1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
I am going to stir up a spot of trouble right away today. I am a King James Bible guy. After you all throw things at me, please hear me out. I also like lots of other translations and find them useful. I have numerous translations as well as numerous Study Bibles by different Bible teachers. It’s all good. I, however, do all of my reading from the King James Bible and that is what I use in this Blog. The main reason I do that is simple: those King James translators knew how to use some English! King James English is often difficult, but it is also often very accurately descriptive as well. We have a great case of that descriptiveness in the verses above.
1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4 are the two biggest descriptions of love found in the Bible and a verse from each is included in this article. See anything that arouses your interest? Of course you do! In 1 John the translators consistently used the word “love” to describe love; it is used some 27 times. In 1 Corinthians, they translators used the word “charity” to describe love; there is is used 9 times. What we have to understand is that the original word in all cases is some form of “agape”
Sometimes when we read 1 Corinthians 13, we tend to dismiss the word use by simply saying, “Oh, that just means love there.” Is it possible that there is more meaning there? Let’s look at that quickly. The King James translators were not stupid, they surely knew they could have just used our word “love” in each case; they didn’t just become confused. Additionally, language translation is sometimes both art and science and word for word translations do not always work. Translators sometimes have to look at the original intent of meaning they see in the original language and put the same meaning in the new language.
Let’s look briefly at the English language usage of the words, “Love” and “Charity.” I think in most of our minds a difference would come to mind immediately; it does in mine. The use of the word “Charity” seems to imply an action; it seems to apply that something is happening versus something simply being felt. Does that sound familiar?
We are going to leave it at that for today. Ponder over this and over the next few days we will take a further look at 1 Corinthians 13.
Truth in Palmyra 
August 18, 2016 at 08:32
Good point Wally. The broader culture – and even the church – has lost the concept of love as an act and a choice. We’ve relegated it to feelings and “heart.” That’s a huge mistake. The idea that God wants us to follow our heart is just a mess. The heart yielded to God is a beautiful thing, but the unyielded heart is desperately wicked and easily deceived. My biggest failures in the faith have been from following my heart rather than following Jesus.
I used the King James until maybe 10 years ago. I love the language of the old text, but I found when teaching from it, I had to do a lot of redefining terms that no longer mean what they meant in the 1600’s. Our language is a moving target. I’ve never been a big fan of the NIV. I do like the NASB and ESV a lot. But it’s the KJV that comes out of my mouth because i’ve memorized from it and meditated on it for decades.
I’ve never much liked the word Charity in 1 Corinthians 13, but your argument is compelling – So I give you a hearty Amen. (perhaps hearty is not the right word under the circumstances)
Thanks Wally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 09:15
Well, the KJV is what we use, and some folks are dead set on it. Me, I have about all of them, for different times. I love my parallel Bible a lot!
Language in general is not my strong point, as I have no formal training in them, so learned input is most appreciated.
Thanks, Ben
LikeLike
August 18, 2016 at 08:39
Wally, the reference to 1 Corinthians should be 13:4 not 13:1. As for the KJV issue, I’ll leave that for another time. As to charity and love, I really wish that translators would keep the Greek verbs intact and provide the correct definition in a footnote. English is not a precise language when it comes to either Hebrew or Greek. That sure would help the understanding of Yeshua’s conversation with Kefa at the end of John’s Gospel.
LikeLike
August 18, 2016 at 09:13
Fixed that Don, thanks. 1…4..all the same to my poor eyes LOL.
I appreciate all input on these language issues, as I am not a linguist by even a really, really long stretch. Any other thoughts on the charity vs love thing? I’d love to hear them.
LikeLike
August 18, 2016 at 08:57
“Rut row wraggy…” You’ve stirred the pot on this one. I will hold off all comments on the charity versus love issue because I have a feeling I know where you are headed. As for King James, I went to the New King James because I kept getting tongue twisted on all those naggy, “Thus-es and Thou’s.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 09:11
Yeah, pot stirring is what I do best!
And, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it actually my friend.
LikeLike
August 18, 2016 at 09:20
Good points,Wally. I have been much blessed by discovering the word “charity.” Love is awesome too, there’s nothing wrong with that word, but in the modern world we “love” our lattes and our shoes and the word begins to lose it’s meaning, it becomes superficial. Charity for me relates to grace, so when one is being charitable, we are showing someone else grace.
Ha, that can be really helpful in marriage, because while we may love one another, we are not always so charitable, as in forgiving and willing to overlook flaws.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 10:56
It’s all about taking action, isn’t it IB?
We don’t necessarily have to “feel” love in order to act out Biblical love. Of course, if we do it, the feelings do have a tendency to follow.
Thanks much IB.
LikeLike
August 18, 2016 at 12:02
LOL! I don’t know if it’s “all” about taking action, Wally. I am always saying “men are such verbs.” For them, love can be much more action oriented. Sometimes women are called in the other direction, like Martha and Mary,and what we need to remember is to take the time to just sit quietly at His feet.
LikeLike
August 18, 2016 at 12:09
And that is why we fit…men and women. Men are verbs love that
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 09:26
I personally think that the KJV is a bad translation (in conveying the message). To make myself clear it is God’s Word. A translation is meant to make God’s Word clear and understandable to the reader which in this case this particular version does not do that. Those who grow up in it and like it, by all means enjoy it and in take as much as you can for your spiritual growth. No translation is perfect, not that it contains errors but there choice in words from the Greek is not as good as others. My personal favorite Bible translation which in my personal view is the best like everyone else who loves the Word has their personal favorite is the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). HCSB read smoother than the NIV but is far more literal. Whats the best translation? The one you read the most. Whatever translation you think is the best or that you understand the best, that’s the best translation for you. The most important thing to do is read the Word daily and study it so that you may become mature in Christ and not fall into deception. Enjoy your KJV Wally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 18, 2016 at 10:55
Mistake fixed! Great comment. I especially like what you said about the best one being the one you study. Well said my friend.
I really like words, so I find the KJV appealing for that. I use several all of the time, though. And, I agree that for some people it can get in the way of effective study. Thanks Spaniard
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 11:04
Thanks for fixing my mistake. I used to be a Kjv onlyism until I did further studies and came to the conclusion that God preserved His Word. It doesn’t matter what language or English version for that matter, God preserved His Word. Now, I don’t consider like the NLT and any other loose translation as trustworthy but those that are word for word or closest to the original manuscripts are best for reading and deep study. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 16:13
He has indeed preserved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 16:45
100%
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 10:52
Although Shakespearean language is beautiful and descriptive, some of the words in the KJV are now archaic and have taken on a whole new meaning on certain words and the newer versions have taken that into consideration. I have the NKJV for my main translation and I also have the NIV, but recently find myself quoting from the Berean Study Bible in my posts.
What matters the most is that believers take it into their hands to actually intake God’s word and let not the bickering over which translation is superior get in the way, although I tried reading from the NLT and find myself reverting to the above translations.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 18, 2016 at 10:57
Your last paragraph? Perfect. Thanks Caeli.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 20:07
Wally,
I currently use the Jeremiah Study Bible for 75% of my reading, which uses the NKJV. This is the Bible I take to Sunday school, Sunday services and Bible study. I also refer to the NIV because Colorado Christian University requires it as our base translation. They do encourage using others as well. Oh, and my Recovery Bible is NIV. I like the New American Standard Version as well. I recently bought a copy of Eugene Peterson’s translation “The Message.” I really enjoy it for two reasons: It is nice for simply reading to be inspired or to calm down after a bad day; and I also like using it at times in my discussion or reflection papers for school, or to help me explain a verse to someone. I agree with the comment someone made that God preserves His Word no matter the translation. I do steer away from the apocrypha, and the so-called fifth gospel. I will admit that the King James Version has been proven to be extremely accurate through archaeological finds and cross-referencing with major historical tomes. It is also the translation I grew up on.
As for Love vs. Charity, I learned long ago about the Greek language. Although I’m sure Jesus spoke Hebrew and Arabic fluently, I know He also knew koine Greek, as it was the common street language of the day. The Apostle Paul was also most likely multi-lingual. So, when inspired by the Holy Spirit to write 1 Corinthians 13, he used the Greek word agape. This is the word for love. Reading verses 4 through 8, it is easy to see that “agape” love is not human love. We simply lack the capacity to love in this regard. Agape love is God’s love. The literal Greek translation says “agape is far-feeling, is being kind, agape is not boiling, agape is not bragging, is not being inflated, is not being indecent, is not seeking of herself, is not being incensed, is not taking account of evil, is not rejoicing over injustice, yet rejoices over the truth, agape never fails.
Charity vs. Love? When the word agape is used in the context of vertical action (God toward man and/or man toward God), it is translated as “love.” When it is used in the context of horizontal actions (man toward neighbor or enemy), it is translated as “charity.” Interestingly, it is still the same Greek word. I do think it is very eye-opening that the word is translated “charity” when it comes to our actions toward one another. So yeah, it is an action. I look forward to what you have in store regarding this subject.
Love you, brother!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2016 at 20:12
Thanks for that comment, Steve. You added some dimensions I had not really thought about to this.
I have a Jeremiah Study Bible as well, and do enjoy it a lot.
Thanks again Steve and have a blessed evening my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 31, 2020 at 04:00
Love and charity are one in the same in scripture. They are BOTH action words. I can not claim I love my husband and yet constantly cheat on him. Thats not love. The same applies to the Love ALL should have for the Most High Creator and it is what he requires of us. In 1 John 5 after using the term love John gives you the definition of the Love of the Most High…..1John5:3: For this is the love of God.That we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS; and his commandments are not grevious. All the Commandments rest in Love because thats how you show your love…through obedience of his WORD/Law. The father would never give you more than you can bear because He Loves you. This is why his commandments are not grevious. Now Paul further explains this Love in a form of charity because we are to spread the Love of the Most High by admonishing others to Keep His Commandments
There is no difference between love and charity. The Bible is a repetitive book in its message. And that message is for Man and Woman to KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS!
LikeLike