King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:11 in the King James Version says “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put aw... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. thought: or, reasoned put away: Gr. vanish away

1 Corinthians 13:11 · KJV


Context

9

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. done away: Gr. vanish away

11

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. thought: or, reasoned put away: Gr. vanish away

12

For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. darkly: Gr. in a riddle

13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child (ὅτε ἤμην νήπιος, ἐλάλουν ὡς νήπιος, ἐφρόνουν ὡς νήπιος, ἐλογιζόμην ὡς νήπιος, hote ēmēn nēpios, elaloun hōs nēpios, ephronoun hōs nēpios, elogizomēn hōs nēpios)—Nēpios means infant or immature child. Paul uses three verbs to encompass all aspects of childish thinking: speaking (communication), understanding (comprehension), and reasoning (logic). Children's cognitive abilities are limited—they think concretely, not abstractly; they're self-focused, not other-aware; they lack perspective and wisdom.

But when I became a man, I put away childish things (ὅτε γέγονα ἀνήρ, κατήργηκα τὰ τοῦ νηπίου, hote gegona anēr, katērgēka ta tou nēpiou)—Anēr is adult male, mature man. Katargeō (the same verb as verses 8, 10) means "I abolished, rendered inoperative." Maturity requires putting away not just childish actions but childish ways of thinking. The perfect tense katērgēka emphasizes a completed action with ongoing results—childishness was decisively left behind.

The analogy extends verse 10's argument: just as childhood gives way to adulthood, so this age's partial gifts will give way to eternity's completeness. The Corinthians' obsession with showy gifts is spiritual infantilism; maturity pursues love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul repeatedly chastises the Corinthians for spiritual immaturity: "I could not address you as spiritual but as fleshly, as infants (nēpioi) in Christ" (3:1). Their jealousy, strife (3:3), arrogance (4:18), tolerance of immorality (5:2), lawsuits (6:1), and chaotic worship (14:20, "do not be children in your thinking") all evidence childishness. Paul calls them to adult maturity marked by love, not competitive displays of gifts.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might your approach to spiritual gifts, worship preferences, or theological debates reflect childish rather than mature thinking?
  2. How does Paul's analogy challenge the common assumption that spectacular gifts are marks of spiritual maturity rather than spiritual infancy?
  3. What 'childish things' in your faith—whether theological immaturity, relational selfishness, or spiritual consumerism—might God be calling you to 'put away'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὅτε1 of 20

When

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἤμην2 of 20

I was

G2252

i was

νηπίου3 of 20

a child

G3516

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ὡς4 of 20

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

νηπίου5 of 20

a child

G3516

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ἐλάλουν6 of 20

I spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὡς7 of 20

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

νηπίου8 of 20

a child

G3516

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ἐφρόνουν9 of 20

I understood

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

ὡς10 of 20

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

νηπίου11 of 20

a child

G3516

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ἐλογιζόμην12 of 20

I thought

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

ὅτε13 of 20

When

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

δέ14 of 20

but

G1161

but, and, etc

γέγονα15 of 20

I became

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀνήρ16 of 20

a man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

κατήργηκα17 of 20

I put away

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

τὰ18 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοῦ19 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νηπίου20 of 20

a child

G3516

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 13:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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