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Verse Takeaways
1
Desire Usefulness, Not Status
Scholars explain that Paul's command to "desire the greater gifts" is not an endorsement of personal ambition. Instead, he is redirecting the Corinthians' competitive spirit. Rather than seeking the most spectacular gifts for self-exaltation, they should desire the gifts that are most useful and edifying for the entire church, like prophecy (teaching).
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Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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Commentaries
9
Albert Barnes
On 1 Corinthians 12:31
18th Century
Theologian
But covet earnestly. The Greek is, "Be zealous for," (zēloute). This word, however, may be either in the indicative mood (you do …
AT Robertson
On 1 Corinthians 12:31
The greater gifts (τα χαρισματα τα μειζονα). Paul unhesitatingly ranks some spiritual gifts above others. Ζηλοω here has good sens…
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Corinthians 12:31
19th Century
Bishop
But covet earnestly,—Better, But earnestly seek the better gifts. All this argument is not meant to check zeal a…
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Charles Spurgeon
On 1 Corinthians 12:31
19th Century
Preacher
But covet earnestly the best gifts:
I would not wish you, brother, to repress your aspirations for these blessings; I am very eager …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Corinthians 12:31
Having mentioned tongues and their interpretation, Paul urges Christians to seek the better gifts—not that of speaking in tongues, which the Corint…
John Calvin
On 1 Corinthians 12:31
16th Century
Theologian
Seek after the more excellent gifts. It might also be rendered—Value highly; and it would not quite fit with the passage, though …
John Gill
On 1 Corinthians 12:31
17th Century
Pastor
But covet earnestly the best gifts
Which may be rendered either indicatively as an assertion, "you do covet earnestl…
Matthew Henry
On 1 Corinthians 12:27–31
17th Century
Minister
Contempt, hatred, envy, and strife are very unnatural in Christians. It is like the members of the same body being without concern for one another …