King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:12 Mean?

1 Corinthians 13:12 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 13:12 · KJV

Context

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.

Read 1 Corinthians 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For now we see through a glass, darkly (βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι' ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι, blepomen gar arti di' esoptrou en ainigmati)—Esoptron is a mirror, typically polished bronze in antiquity, providing a dim, imperfect reflection (unlike modern glass mirrors). En ainigmati means "in a riddle" or "obscurely"—we see reality as if it were a cryptic puzzle. Our current perception of God, even through Scripture and Spirit-illumination, is indirect and incomplete. We see reflections, not Reality itself.

But then face to face (τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον, tote de prosōpon pros prosōpon)—This phrase echoes Numbers 12:8 (LXX), where God speaks to Moses "mouth to mouth" (stoma kata stoma), and Exodus 33:11, "The LORD spoke to Moses face to face." It also anticipates 1 John 3:2, "We shall see him as he is." The beatific vision—seeing God unveiled—is the Christian's ultimate hope. No more mediation, no more obscurity, direct sight of Christ in His glory.

Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (ἄρτι γινώσκω ἐκ μέρους, τότε δὲ ἐπιγνώσομαι καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην, arti ginōskō ek merous, tote de epignōsomai kathōs kai epegnōsthēn)—The shift from ginōskō (know) to epiginōskō (know fully, recognize completely) is significant. Our current knowledge is partial (ek merous); our future knowledge will be comprehensive, matching the way God has always fully known us. Not that we'll be omniscient, but that our knowledge will be complete, unobstructed, perfected.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient mirrors were polished metal (bronze, silver), not clear glass, providing distorted reflections. Corinthian bronze was especially famous, but even the best mirrors gave imperfect images. Paul uses this everyday object to illustrate spiritual reality: our best current understanding of God and truth is like seeing a distorted reflection. Only in glory will we see clearly. This confronts the Corinthians' pride in their knowledge and gifts as if they had arrived at perfect understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the 'mirror dimly' reality of your current theological knowledge produce epistemic humility in debates with other believers?
  2. What does it mean that your future knowledge will match the way God has always 'fully known' you—not omniscience, but perfect, unobstructed comprehension?
  3. How does the promise of seeing Christ 'face to face' reframe your current frustrations with unanswered questions and theological mysteries?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
βλέπομεν1 of 22

“we see”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

γὰρ2 of 22

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἄρτι3 of 22

“now”

G737

just now

δι'4 of 22

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἐσόπτρου5 of 22

“a glass”

G2072

a mirror (for looking into)

ἐν6 of 22

“darkly”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αἰνίγματι7 of 22
G135

an obscure saying ("enigma"), i.e., (abstractly) obscureness

τότε8 of 22

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

δὲ9 of 22

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρόσωπον·10 of 22

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

πρὸς11 of 22

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

πρόσωπον·12 of 22

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

ἄρτι13 of 22

“now”

G737

just now

γινώσκω14 of 22

“I know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ἐκ15 of 22

“in”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

μέρους16 of 22

“part”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

τότε17 of 22

“then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

δὲ18 of 22

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπεγνώσθην19 of 22

“I am known”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

καθὼς20 of 22

“even as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ21 of 22

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπεγνώσθην22 of 22

“I am known”

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

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 13:12 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 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 3:22 Corinthians 3:181 Corinthians 13:9-10Philippians 3:12Revelation 22:4Matthew 5:8

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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