What Does 1 Corinthians 13:10 Mean?

But when that which is perfect is come (ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ τὸ τέλειον, hotan de elthē to teleion)—To teleion is "the perfect," "the complete," or "the mature." Debate centers on its referent: (1) Christ's return and the eternal state; (2) the completed New Testament canon; (3) Christian maturity. Context strongly favors the first: the next verse contrasts childhood with maturity, and verse 12 contrasts present obscurity with seeing "face to face"—clearly eschatological language echoing Numbers 12:8 and 1 John 3:2.

Then that which is in part shall be done away (τὸ ἐκ μέρους καταργηθήσεται, to ek merous katargēthēsetai)—The same verb from verse 8: "abolished, rendered inoperative." When completeness arrives, partiality becomes obsolete. When we see Christ face to face and are fully transformed into His image (1 John 3:2), we won't need prophetic revelation (we'll see Truth Himself), fragmented knowledge (we'll know fully), or tongues (we'll communicate perfectly).

This doesn't diminish the value of gifts now; it puts them in perspective. They're tools for this age, means to an end (building up the church in love), not the end itself. Love, by contrast, continues into perfection.