And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
And now, х nuni (G3570)] not the same Greek as "now," 1 Corinthians 13:12. Translate 'But now,' As 1 Corinthians 13:8 already showed, "love" extends beyond this present time; "now" here expresses not time, but opposition, as in 1 Corinthians 5:11. Such being the case, that the three - "prophecy," "tongues," and "knowledge" (specimens of the whole cycle) - "fail" (1 Corinthians 13:8), there abide permanently only these three-faith, hope, charity. In one sense, faith and hope shall be done away-faith superseded by sight, and hope by fruition (Romans 8:24; 2 Corinthians 5:7); and love alone never faileth (1 Corinthians 13:8), But in another sense, "faith" and "hope," as well as "charity" ABIDE, after the extraordinary gifts have ceased: for those three are necessary and sufficient for salvation at all times, whereas the extraordinary are not at all so (cf. "abide," 1 Corinthians 3:14). Love is connected specially with the Holy Spirit, the Agent of union between the brethren (Romans 15:30; Colossians 1:8). Faith is toward God. Hope, in behalf of ourselves. Charity is love to God, creating in us love toward our neighbour. In an unbeliever there is more or less of the three opposites-unbelief, despair, hatred. Even hereafter, faith, in the sense trust in God, "abideth;" also "hope," in the anticipation of ever-new joys in prospect, and ever-increasing blessedness, sure never to be disappointed. Their objects also "abide." Love alone in every sense "abideth:" it presupposes "faith," which without "love" and its "works" is dead (Galatians 5:6; Jas: 2:17-20 ;, and "hope," 1 Corinthians 13:7.
But, х de (G1161)] - rather, "moreover:" as there is not so strong opposition between charity and the other two, which like it also "abide."
The greatest. Greek, 'the greater,' as compared with the other two.