1 Corinthians 13 v 1 – 13

King James Bible

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

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.

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.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

About This Reading

1 Corinthians 13 v 1–13 is one of the most well-known Bible readings for funerals. In the King James Bible, its older language gives it a more traditional and formal feel, which some families may find especially moving. The passage speaks about the importance of love above all else, making it a meaningful choice when remembering the love shared with the person who has died.

It is particularly suitable for a Christian funeral service, especially one with a traditional tone. Although the word charity is used here, the reading is widely understood as being about enduring love, compassion and faith. It can work well as a main reading during the service and may bring comfort through its familiar and hopeful words.

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