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But desire earnestly the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.
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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10
18th Century
Presbyterian
But covet earnestly. The Greek is, "Be zealous for," (zēloute). This word, however, may be either in the indicative mood (you do …
The greater gifts (τα χαρισματα τα μειζονα). Paul unhesitatingly ranks some spiritual gifts above others. Ζηλοω here has good sens…
19th Century
Anglican
But covet earnestly,—Better, But earnestly seek the better gifts. All this argument is not meant to check zeal a…
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Baptist
But covet earnestly the best gifts:
I would not wish you, brother, to repress your aspirations for these blessings; I am very eager …
Having mentioned tongues and their interpretation, Paul urges Christians to seek the better gifts—not that of speaking in tongues, which the Corint…
16th Century
Protestant
Seek after the more excellent gifts. It might also be rendered—Value highly; and it would not quite fit with the passage, though …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
But covet earnestly the best gifts Which may be rendered either indicatively as an assertion, "you do covet earnestl…
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 …
13th Century
Catholic
Having laid out the distinction among spiritual gifts, the Apostle now explains it using the analogy of a natural body. He first presents the analo…
