G1161–δέ–de

But, as a matter of fact, there are many parts and but one body.

δὲ de “however”δὲ de “however”

It is also impossible for the eye to say to the hand, "I do not need you;" or again for the head to say to the feet, "I do not need you."

δὲ de “now”

But it was God who built up the body, and bestowed more abundant honor on the part that felt the need,

δὲ de “and”

As for you, you are the body of Christ, and individually you are members of it.

δέ de “now”

But always seek to excel in the greater gifts. And now I will point out to you a way of life which transcends all others.

δὲ de “however”

If I can speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but am destitute of Love, I have but become a loud-sounding trumpet or a clanging cymbal.

δὲ de “however”

If I possess the gift of prophecy and am versed in all mysteries and all knowledge, and have such absolute faith that I can remove mountains, but am destitute of Love, I am nothing.

δὲ de “however”

And if I distribute all my possessions to the poor, and give up my body to be burned, but am destitute of Love, it profits me nothing.

δὲ de “however”

She finds no pleasure in injustice done to others, but joyfully sides with the truth.

δὲ de “however”

Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be done away with; if there are languages, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be brought to an end.

δὲ de “however”

but when the perfect state of things is come, all that is imperfect will be brought to an end.

δὲ de “however”

When I was a child, I talked like a child, felt like a child, reasoned like a child: when I became a man, I put from me childish ways.

δὲ de “now”

For the present we see things as if in a mirror, and are puzzled; but then we shall see them face to face. For the present the knowledge I gain is imperfect; but then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

δὲ de “however”δὲ de “however”

And so there remain Faith, Hope, Love--these three; and of these the greatest is Love.

δὲ de “however”δὲ de “however”

Be eager in your pursuit of this Love, and be earnestly ambitious for spiritual gifts, but let it be chiefly so in order that you may prophesy.

δὲ de “now”δὲ de “now”

For he who speaks in an unknown tongue is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one understands him. Yet in the Spirit he is speaking secret truths.

δὲ de “however”

But he who prophesies speaks to men words of edification, encouragement and comfort.

δὲ de “however”

He who speaks in an unknown tongue does good to himself, but he who prophesies does good to the Church.

δὲ de “however”

I should be right glad were you all to speak in `tongues,' but yet more glad were you all to prophesy. And, in fact, the man who prophesies is superior to him who speaks in `tongues,' except when the latter can interpret in order that the Church may get

δὲ de “now”δὲ de “however”δὲ de “now”

But, brethren, as things are, if I come to you speaking in `tongues,' what benefit shall I confer on you, if the utterance is neither in the form of a revelation nor of additional knowledge nor of prophecy nor of teaching?

δέ, de “however”

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is barren.

δὲ de “but”

How then does the matter stand? I will pray in spirit, and I will pray with my understanding also. I will praise God in spirit, and I will praise Him with my understanding also.

δὲ de “however”δὲ de “however”

Brethren, do not prove yourselves to be children in your minds. As regards evil, indeed, be utter babes, but as regards your minds prove yourselves to be men of ripe years.

δὲ de “however”

This shows that the gift of tongues is intended as a sign not to those who believe but to unbelievers, but prophecy is intended not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

δὲ de “but”

Accordingly if the whole Church has assembled and all are speaking in `tongues,' and there come in ungifted men, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are all mad?

δὲ de “however”