1 Corinthians 12:31

“But covet earnestly the best gifts, etc.] Which may be rendered either indicatively as an assertion, “ye do covet earnestly the best gifts”: of prophesying and teaching, of doing miracles, healing diseases, speaking with, and interpreting, different tongues and languages; but I can, and do show you something that is better, and more excellent than these: or, by way of interrogation, “do ye covet earnestly the best gifts?” do you zealously affect them, fervently desire them, and emulate one another in your endeavours after them? I have something to observe to you which exceeds them all, and which you would do well to follow after, and eagerly pursue; or imperatively, as an exhortation, as it…”

“covet earnestly--Greek, "emulously desire." Not in the spirit of discontented "coveting." The Spirit "divides to every man severally as He will" (Co1 12:1); but this does not prevent men earnestly seeking, by prayer and watchfulness, and cultivation of their faculties, the greatest gifts. BEZA explains, "Hold in the highest estimation"; which accords with the distinction in his view (Co1 14:1) between "follow after charity--zealously esteem spiritual gifts"; also with (Co1 12:11, Co1 12:18) the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes the gifts, precluding individuals from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But see on Co1 14:1. the best gifts--Most of the oldest manuscripts read,…”

“But covet earnestly - Greek “Be zealous for” Ζηλοῦτε Zēloute. This word, however, may be either in the indicative mood (ye do covet earnestly), or in the imperative, as in our translation. Doddridge contends that it should be rendered in the indicative mood, for he says it seems to be a contradiction that after the apostle had been showing that these gifts were not at their own option, and that they ought not to emulate the gifts of another, or aspire to superiority, to undo all again, and give them such contrary advice. The same view is given by Locke, and so Macknight. The Syriac renders it, “Because you are zealous of the best gifts, I will show to you a more excellent way.” But there…”

“Ye covet earnestly the best gifts - And they are worth your pursuit, though but few of you can attain them. But there is a far more excellent gift than all these; and one which all may, yea, must attain or perish. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13”

“12:31 Believers are to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts, those that have the greatest potential to build up the church (see 14:12), while realizing that God is the one who distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11, 18, 28). Paul encourages the Corinthians to move beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (cp. 14:1-25, 27; see 12:10) because it has the least potential, of all the gifts, to build up the church. • But now let me show you: This statement transitions to Paul’s description of love in 13:1-13. Love is a way of life that is best of all.”

“covet: Co1 8:1, Co1 14:1, Co1 14:39; Mat 5:6; Luk 10:42 show: Co1 13:1-13; Phi 3:8; Heb 11:4 Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13”