important to understanding its significance. The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church, which was struggling with issues like divisions, immorality, and confusion about spiritual gifts. In the midst of addressing these issues, Paul focuses on the supremacy of love as the most excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31). He goes on to describe the characteristics of love in detail, emphasizing that love is patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud or rude, does not seek its own, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs.
The first part of 1 Corinthians 13:5 states, "Doth not behave itself unseemly." This can be understood as love not acting in ways that are inappropriate, dishonorable, or shameful. In the context of the Corinthian church, where there was likely a lack of proper conduct and respect for one another, this statement emphasizes the importance of love in guiding behavior and interactions. Love leads to honorable and respectful conduct towards others.
The second part of the verse says, "seeketh not her own," highlighting the selflessness of love. Love does not seek its own interests or prioritize its own desires and needs above others. Instead, it looks out for the well-being and interests of others, reflecting the selfless love of Christ who laid down His life for humanity.
The third part of the verse, "is not easily provoked," speaks to the patience and long-suffering nature of love. It does not become quickly irritated or angered by others' actions or words. Rather, it demonstrates forbearance and emotional resilience in relationships, seeking to maintain peace and harmony.
The final part of the verse, "thinketh no evil," emphasizes the absence of malice and ill will in love. Love does not harbor thoughts of evil or plot harm against others. Instead, it maintains a mindset of goodwill, forgiveness, and understanding, even in the face of wrongdoing or offense.
Symbolism is also evident in 1 Corinthians 13:5. The qualities of love described in this verse symbolize the character of God Himself. As believers are called to embody love, they are called to emulate the nature of God in their attitudes and actions. The selfless, patient, and forgiving love described in this verse reflects the divine love that God extends to humanity.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 13:5 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of love and its foundational role in Christian living. It challenges believers to embody love in their interactions with others, displaying patience, selflessness, forbearance, and goodwill. Ultimately, the verse points to the ultimate source of love in God and the call for believers to reflect His love in their relationships and conduct.
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1 Corinthians 13:5 - "Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;"
"Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;" - 1 Corinthians 13:5
1 Corinthians 5:13 - "But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."
1 Corinthians 13:13 1 Corinthians 13:13 [13] So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 13:13
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1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
1 Corinthians 13:4-6
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1 Corinthians 13:4-6
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1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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2 Corinthians 5:13 - "For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause."
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 Corinthians 13:13 - "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 Corinthians 15:13 - "But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:"
1 Corinthians 13:6 - "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;"
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
1 Corinthians 12:3-13
"But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." - 1 Corinthians 5:13