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Notes that are not verse specific
FACE UP TO SIN
We all sin. The Bible tells us quite plainly that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3 v 23). But when we sin it can be hard to own up to it, to admit that we have done wrong. Human nature dictates that we try to cover up our sin, make excuses or even hide from it and convince ourselves that it is alright or that we haven't done anything wrong.
The sin offering cuts right through all those feelings of denial. It puts the responsibility right back onto us as the offering is carried out. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness," we read in Hebrews 9 v 22. And so the sinner had to provide a live female goat or lamb in perfect condition for the sin offering. He then had to lay his hand on the head of the animal. This was to acknowledge that the animal and he were united - the lamb represented the sinner. Then the lamb was to be slaughtered taking the fate that we deserve. It was a perfect animal and did not deserve to die, but it bore the sin of the one who offered it and it's life was taken.
The sin offering, then, emphasised the fact that we do sin, that we must face up to and acknowledge our sin and that we deserve to die. But thanks be to God who has given the Lord Jesus Christ to be the perfect offering for sin: "The lamb that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1 v 29).
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
Lev 3 In the wilderness, probably every animal killed for food had to be a peace offering, even though it was a voluntary offering. It could have also been associated with the making of a vow. Being able to eat the meat of the offering suggests the idea of fellowship. 1Cor 10:16-18
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Lev. 3 deals with the peace offering, while Lev. 4 addresses the sin offering.
Yesterday, we read about the burnt offering (the only offering, incidentally, in which non-Jews could participate).
Some commonalities between the burnt, peace, and sin offerings are that various animals (bullock, sheep, goat), fowl (pigeon, turtledove), and grain (flour) could be used.
The best of the produce had to be used in all cases.
The peace offering could either be public or private. They were used for giving thanks, dedicating a vow, or just as a freewill gesture. Public offerings took place as a matter of voluntary communal celebration or by command (see Lev.23). Private offerings could occur at any time.
The sin offering was made on behalf of either the community at specific times (New Moon, Passover, Day of Atonement, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Feast of Booths (Succoth)), or for an individual. In the case of the individual, it addressed specific sins.
Christ is central to all these offerings. We tend to dwell on the animal sacrifices when we think of Christ, but let us not forget that the offerings of fowl (Psa 74:19) and grain (John 6:35) are also indicative of Him.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
Sins had to be covered. God did not allow sinners to ignore their sin. They had to make the prescribed offering, so that the atonement, or covering, then covered over their sin. The blood of animals could not take away sins (Heb 10:4). But the blood of Jesus Christ did. "We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Heb 10:11
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
These two chapters are about the "blood of the sprinkling", by which sins could be forgiven, and peace made with God. This is taken as the main thrust of Paul's argument in Hebrews when he explains that in Christ is "the blood of sprinkling that speaks of better things" (Heb 12:24). What's so much better for us in Christ is that his blood can cleanse the inner heart and mind. The conscience, which is after all where the defilement comes from when we sin. See Heb 10:19-24. It's the conscience that has to be clear before we approach God, so it's extremely important that we follow the principles of Lev 3 & 4 about recognition and confession of wrongs. Hebrews phrases it: "let us draw near with a true heart".
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Rob
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1. And if his oblation <7133> be a sacrifice <2077> of peace offering <8002>, if he offer <7126>(8688) it of the herd <1241>; whether it be a male <2145> or female <5347>, he shall offer <7126>(8686) it without blemish <8549> before <6440> the LORD <3068>.
2. And he shall lay <5564>(8804) his hand <3027> upon the head <7218> of his offering <7133>, and kill <7819>(8804) it at the door <6607> of the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>: and Aaron's <175> sons <1121> the priests <3548> shall sprinkle <2236>(8804) the blood <1818> upon the altar <4196> round about <5439>.
3. And he shall offer <7126>(8689) of the sacrifice <2077> of the peace offering <8002> an offering made by fire <801> unto the LORD <3068>; the fat <2459> that covereth <3680>(8764) the inwards <7130>, and all the fat <2459> that is upon the inwards <7130>,
4. And the two <8147> kidneys <3629>, and the fat <2459> that is on them, which is by the flanks <3689>, and the caul <3508> above the liver <3516>, with the kidneys <3629>, it shall he take away <5493>(8686).
5. And Aaron's <175> sons <1121> shall burn <6999>(8689) it on the altar <4196> upon the burnt sacrifice <5930>, which is upon the wood <6086> that is on the fire <784>: it is an offering made by fire <801>, of a sweet <5207> savour <7381> unto the LORD <3068>.
6. And if his offering <7133> for a sacrifice <2077> of peace offering <8002> unto the LORD <3068> be of the flock <6629>; male <2145> or female <5347>, he shall offer <7126>(8686) it without blemish <8549>.
7. If he offer <7126>(8688) a lamb <3775> for his offering <7133>, then shall he offer <7126>(8689) it before <6440> the LORD <3068>.
8. And he shall lay <5564>(8804) his hand <3027> upon the head <7218> of his offering <7133>, and kill <7819>(8804) it before <6440> the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>: and Aaron's <175> sons <1121> shall sprinkle <2236>(8804) the blood <1818> thereof round about <5439> upon the altar <4196>.
9. And he shall offer <7126>(8689) of the sacrifice <2077> of the peace offering <8002> an offering made by fire <801> unto the LORD <3068>; the fat <2459> thereof, and the whole <8549> rump <451>, it shall he take off <5493>(8686) hard <5980> by the backbone <6096>; and the fat <2459> that covereth <3680>(8764) the inwards <7130>, and all the fat <2459> that is upon the inwards <7130>,
10. And the two <8147> kidneys <3629>, and the fat <2459> that is upon them, which is by the flanks <3689>, and the caul <3508> above the liver <3516>, with the kidneys <3629>, it shall he take away <5493>(8686).
11. And the priest <3548> shall burn <6999>(8689) it upon the altar <4196>: it is the food <3899> of the offering made by fire <801> unto the LORD <3068>.
12. And if his offering <7133> be a goat <5795>, then he shall offer <7126>(8689) it before <6440> the LORD <3068>.
13. And he shall lay <5564>(8804) his hand <3027> upon the head <7218> of it, and kill <7819>(8804) it before <6440> the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>: and the sons <1121> of Aaron <175> shall sprinkle <2236>(8804) the blood <1818> thereof upon the altar <4196> round about <5439>.
14. And he shall offer <7126>(8689) thereof his offering <7133>, even an offering made by fire <801> unto the LORD <3068>; the fat <2459> that covereth <3680>(8764) the inwards <7130>, and all the fat <2459> that is upon the inwards <7130>,
15. And the two <8147> kidneys <3629>, and the fat <2459> that is upon them, which is by the flanks <3689>, and the caul <3508> above the liver <3516>, with the kidneys <3629>, it shall he take away <5493>(8686).
16. And the priest <3548> shall burn <6999>(8689) them upon the altar <4196>: it is the food <3899> of the offering made by fire <801> for a sweet <5207> savour <7381>: all the fat <2459> is the LORD'S <3068>.
17. It shall be a perpetual <5769> statute <2708> for your generations <1755> throughout all your dwellings <4186>, that ye eat <398>(8799) neither fat <2459> nor blood <1818>.
1. And the LORD <3068> spake <1696>(8762) unto Moses <4872>, saying <559>(8800),
2. Speak <1696>(8761) unto the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, saying <559>(8800), If a soul <5315> shall sin <2398>(8799) through ignorance <7684> against any of the commandments <4687> of the LORD <3068> concerning things which ought not to be done <6213>(8735), and shall do <6213>(8804) against any <259> of them <2007>:
3. If the priest <3548> that is anointed <4899> do sin <2398>(8799) according to the sin <819> of the people <5971>; then let him bring <7126>(8689) for his sin <2403>, which he hath sinned <2398>(8804), a young <1241> <1121> bullock <6499> without blemish <8549> unto the LORD <3068> for a sin offering <2403>.
4. And he shall bring <935>(8689) the bullock <6499> unto the door <6607> of the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150> before <6440> the LORD <3068>; and shall lay <5564>(8804) his hand <3027> upon the bullock's <6499> head <7218>, and kill <7819>(8804) the bullock <6499> before <6440> the LORD <3068>.
5. And the priest <3548> that is anointed <4899> shall take <3947>(8804) of the bullock's <6499> blood <1818>, and bring <935>(8689) it to the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>:
6. And the priest <3548> shall dip <2881>(8804) his finger <676> in the blood <1818>, and sprinkle <5137>(8689) of the blood <1818> seven <7651> times <6471> before <6440> the LORD <3068>, before <6440> the vail <6532> of the sanctuary <6944>.
7. And the priest <3548> shall put <5414>(8804) some of the blood <1818> upon the horns <7161> of the altar <4196> of sweet <5561> incense <7004> before <6440> the LORD <3068>, which is in the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>; and shall pour <8210>(8799) all the blood <1818> of the bullock <6499> at the bottom <3247> of the altar <4196> of the burnt offering <5930>, which is at the door <6607> of the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>.
8. And he shall take off <7311>(8686) from it all the fat <2459> of the bullock <6499> for the sin offering <2403>; the fat <2459> that covereth <3680>(8764) the inwards <7130>, and all the fat <2459> that is upon the inwards <7130>,
9. And the two <8147> kidneys <3629>, and the fat <2459> that is upon them, which is by the flanks <3689>, and the caul <3508> above the liver <3516>, with the kidneys <3629>, it shall he take away <5493>(8686),
10. As it was taken off <7311>(8714) from the bullock <7794> of the sacrifice <2077> of peace offerings <8002>: and the priest <3548> shall burn <6999>(8689) them upon the altar <4196> of the burnt offering <5930>.
11. And the skin <5785> of the bullock <6499>, and all his flesh <1320>, with his head <7218>, and with his legs <3767>, and his inwards <7130>, and his dung <6569>,
12. Even the whole bullock <6499> shall he carry forth <3318>(8689) without <2351> the camp <4264> unto a clean <2889> place <4725>, where the ashes <1880> are poured out <8211>, and burn <8313>(8804) him on the wood <6086> with fire <784>: where <413> the ashes <1880> are poured out <8211> shall he be burnt <8313>(8735).
13. And if the whole congregation <5712> of Israel <3478> sin through ignorance <7686>(8799), and the thing <1697> be hid <5956>(8738) from the eyes <5869> of the assembly <6951>, and they have done <6213>(8804) somewhat against any <259> of the commandments <4687> of the LORD <3068> concerning things which should not be done <6213>(8735), and are guilty <816>(8804);
14. When the sin <2403>, which they have sinned <2398>(8804) against it, is known <3045>(8738), then the congregation <6951> shall offer <7126>(8689) a young <1241> <1121> bullock <6499> for the sin <2403>, and bring <935>(8689) him before <6440> the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>.
15. And the elders <2205> of the congregation <5712> shall lay <5564>(8804) their hands <3027> upon the head <7218> of the bullock <6499> before <6440> the LORD <3068>: and the bullock <6499> shall be killed <7819>(8804) before <6440> the LORD <3068>.
16. And the priest <3548> that is anointed <4899> shall bring <935>(8689) of the bullock's <6499> blood <1818> to the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>:
17. And the priest <3548> shall dip <2881>(8804) his finger <676> in some of the blood <1818>, and sprinkle <5137>(8689) it seven <7651> times <6471> before <6440> the LORD <3068>, even before <6440> the vail <6532>.
18. And he shall put <5414>(8799) some of the blood <1818> upon the horns <7161> of the altar <4196> which is before <6440> the LORD <3068>, that is in the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>, and shall pour out <8210>(8799) all the blood <1818> at the bottom <3247> of the altar <4196> of the burnt offering <5930>, which is at the door <6607> of the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>.
19. And he shall take <7311>(8686) all his fat <2459> from him, and burn <6999>(8689) it upon the altar <4196>.
20. And he shall do <6213>(8804) with the bullock <6499> as he did <6213>(8804) with the bullock <6499> for a sin offering <2403>, so shall he do <6213>(8799) with this: and the priest <3548> shall make an atonement <3722>(8765) for them, and it shall be forgiven <5545>(8738) them.
21. And he shall carry forth <3318>(8689) the bullock <6499> without <2351> the camp <4264>, and burn <8313>(8804) him as he burned <8313>(8804) the first <7223> bullock <6499>: it is a sin offering <2403> for the congregation <6951>.
22. When a ruler <5387> hath sinned <2398>(8799), and done <6213>(8804) somewhat through ignorance <7684> against any <259> of the commandments <4687> of the LORD <3068> his God <430> concerning things which should not be done <6213>(8735), and is guilty <816>(8804);
23. Or if his sin <2403>, wherein he hath sinned <2398>(8804), come to his knowledge <3045>(8717); he shall bring <935>(8689) his offering <7133>, a kid <8163> of the goats <5795>, a male <2145> without blemish <8549>:
24. And he shall lay <5564>(8804) his hand <3027> upon the head <7218> of the goat <8163>, and kill <7819>(8804) it in the place <4725> where they kill <7819>(8799) the burnt offering <5930> before <6440> the LORD <3068>: it is a sin offering <2403>.
25. And the priest <3548> shall take <3947>(8804) of the blood <1818> of the sin offering <2403> with his finger <676>, and put <5414>(8804) it upon the horns <7161> of the altar <4196> of burnt offering <5930>, and shall pour out <8210>(8799) his blood <1818> at the bottom <3247> of the altar <4196> of burnt offering <5930>.
26. And he shall burn <6999>(8686) all his fat <2459> upon the altar <4196>, as the fat <2459> of the sacrifice <2077> of peace offerings <8002>: and the priest <3548> shall make an atonement <3722>(8765) for him as concerning his sin <2403>, and it shall be forgiven <5545>(8738) him.
27. And if any <259> one <5315> of the common <776> people <5971> sin <2398>(8799) through ignorance <7684>, while he doeth <6213>(8800) somewhat against any <259> of the commandments <4687> of the LORD <3068> concerning things which ought not to be done <6213>(8735), and be guilty <816>(8804);
28. Or if his sin <2403>, which he hath sinned <2398>(8804), come to his knowledge <3045>(8717): then he shall bring <935>(8689) his offering <7133>, a kid <8166> of the goats <5795>, a female <5347> without blemish <8549>, for his sin <2403> which he hath sinned <2398>(8804).
29. And he shall lay <5564>(8804) his hand <3027> upon the head <7218> of the sin offering <2403>, and slay <7819>(8804) the sin offering <2403> in the place <4725> of the burnt offering <5930>.
30. And the priest <3548> shall take <3947>(8804) of the blood <1818> thereof with his finger <676>, and put <5414>(8804) it upon the horns <7161> of the altar <4196> of burnt offering <5930>, and shall pour out <8210>(8799) all the blood <1818> thereof at the bottom <3247> of the altar <4196>.
31. And he shall take away <5493>(8686) all the fat <2459> thereof, as the fat <2459> is taken away <5493>(8717) from off the sacrifice <2077> of peace offerings <8002>; and the priest <3548> shall burn <6999>(8689) it upon the altar <4196> for a sweet <5207> savour <7381> unto the LORD <3068>; and the priest <3548> shall make an atonement <3722>(8765) for him, and it shall be forgiven <5545>(8738) him.
32. And if he bring <935>(8686) a lamb <3532> for a sin <2403> offering <7133>, he shall bring <935>(8686) it a female <5347> without blemish <8549>.
33. And he shall lay <5564>(8804) his hand <3027> upon the head <7218> of the sin offering <2403>, and slay <7819>(8804) it for a sin offering <2403> in the place <4725> where they kill <7819>(8799) the burnt offering <5930>.
34. And the priest <3548> shall take <3947>(8804) of the blood <1818> of the sin offering <2403> with his finger <676>, and put <5414>(8804) it upon the horns <7161> of the altar <4196> of burnt offering <5930>, and shall pour out <8210>(8799) all the blood <1818> thereof at the bottom <3247> of the altar <4196>:
35. And he shall take away <5493>(8686) all the fat <2459> thereof, as the fat <2459> of the lamb <3775> is taken away <5493>(8714) from the sacrifice <2077> of the peace offerings <8002>; and the priest <3548> shall burn <6999>(8689) them upon the altar <4196>, according to the offerings made by fire <801> unto the LORD <3068>: and the priest <3548> shall make an atonement <3722>(8765) for his sin <2403> that he hath committed <2398>(8804), and it shall be forgiven <5545>(8738) him.
Notes that are not verse specific
Returning to our first comment on this Psalm – do we think that God created the universe and then left it to run like clockwork? This Psalm makes the point clearly that God continues His work maintaining creation which is consistent with Jesus’ words ‘But My Father worketh hitherto’ (John 5:17)
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
Psalm 104 Attributed to David in the Septuagint translation. A review of God's Hand in all creation, His on going providential care, and the enduring purpose of God with man on the earth.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
I heard someone say that this psalm has all the days of creation in it, as follows:
v2 Day 1 Light
3 2 Heaven
6 3 Water and dry land, then vegetation
19 4 Sun, moon and stars
25 5 Fishes and birds
27 6 Animals and man
31 7 The Sabbath
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
I find verse 5 quite instructive. All throughout history there has been debate about the earth: whether it is flat, shaped like a dish, what is at the end of it, and whether one day it will fall off whatever it sits on. When we have no way of seeing, worries creep up on us, which is how it was until the day that rockets were sent up into the sky and photographed the earth. I find this verse wonderful because it doesn't seek to explain the unexplainable, and instead it just reassures us. God has laid the foundations of the earth so that it will never be moved, and perhaps that's the only thing we really need to know.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
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1. Bless <1288>(8761) the LORD <3068>, O my soul <5315>. O LORD <3068> my God <430>, thou art very <3966> great <1431>(8804); thou art clothed <3847>(8804) with honour <1935> and majesty <1926>.
2. Who coverest <5844>(8802) thyself with light <216> as with a garment <8008>: who stretchest out <5186>(8802) the heavens <8064> like a curtain <3407>:
3. Who layeth the beams <7136>(8764) of his chambers <5944> in the waters <4325>: who maketh <7760>(8802) the clouds <5645> his chariot <7398>: who walketh <1980>(8764) upon the wings <3671> of the wind <7307>:
4. Who maketh <6213>(8802) his angels <4397> spirits <7307>; his ministers <8334>(8764) a flaming <3857>(8802) fire <784>:
5. Who laid <3245>(8804) the foundations <4349> of the earth <776>, that it should not be removed <4131>(8735) for ever <5769> <5703>.
6. Thou coveredst <3680>(8765) it with the deep <8415> as with a garment <3830>: the waters <4325> stood <5975>(8799) above the mountains <2022>.
7. At <4480> thy rebuke <1606> they fled <5127>(8799); at the voice <6963> of thy thunder <7482> they hasted <2648>(8735) away.
8. They go up <5927>(8799) by the mountains <2022>; they go down <3381>(8799) by the valleys <1237> unto the place <4725> which <2088> thou hast founded <3245>(8804) for them.
9. Thou hast set <7760>(8804) a bound <1366> that they may not pass over <5674>(8799); that they turn not again <7725>(8799) to cover <3680>(8763) the earth <776>.
10. He sendeth <7971>(8764) the springs <4599> into the valleys <5158>, which run <1980>(8762) among the hills <2022>.
11. They give drink <8248>(8686) to every beast <2416> of the field <7704>: the wild asses <6501> quench <7665>(8799) their thirst <6772>.
12. By them shall the fowls <5775> of the heaven <8064> have their habitation <7931>(8799), which sing <5414>(8799) <6963> among <996> the branches <6073>.
13. He watereth <8248>(8688) the hills <2022> from his chambers <5944>: the earth <776> is satisfied <7646>(8799) with the fruit <6529> of thy works <4639>.
14. He causeth the grass <2682> to grow <6779>(8688) for the cattle <929>, and herb <6212> for the service <5656> of man <120>: that he may bring forth <3318>(8687) food <3899> out of the earth <776>;
15. And wine <3196> that maketh glad <8055>(8762) the heart <3824> of man <582>, and oil <8081> to make his face <6440> to shine <6670>(8687), and bread <3899> which strengtheneth <5582>(8799) man's <582> heart <3824>.
16. The trees <6086> of the LORD <3068> are full <7646>(8799) of sap; the cedars <730> of Lebanon <3844>, which he hath planted <5193>(8804);
17. Where the birds <6833> make their nests <7077>(8762): as for the stork <2624>, the fir trees <1265> are her house <1004>.
18. The high <1364> hills <2022> are a refuge <4268> for the wild goats <3277>; and the rocks <5553> for the conies <8227>.
19. He appointed <6213>(8804) the moon <3394> for seasons <4150>: the sun <8121> knoweth <3045>(8804) his going down <3996>.
20. Thou makest <7896>(8799) darkness <2822>, and it is night <3915>: wherein all the beasts <2416> of the forest <3293> do creep <7430>(8799) forth.
21. The young lions <3715> roar <7580>(8802) after their prey <2964>, and seek <1245>(8763) their meat <400> from God <410>.
22. The sun <8121> ariseth <2224>(8799), they gather themselves together <622>(8735), and lay them down <7257>(8799) in their dens <4585>.
23. Man <120> goeth forth <3318>(8799) unto his work <6467> and to his labour <5656> until the evening <6153>.
24. O LORD <3068>, how manifold <7231>(8804) are thy works <4639>! in wisdom <2451> hast thou made <6213>(8804) them all: the earth <776> is full <4390>(8804) of thy riches <7075>.
25. So is this great <1419> and wide <7342> <3027> sea <3220>, wherein are things creeping <7431> innumerable <4557>, both small <6996> and great <1419> beasts <2416>.
26. There go <1980>(8762) the ships <591>: there is that leviathan <3882>, whom thou hast made <3335>(8804) to play <7832>(8763) therein.
27. These wait <7663>(8762) all upon thee; that thou mayest give <5414>(8800) them their meat <400> in due season <6256>.
28. That thou givest <5414>(8799) them they gather <3950>(8799): thou openest <6605>(8799) thine hand <3027>, they are filled <7646>(8799) with good <2896>.
29. Thou hidest <5641>(8686) thy face <6440>, they are troubled <926>(8735): thou takest away <622>(8799) their breath <7307>, they die <1478>(8799), and return <7725>(8799) to their dust <6083>.
30. Thou sendest <7971>(8762) forth thy spirit <7307>, they are created <1254>(8735): and thou renewest <2318>(8762) the face <6440> of the earth <127>.
31. The glory <3519> of the LORD <3068> shall endure for ever <5769>: the LORD <3068> shall rejoice <8055>(8799) in his works <4639>.
32. He looketh <5027>(8688) on the earth <776>, and it trembleth <7460>(8799): he toucheth <5060>(8799) the hills <2022>, and they smoke <6225>(8799).
33. I will sing <7891>(8799) unto the LORD <3068> as long as I live <2416>: I will sing <2167>(8762) praise to my God <430> while I have my being <5750>.
34. My meditation <7879> of him shall be sweet <6149>(8799): I will be glad <8055>(8799) in the LORD <3068>.
35. Let the sinners <2400> be consumed <8552>(8735) out of the earth <776>, and let the wicked <7563> be no more. Bless <1288>(8761) thou the LORD <3068>, O my soul <5315>. Praise <1984>(8761) ye the LORD <3050>.
Notes that are not verse specific
12 -So, following on from last year's comment, we see that rather than developing unity in the ecclesia the spirit gifts generated envy and dispute. This was because they had their own estimation of the worth of different gifts based on their own wisdom.
13 - So Paul addresses the problem of dispute and human wisdom by saying that the gifts are of no value without the manifestation of Christian 'love'
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
ACTIONS OF LOVE
1 Corinthians 13 was read out at a wedding on Saturday (Philip Nightingale and Catherine Xu). It was read to encourage the groom and his bride to love one another in the fullest way possible. Too many marriages in today's world are not built on love. People "fall in love" and decide to get married, but falling in love is not enough if there is no commitment to be devoted to one another in love. It is easy to be mistaken and think that love is a feeling. In one sense it is, but it is much more than a feeling. Love is an action. Love is something to do. Love is not just a description of how we feel.
The qualities of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 need to be present in a marriage or that marriage is doomed to failure. We must have patience, kindness, protection, trust, hope and perseverance in our marriages, or the commitment and bond between the couple will disintegrate and love will die. In the same way that there are "must have" ingredients in a marriage, so there are things to avoid. Envy, boastfulness, pride, rudeness, self seeking, anger, unforgiveness and gloating over misfortune have no place in our marriages.
So whether we are considering marriage, are already married, or have been married for some time, let's be sure that the actions of love are the foundations of our relationship together.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Robert
We observed the use of the word body through the last 3 chapters. If we recognise that this is the body of believers, as Paul showed us in ch.10 (1Cor 10:17), we are given some food for thought as we read through chs 11 and 12.
Small Reading Group [Derby Bass Street (UK)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Small Reading Group
The lesson of Ch.13 is extremely important. We might be doing the right thing, but unless it is done in the right way, it is unacceptable. We might serve Yahweh because we know it is right and, therefore, our duty to do so. But unless we serve in love, we are wasting our time. Duty is one thing, love another. And so, let us examine our motives and our attitudes. Yahweh gave us the opportunity of life through an act of love (John 3:16). We are to reciprocate by serving Him in love (Matt 22:37-39). Part of that service is for us to love one another (John 15:12). Let us not be guilty of acting by duty and not by love, for we do not want to arrive at the judgement seat to be rejected for the wrong attitude (Matt 7:22,23).
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
Try reading Chapter 13 vv 4-8 substituting the word "God" for charity/love. Then re-read it substituting the word "Jesus".
Now try putting your own name there..........
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
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1. Now <1161> concerning <4012> spiritual <4152> gifts, brethren <80>, I would <2309> <0> not <3756> have <2309>(5719) you <5209> ignorant <50>(5721).
2. Ye know <1492>(5758) that <3754> ye were <2258>(5713) Gentiles <1484>, carried away <520>(5746) unto <4314> these dumb <880> idols <1497>, even as <5613> <302> ye were led <71>(5712).
3. Wherefore <1352> I give <1107> <0> you <5213> to understand <1107>(5719), that <3754> no man <3762> speaking <2980>(5723) by <1722> the Spirit <4151> of God <2316> calleth <3004>(5719) Jesus <2424> accursed <331>: and <2532> that no man <3762> can <1410>(5736) say <2036>(5629) that Jesus <2424> is the Lord <2962>, but <1508> by <1722> the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>.
4. Now <1161> there are <1526>(5748) diversities <1243> of gifts <5486>, but <1161> the same <846> Spirit <4151>.
5. And <2532> there are <1526>(5748) differences <1243> of administrations <1248>, but <2532> the same <846> Lord <2962>.
6. And <2532> there are <1526>(5748) diversities <1243> of operations <1755>, but <1161> it is <2076>(5748) the same <846> God <2316> which <3588> worketh <1754>(5723) all <3956> in <1722> all <3956>.
7. But <1161> the manifestation <5321> of the Spirit <4151> is given <1325>(5743) to every man <1538> to <4314> profit withal <4851>(5723).
8. For <1063> to one <3739> <3303> is given <1325>(5743) by <1223> the Spirit <4151> the word <3056> of wisdom <4678>; <1161> to another <243> the word <3056> of knowledge <1108> by <2596> the same <846> Spirit <4151>;
9. <1161> To another <2087> faith <4102> by <1722> the same <846> Spirit <4151>; <1161> to another <243> the gifts <5486> of healing <2386> by <1722> the same <846> Spirit <4151>;
10. <1161> To another <243> the working <1755> of miracles <1411>; <1161> to another <243> prophecy <4394>; <1161> to another <243> discerning <1253> of spirits <4151>; <1161> to another <2087> divers kinds <1085> of tongues <1100>; <1161> to another <243> the interpretation <2058> of tongues <1100>:
11. But <1161> all <3956> these <5023> worketh <1754>(5719) that one <1520> and <2532> the selfsame <846> Spirit <4151>, dividing <1244>(5723) to every man <1538> severally <2398> as <2531> he will <1014>(5736).
12. For <1063> as <2509> the body <4983> is <2076>(5748) one <1520>, and <2532> hath <2192>(5719) many <4183> members <3196>, and <1161> all <3956> the members <3196> of that one <1520> body <4983>, being <5607>(5752) many <4183>, are <2076>(5748) one <1520> body <4983>: so <3779> also <2532> is Christ <5547>.
13. For <1063> <2532> by <1722> one <1520> Spirit <4151> are <907> <0> we <2249> all <3956> baptized <907>(5681) into <1519> one <1520> body <4983>, whether <1535> we be Jews <2453> or <1535> Gentiles <1672>, whether <1535> we be bond <1401> or <1535> free <1658>; and <2532> have been <4222> <0> all <3956> made to drink <4222>(5681) into <1519> one <1520> Spirit <4151>.
14. <2532> For <1063> the body <4983> is <2076>(5748) not <3756> one <1520> member <3196>, but <235> many <4183>.
15. If <1437> the foot <4228> shall say <2036>(5632), Because <3754> I am <1510>(5748) not <3756> the hand <5495>, I am <1510>(5748) not <3756> of <1537> the body <4983>; is <2076>(5748) it therefore <3844> <5124> not <3756> of <1537> the body <4983>?
16. And <2532> if <1437> the ear <3775> shall say <2036>(5632), Because <3754> I am <1510>(5748) not <3756> the eye <3788>, I am <1510>(5748) not <3756> of <1537> the body <4983>; is <2076>(5748) it therefore <3844> <5124> not <3756> of <1537> the body <4983>?
17. If <1487> the whole <3650> body <4983> were an eye <3788>, where <4226> were the hearing <189>? If <1487> the whole <3650> were hearing <189>, where <4226> were the smelling <3750>?
18. But <1161> now <3570> hath <5087> <0> God <2316> set <5087>(5639) the members <3196> every <1538> one <1520> of them <846> in <1722> the body <4983>, as <2531> it hath pleased him <2309>(5656).
19. And <1161> if <1487> they were <2258>(5713) all <3956> one <1520> member <3196>, where <4226> were the body <4983>?
20. But <1161> now <3568> <3303> are they many <4183> members <3196>, yet but <1161> one <1520> body <4983>.
21. And <1161> the eye <3788> cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) say <2036>(5629) unto the hand <5495>, I have <2192>(5719) no <3756> need <5532> of thee <4675>: nor <2228> again <3825> the head <2776> to the feet <4228>, I have <2192>(5719) no <3756> need <5532> of you <5216>.
22. Nay <235>, much <4183> more <3123> those members <3196> of the body <4983>, which seem <1380>(5723) to be <5225>(5721) more feeble <772>, are <2076>(5748) necessary <316>:
23. And <2532> those <3739> members of the body <4983>, which <3739> we think <1380>(5719) to be <1511>(5750) less honourable <820>, upon these <5125> we bestow <4060>(5719) more abundant <4055> honour <5092>; and <2532> our <2257> uncomely <809> parts have <2192>(5719) more abundant <4055> comeliness <2157>.
24. For <1161> our <2257> comely <2158> parts have <2192>(5719) no <3756> need <5532>: but <235> God <2316> hath tempered <4786> <0> the body <4983> together <4786>(5656), having given <1325>(5631) more abundant <4055> honour <5092> to that part which lacked <5302>(5746):
25. That <3363> <0> there should be <5600>(5753) no <3363> schism <4978> in <1722> the body <4983>; but <235> that the members <3196> should have <3309> <0> the same <846> care <3309>(5725) one for <5228> another <240>.
26. And <2532> whether <1535> one <1520> member <3196> suffer <3958>(5719), all <3956> the members <3196> suffer with it <4841>(5719); or <1535> one <1520> member <3196> be honoured <1392>(5743), all <3956> the members <3196> rejoice with it <4796>(5719).
27. Now <1161> ye <5210> are <2075>(5748) the body <4983> of Christ <5547>, and <2532> members <3196> in <1537> particular <3313>.
28. And <2532> God <2316> hath set <5087>(5639) some <3303> in <1722> the church <1577>, first <4412> apostles <652>, secondarily <1208> prophets <4396>, thirdly <5154> teachers <1320>, after that <1899> miracles <1411>, then <1534> gifts <5486> of healings <2386>, helps <484>, governments <2941>, diversities <1085> of tongues <1100>.
29. Are all <3361> <3956> apostles <652>? are all <3361> <3956> prophets <4396>? are all <3361> <3956> teachers <1320>? are all <3361> <3956> workers of miracles <1411>?
30. Have <3361> <2192>(5719) all <3956> the gifts <5486> of healing <2386>? do all <3956> speak <3361> <2980>(5719) with tongues <1100>? do <3361> all <3956> interpret <1329>(5719)?
31. But <1161> covet earnestly <2206>(5720) the best <2909> gifts <5486>: and <2532> yet <2089> shew I <1166>(5719) unto you <5213> a more <2596> excellent <5236> way <3598>.
1. Though <1437> I speak <2980>(5725) with the tongues <1100> of men <444> and <2532> of angels <32>, and <1161> have <2192>(5725) not <3361> charity <26>, I am become <1096>(5754) as sounding <2278>(5723) brass <5475>, or <2228> a tinkling <214>(5723) cymbal <2950>.
2. And <2532> though <1437> I have <2192>(5725) the gift of prophecy <4394>, and <2532> understand <1492>(5762) all <3956> mysteries <3466>, and <2532> all <3956> knowledge <1108>; and <2532> though <1437> I have <2192>(5725) all <3956> faith <4102>, so <5620> that I could remove <3179>(5721) mountains <3735>, and <1161> have <2192>(5725) not <3361> charity <26>, I am <1510>(5748) nothing <3762>.
3. And <2532> though <1437> I bestow <5595> <0> all <3956> my <3450> goods <5224>(5723) to feed <5595>(5661) the poor, and <2532> though <1437> I give <3860>(5632) my <3450> body <4983> to <2443> be burned <2545>(5703), and <1161> have <2192>(5725) not <3361> charity <26>, it profiteth me <5623>(5743) nothing <3762>.
4. Charity <26> suffereth long <3114>(5719), and is kind <5541>(5736); charity <26> envieth <2206>(5719) not <3756>; charity <26> vaunteth <4068> <0> not <3756> itself <4068>(5736), is <5448> <0> not <3756> puffed up <5448>(5743),
5. Doth <807> <0> not <3756> behave itself unseemly <807>(5719), seeketh <2212>(5719) not <3756> her own <1438>, is <3947> <0> not <3756> easily provoked <3947>(5743), thinketh <3049>(5736) no <3756> evil <2556>;
6. Rejoiceth <5463>(5719) not <3756> in <1909> iniquity <93>, but <1161> rejoiceth <4796>(5719) in the truth <225>;
7. Beareth <4722>(5719) all things <3956>, believeth <4100>(5719) all things <3956>, hopeth <1679>(5719) all things <3956>, endureth <5278>(5719) all things <3956>.
8. Charity <26> never <3763> faileth <1601>(5719): but <1161> whether <1535> there be prophecies <4394>, they shall fail <2673>(5701); whether <1535> there be tongues <1100>, they shall cease <3973>(5695); whether <1535> there be knowledge <1108>, it shall vanish away <2673>(5701).
9. For <1063> we know <1097>(5719) in <1537> part <3313>, and <2532> we prophesy <4395>(5719) in <1537> part <3313>.
10. But <1161> when <3752> that which is perfect <5046> is come <2064>(5632), then <5119> that which is in <1537> part <3313> shall be done away <2673>(5701).
11. When <3753> I was <2252>(5713) a child <3516>, I spake <2980>(5707) as <5613> a child <3516>, I understood <5426>(5707) as <5613> a child <3516>, I thought <3049>(5711) as <5613> a child <3516>: but <1161> when <3753> I became <1096>(5754) a man <435>, I put away <2673>(5758) childish things <3516>.
12. For <1063> now <737> we see <991>(5719) through <1223> a glass <2072>, darkly <1722> <135>; but <1161> then <5119> face <4383> to <4314> face <4383>: now <737> I know <1097>(5719) in <1537> part <3313>; but <1161> then <5119> shall I know <1921>(5695) even as <2531> also <2532> I am known <1921>(5681).
13. And <1161> now <3570> abideth <3306>(5719) faith <4102>, hope <1680>, charity <26>, these <5023> three <5140>; but <1161> the greatest <3187> of these <5130> is charity <26>.