1 Corinthians 13:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

For our knowledge is partial, and our prophecy partial;

Berean Standard Bible:

For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For^{G1063} we know^{G1097} in^{G1537} part^{G3313}, and^{G2532} we prophesy^{G4395} in^{G1537} part^{G3313}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 1 Corinthians 13:9

1 Corinthians 13:9, "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part," is a verse situated within the larger context of Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church. This verse is part of the famous "Love Chapter," where Paul extols the virtues and supremacy of love over other spiritual gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, and knowledge.

In the historical context, the Corinthian church was grappling with divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts. Some members were overvaluing certain gifts, particularly the showier ones like speaking in tongues and prophecy, leading to pride and a lack of unity within the congregation.

The themes of 1 Corinthians 13:9 revolve around the limitations of human knowledge and prophecy. Paul acknowledges that while these gifts are valuable, they are incomplete and imperfect. The phrase "we know in part" suggests that human understanding, no matter how profound, is always partial and subject to error. Similarly, "we prophesy in part" indicates that prophecy, while a gift from God, does not convey absolute or complete knowledge. Paul is emphasizing that no one possesses the full truth in themselves; rather, truth is known by God alone and is revealed to humanity in a fragmentary way.

This verse underscores the need for humility among believers regarding their spiritual insights and underscores the temporary nature of these gifts in comparison to the eternal nature of love. Paul's message is that love is the greatest spiritual gift and the only one that will endure into eternity, contrasting with knowledge and prophecy, which will pass away (as indicated in the following verses, 1 Corinthians 13:10-12). The ultimate goal for Christians, then, is to pursue love above all else, recognizing that it is the most excellent way to live out their faith and to reflect the character of God.

*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: 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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).
   
5. 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.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4395
   There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: προφητεύω
   Transliteration: prophēteúō
   Pronunciation: prof-ate-yoo'-o
   Description: from προφήτης; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:--prophesy.