Gr. ekpiptō, “to fall off [or “from”],” “to fall from its place,” “to fail,” “to perish.” Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading piptō, the simple form of the verb. Genuine love does not fall off like a leaf or a flower (see James 1:11; 1 Peter 1:24). When a flower has given its fragrance and beauty during the hours of sunshine, it has served its purpose, and the cold winds and frosts cause it to wither and fall off the plant. Not so with love. In days of stress and strain, as well as when all is bright and fair, love ever remains the same, shedding its fragrance of trust and hope and faith all around. This must be so, for love is the very foundation of law, and the law of God is eternal (see Ps. 119:160; Matt. 5:17, 18; Luke 16:17). Every believer is enjoined to cultivate this fruit of the Spirit, and every believer may be assured that there can be no experience of life for which love does not make provision; love can be relied on at all times to solve all problems.

 The gift of prophecy was provided by God for the guidance of the church through the ages (see Ps. 77:20; Hosea 12:13; Rev. 12:17; 19:10). When the need for such guidance no longer exists—that is, when the people of God reach their heavenly home—prophecies will cease.

Gr. katargeō, “to render null,” “to bring to an end,” here used in the passive form, “to be brought to an end.”

 Like prophecy, this gift, which served a useful function in the early church (see Additional Note on Chapter 14), would no longer be required.

Gr. pauō, “to pause,” “to leave off.”

 Not knowledge in general, but the gift of knowledge, which enabled men to explain the truth clearly and logically to others (see on ch. 12:8). Paul is setting forth the superiority of love over various spiritual gifts that were useful in building up the church, but which, with the church triumphant in the kingdom of glory, will no longer be needed.

Gr. katargeō (see above under “fail”).