1 Corinthians 13:1-3

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

sounding brass (v.1) — probably a gong

faith (v.2) — the gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9), not saving faith

mountains (v.2) — could be symbolizing obstacles and difficulties

bestow all my goods (v.3) — the gift of helps (1 Corinthians 12:28)

Voluntarily submitting to burning and the banging of gongs and cymbals may be references to pagan rituals.

to be burned (v.3) — There’s some manuscript evidence that this should read “that I may glory.”

Without love, I have nothing to offer, I gain nothing in return, and I have no value.