1 corinthians 13:11 - When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 corinthians 13:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 13:11, is a powerful metaphor about growth and maturity, particularly in the context of spiritual development. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child." This part describes the limitations of childhood understanding and expression. It acknowledges that children have simpler ways of communicating ("spoke as a child"), reacting emotionally ("felt as a child"), and reasoning ("thought as a child"). Think of a child's reliance on concrete thinking, immediate gratification, and emotional outbursts.
"Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things." This indicates a transition to maturity. "Becoming a man" (or a mature adult, regardless of gender in the original Greek) signifies reaching a stage of greater wisdom, understanding, and self-control. "Putting away childish things" implies discarding immature behaviors, thought patterns, and desires that are no longer appropriate for an adult.
The Deeper Meaning (in the context of 1 Corinthians 13):
The verse is not just about physical aging, but about spiritual growth and maturity in understanding and practicing love (agape). In the verses leading up to this, Paul emphasizes the importance of love above all spiritual gifts. He argues that even impressive gifts like prophecy, speaking in tongues, or great faith are meaningless without love.
Therefore, 1 Corinthians 13:11 in context means:
Immature understanding of love: Just as a child has a limited understanding of the world, so too can people have a limited and immature understanding of love. They may focus on selfish desires, fleeting emotions, or conditional affection, rather than the selfless, patient, and enduring love described earlier in the chapter.
Spiritual Growth: As believers mature in their faith, they should grow in their understanding and practice of love. This means moving beyond childish, self-centered forms of "love" to embrace the deeper, more profound agape love that characterizes God.
Putting Away Selfishness: The "childish things" that need to be put away are primarily selfish attitudes, impatient behaviors, and a focus on personal gain rather than the well-being of others. It's about moving beyond a self-centered perspective to a more mature, others-centered way of living and loving.
Progressive Transformation: The verse implies that spiritual growth is a process. It's not about instantly becoming perfect, but about continually striving to become more like Christ in our love and actions.
In Summary:
1 Corinthians 13:11 is a reminder that spiritual growth is essential. It calls believers to move beyond immature, self-centered ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, and to embrace the mature, selfless love that is at the heart of the Christian faith. It encourages continual growth and transformation, leaving behind the "childish things" that hinder our ability to truly love and serve others.
1 corinthians 13:11 - When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things.
What does "1 corinthians 13:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 13:11, is a powerful metaphor about growth and maturity, particularly in the context of spiritual development. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child." This part describes the limitations of childhood understanding and expression. It acknowledges that children have simpler ways of communicating ("spoke as a child"), reacting emotionally ("felt as a child"), and reasoning ("thought as a child"). Think of a child's reliance on concrete thinking, immediate gratification, and emotional outbursts.
"Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things." This indicates a transition to maturity. "Becoming a man" (or a mature adult, regardless of gender in the original Greek) signifies reaching a stage of greater wisdom, understanding, and self-control. "Putting away childish things" implies discarding immature behaviors, thought patterns, and desires that are no longer appropriate for an adult.
The Deeper Meaning (in the context of 1 Corinthians 13):
The verse is not just about physical aging, but about spiritual growth and maturity in understanding and practicing love (agape). In the verses leading up to this, Paul emphasizes the importance of love above all spiritual gifts. He argues that even impressive gifts like prophecy, speaking in tongues, or great faith are meaningless without love.
Therefore, 1 Corinthians 13:11 in context means:
Immature understanding of love: Just as a child has a limited understanding of the world, so too can people have a limited and immature understanding of love. They may focus on selfish desires, fleeting emotions, or conditional affection, rather than the selfless, patient, and enduring love described earlier in the chapter.
Spiritual Growth: As believers mature in their faith, they should grow in their understanding and practice of love. This means moving beyond childish, self-centered forms of "love" to embrace the deeper, more profound agape love that characterizes God.
Putting Away Selfishness: The "childish things" that need to be put away are primarily selfish attitudes, impatient behaviors, and a focus on personal gain rather than the well-being of others. It's about moving beyond a self-centered perspective to a more mature, others-centered way of living and loving.
Progressive Transformation: The verse implies that spiritual growth is a process. It's not about instantly becoming perfect, but about continually striving to become more like Christ in our love and actions.
In Summary:
1 Corinthians 13:11 is a reminder that spiritual growth is essential. It calls believers to move beyond immature, self-centered ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, and to embrace the mature, selfless love that is at the heart of the Christian faith. It encourages continual growth and transformation, leaving behind the "childish things" that hinder our ability to truly love and serve others.