(1Co 13), the rendering in the Authorized Version of the word which properly denotes love, and is frequently so rendered (always so in the Revised Version). It is spoken of as the greatest of the three Christian graces (1Co 12:31-13:13).

The Greek "love," "loving esteem"; Latin caritas. The outward benefaction, or alms, is a mere manifestation of the inward and true charity of Scripture (1Co 13:3): "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, ... and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

The word 'charity' never occurs in AV in the sense of almsgiving, but always with the meaning of love. It comes from the Vulgate caritas, which was frequently used to translate the Greek agap

A word often used in the A.V. where the word 'love' would be much better, as indeed the same Greek word is often translated. In 1Co 13:3 it is shown that a person may be very charitable or benevolent but have no love.

CHARITY, considered as a Christian grace, ought in our translation, in order to avoid mistake, to have been translated love. It is the love of God, and the love of our neighbour flowing from the love of God; and is described with wonderful copiousness, felicity, and even grandeur, by St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 13; a portion of Scripture which, as it shows the habitual temper of a true Christian, cannot be too frequently referred to for self-examination, and ought to be constantly present to us as our rule.

2. In the popular sense, charity is almsgiving; a duty of practical Christianity which is solemnly enjoined, and to which special promises are annexed.