1 Corinthians 13:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For now we see obscurely in a mirror,
but then it will be face to face.
Now I know partly; then I will know fully,
just as God has fully known me.

Berean Standard Bible:

Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

American Standard Version:

For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For^{G1063} now^{G737} we see^{G991} through^{G1223} a glass^{G2072}, darkly^{{G1722}{G135}}; but^{G1161} then^{G5119} face^{G4383} to^{G4314} face^{G4383}: now^{G737} I know^{G1097} in^{G1537} part^{G3313}; but^{G1161} then^{G5119} shall I know^{G1921} even as^{G2531} also^{G2532} I am known^{G1921}.

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Commentary for 1 Corinthians 13:12

1 Corinthians 13:12 is part of the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, written around AD 53-54. This verse is situated within a larger passage known as the "Love Chapter," which extols the virtues and enduring nature of love. In the historical context, the Corinthian church was grappling with various issues, including divisions, immorality, and spiritual immaturity. Paul's letter addresses these concerns, emphasizing the centrality of love in Christian conduct and community life.

The specific themes of 1 Corinthians 13:12 revolve around the limitations of human knowledge and perception in the present age compared to the fullness of understanding that will be experienced in the future. Paul uses the metaphor of seeing "through a glass, darkly" to illustrate the current, imperfect state of human comprehension—akin to looking at a murky reflection in a mirror, which was typically made of polished metal in his time. This phrase suggests that our current grasp of truth, including the divine, is incomplete and obscured.

However, Paul contrasts this with the clarity of vision that believers will have in the eschatological future, when they will see "face to face" and "know even as also [they are] known." This anticipates a time when the faithful will encounter God directly and fully understand spiritual realities, just as God intimately knows them. The verse speaks to the hope and assurance that, in the life to come, the ambiguities and partialities of earthly existence will give way to complete knowledge and an unmediated relationship with the divine.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 13:12 encapsulates the tension between the present, imperfect understanding of believers and the promise of future, perfect knowledge. It encourages humility about human limitations while fostering hope in the ultimate clarity and intimacy with God that is to be realized in eternal life. This verse serves as a comfort and an incentive for believers to persevere in faith, love, and the pursuit of deeper knowledge, trusting in the fulfillment of God's promises.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G737
   There are 35 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄρτι
   Transliteration: árti
   Pronunciation: ar'-tee
   Description: adverb from a derivative of αἴρω (compare ἄρτος) through the idea of suspension; just now:--this day (hour), hence(-forth), here(-after), hither(-to), (even) now, (this) present.
   
3. Strong's Number: G991
   There are 119 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: βλέπω
   Transliteration: blépō
   Pronunciation: blep'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1223
   There are 580 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διά
   Transliteration: diá
   Pronunciation: dee-ah'
   Description: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2072
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔσοπτρον
   Transliteration: ésoptron
   Pronunciation: es'-op-tron
   Description: from εἰς and a presumed derivative of ὀπτάνομαι; a mirror (for looking into):--glass. Compare κατοπτρίζομαι.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
7. Strong's Number: G135
   There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αἴνιγμα
   Transliteration: aínigma
   Pronunciation: ah'-ee-nig-ma
   Description: from a derivative of αἶνος (in its primary sense); an obscure saying ("enigma"), i.e. (abstractly) obscureness:--X darkly.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
9. Strong's Number: G5119
   There are 157 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τότε
   Transliteration: tóte
   Pronunciation: tot'-eh
   Description: from (the neuter of) ὁ and ὅτε; the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution):--that time, then.
   
10. Strong's Number: G4383
    There are 73 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πρόσωπον
    Transliteration: prósōpon
    Pronunciation: pros'-o-pon
    Description: from πρός and (the visage, from ὀπτάνομαι); the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person:--(outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence.
    
11. Strong's Number: G4314
    There are 674 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πρός
    Transliteration: prós
    Pronunciation: pros
    Description: a strengthened form of πρό; 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, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at.
    
12. Strong's Number: G1097
    There are 208 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γινώσκω
    Transliteration: ginṓskō
    Pronunciation: ghin-oce'-ko
    Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed):--allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.
    
13. Strong's Number: G1537
    There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐκ
    Transliteration: ek
    Pronunciation: ex
    Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
    
14. Strong's Number: G3313
    There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μέρος
    Transliteration: méros
    Pronunciation: mer'-os
    Description: from an obsolete but more primary form of (to get as a section or allotment); a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application):--behalf, course, coast, craft, particular (+ -ly), part (+ -ly), piece, portion, respect, side, some sort(-what).
    
15. Strong's Number: G1921
    There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐπιγινώσκω
    Transliteration: epiginṓskō
    Pronunciation: ep-ig-in-oce'-ko
    Description: from ἐπί and γινώσκω; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:--(ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive.
    
16. Strong's Number: G2531
    There are 180 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καθώς
    Transliteration: kathṓs
    Pronunciation: kath-oce'
    Description: from κατά and ὡς; just (or inasmuch) as, that:--according to, (according, even) as, how, when.
    
17. Strong's Number: G2532
    There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: καί
    Transliteration: kaí
    Pronunciation: kahee
    Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.