How Many Times is Charity Mentioned in the Bible: Find Out In This Analysis
The New Testament is filled with verses about charity, which has made charity a cornerstone of Christianity. The Bible even advises Christians to focus on charity rather than personal sacrifice or fasting when it comes to the things we should give priority.
Even so, how many times does the word “charity” appear in the Bible? Does the Old Testament talk about it as much as the New Testament? Are there any other related words that are worth noting?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more so you can see how much importance the Bible gives to charity.
How Many Times is Charity Mentioned in the Bible?
According to the King James version, the word “Charity” – appears 28 times in 24 verses, all in the New Testament
Here are all the bible verses that talks about “Charity“:-
- 1 Cor 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
- 1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
- 1 Cor 13:2 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, and have not charity, I am nothing.
- 1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
- 1 Cor 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
- 1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
- 1 Cor 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
- 1 Cor 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
- 1 Cor 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.
- Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
- 1 The 3:6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
- 2 The 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
- 1 Tim 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
- 1 Tim 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
- 1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
- 2 Tim 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- 2 Tim 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
- Tit 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
- 1 Pet 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
- 1 Pet 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
- 2 Pet 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
- 3 Joh 1:6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
- Jud 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
- Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
What Other Words are Related to Charity in the Bible?
As we saw above, there are several words that have a similar connotation as a charity in the Bible, including love, mercy, and alms.
Let’s take a look at each of these words and their related verses below:
Love: As we saw above, love can be used to refer to romantic love or a selfless or friendship.
Charity: Charity is the most common word used to describe acts of kindness towards others.
Mercy: Mercy refers to an act of kindness or compassion towards someone who’s in need.
Alms: Alms refers to a charitable gift or deed.
Biblical Context of Charity
Charity is one of the three virtues (alongside faith and hope) that Paul advises the church in Corinth to focus on. He believes that focusing on these virtues is far more important than focusing on practices like fasting. When we focus on charity, we benefit from it.
It not only helps those around us but also grows our relationship with God. Charity appears most often in the Old Testament. However, it’s important to note that the context of charity in the Old Testament is very different from its context in the New Testament.
While the New Testament emphasizes the importance of giving to others, the Old Testament mainly focuses on giving to God.
The Importance of Charity in the Bible
Charity is such an important virtue in the Bible because it is a way to connect with God and others. It is also an act of selflessness, which is an important part of Christianity. We can see how much the Bible emphasizes charity because there are 24 verses about charity in the Bible.
This is more than any other virtue, including faith, which is another important part of the Christian faith. Charity is also important because it helps us connect with God. When we give to others, we are putting love into the world.
This act helps us to love our neighbors and grow closer to God. Finally, charity is important because it connects us to others. When we give to others, we are helping them and creating connections with them.
Final Thoughts
While we may be tempted to focus on and stress the importance of our religious practices, it’s important to remember that charitable acts and acts of kindness are just as important. When we give to others and help those who are in need, we are not only helping others but also growing closer to God.
The Bible encourages us to give generously to those who are in need, which is one of the best ways to show our love and appreciation for them. It is also important to remember that helping others can bring us closer to God. When we pay attention to the needs of others and when we spend time helping others, it’s possible that we will grow closer to God.
Ultimately, charity is one of the best ways we can show God’s love towards others. By focusing on this important matter of faith, love, and connection, we can make a better world for the next generation.