TRV
Translation
King James Version
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
American Standard Version
but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.
World English Bible Messianic
but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But when that which is perfect, is come, then that which is in part, shalbe abolished.
Young's Literal Translation
and when that which is perfect may come, then that which is in part shall become useless.
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In the KJVVerse 28,676 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 13 verses 8–13
8 ¶ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
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.
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.
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.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Here the apostle goes on to commend charity, and show how much it is preferable to the gifts on which the Corinthians were so apt to pride themselves, to the utter neglect, and almost extinction, of charity. This he makes out,
I. From its longer continuance and duration: Charity never faileth. It is a permanent and perpetual grace, lasting as eternity; whereas the extraordinary gifts on which the Corinthians valued themselves were of short continuance. They were only to edify the church on earth, and that but for a time, not during its whole continuance in this world; but in heaven would be all superseded, which yet is the very seat and element of love. Prophecy must fail, that is, either the prediction of things to come (which is its most common sense) or the interpretation of scripture by immediate inspiration. Tongues will cease, that is, the miraculous power of speaking languages without learning them. There will be but one language in heaven. There is no confusion of tongues in the region of perfect tranquility. And knowledge will vanish away. Not that, in the perfect state above, holy and happy souls shall be unknowing, ignorant: it is a very poor happiness that can consist with utter ignorance. The apostle is plainly speaking of miraculous gifts, and therefore of knowledge to be had out of the common way (see Co1 14:6), a knowledge of mysteries supernaturally communicated. Such knowledge was to vanish away. Some indeed understand it of common knowledge acquired by instruction, taught and learnt. This way of knowing is to vanish away, though the knowledge itself, once acquired, will not be lost. But it is plain that the apostle is here setting the grace of charity in opposition to supernatural gifts. And it is more valuable, because more durable; it shall last, when they shall be no more; it shall enter into heaven, where they will have no place, because they will be of no use, though, in a sense, even our common knowledge may be said to cease in heaven, by reason of the improvement that will then be made in it. The light of a candle is perfectly obscured by the sun shining in its strength.
II. He hints that these gifts are adapted only to a state of imperfection: We know in part, and we prophesy in part, Co1 13:9. Our best knowledge and our greatest abilities are at present like our condition, narrow and temporary. Even the knowledge they had by inspiration was but in part. How little a portion of God, and the unseen world, was heard even by apostles and inspired men! How much short do others come of them! But these gifts were fitted to the present imperfect state of the church, valuable in themselves, but not to be compared with charity, because they were to vanish with the imperfections of the church, nay, and long before, whereas charity was to last for ever.
III. He takes occasion hence to show how much better it will be with the church hereafter than it can be here. A state of perfection is in view (Co1 13:10): When that which is perfect shall come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When the end is once attained, the means will of course be abolished. There will be no need of tongues, and prophecy, and inspired knowledge, in a future life, because then the church will be in a state of perfection, complete both in knowledge and holiness. God will be known then clearly, and in a manner by intuition, and as perfectly as the capacity of glorified minds will allow; not by such transient glimpses, and little portions, as here. The difference between these two states is here pointed at in two particulars: 1. The present state is a state of childhood, the future that of manhood: When I was a child, I spoke as a child (that is, as some think, spoke with tongues), I understood as a child; ephronoun - sapiebam (that is, "I prophesied, I was taught the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, in such an extraordinary way as manifested I was not out of my childish state"), I thought, or reasoned, elogizomēn, as a child; but, when I became a man, I put away childish things. Such is the difference between earth and heaven. What narrow views, what confused and indistinct notions of things, have children, in comparison of grown men! And how naturally do men, when reason is ripened and matured, despise and relinquish their infant thoughts, put them away, reject them, esteem as nothing! Thus shall we think of our most valued gifts and acquisitions in this world, when we come to heaven. We shall despise our childish folly, in priding ourselves in such things when we are grown up to men in Christ. 2. Things are all dark and confused now, in comparison of what they will be hereafter: Now we see through a glass darkly (en ainigmati, in a riddle), then face to face; now we know in part, but then we shall know as we are known. Now we can only discern things at a great distance, as through a telescope, and that involved in clouds and obscurity; but hereafter the things to be known will be near and obvious, open to our eyes; and our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. God is to be seen face to face; and we are to know him as we are known by him; not indeed as perfectly, but in some sense in the same manner. We are known to him by mere inspection; he turns his eye towards us, and sees and searches us throughout. We shall then fix our eye on him, and see him as he is, Jo1 3:2. We shall know how we are known, enter into all the mysteries of divine love and grace. O glorious change! To pass from darkness to light, from clouds to the clear sunshine of our Saviour's face, and in God's own light to see light! Psa 36:9. Note, It is the light of heaven only that will remove all clouds and darkness from the face of God. It is at best but twilight while we are in this world; there it will be perfect and eternal day.
IV. To sum up the excellences of charity, he prefers it not only to gifts, but to other graces, to faith and hope (Co1 13:13): And now abide faith, hope, and charity; but the greatest of these is charity. True grace is much more excellent than any spiritual gifts whatever. And faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces, of which charity is the chief, being the end to which the other two are but means. This is the divine nature, the soul's felicity, or its complacential rest in God, and holy delight in all his saints. And it is everlasting work, when faith and hope shall be no more. Faith fixes on the divine revelation, and assents to that: hope fastens on future felicity, and waits for that: and in heaven faith well be swallowed up in vision, and hope in fruition. There is no room to believe and hope, when we see and enjoy. But love fastens on the divine perfections themselves, and the divine image on the creatures, and our mutual relation both to God and them. These will all shine forth in the most glorious splendours in another world, and there will love be made perfect; there we shall perfectly love God, because he will appear amiable for ever, and our hearts will kindle at the sight, and glow with perpetual devotion. And there shall we perfectly love one another, when all the saints meet there, when none but saints are there, and saints made perfect. O blessed state! How much surpassing the best below! O amiable and excellent grace of charity! How much does it exceed the most valuable gift, when it outshines every grace, and is the everlasting consummation of them! When faith and hope are at an end, true charity will burn for ever with the brightest flame. Note, Those border most upon the heavenly state and perfection whose hearts are fullest of this divine principle, and burn with the most fervent charity. It is the surest offspring of God, and bears his fairest impression. For God is love, Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16. And where God is to be seen as he is, and face to face, there charity is in its greatest height - there, and there only, will it be perfected.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–13. Public domain.
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Methodius of OlympusAD 311
Since that which is perfect has not yet come to us; namely, the kingdom of heaven and the resurrection, when "that which is in part shall be done away."
Basil of CaesareaAD 379
CONCERNING FAITH
Even though more knowledge is always being acquired by everyone, it will ever fall short in all things of its rightful completeness until the time when that which is perfect being comes, that which is in part will be done away.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Everything which is imperfect will be destroyed. But destruction occurs by making the imperfect perfect, not by removing it altogether.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Death of Satyrus 2.32
For now we know in part and understand in part. But then we shall be able to comprehend what is perfect, when not the shadow but the reality of the majesty and eternity of God shall begin to shine and to reveal itself unveiled before our eyes.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 34
"We know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."
It is not therefore knowledge that is done away, but the circumstance that our knowledge is in part. For we shall not only know as much but even a great deal more. But that I may also make it plain by example; now we know that God is every where, but how, we know not. That He made out of things that are not the things that are we know; but of the manner we are ignorant. That He was born of a virgin, we know; but how, we know not yet. But then shall we know somewhat more and clearer concerning these things.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Enchiridion 1.5
But, as this faith, which works by love, begins to penetrate the soul, it tends, through the vital power of goodness, to change into sight, so that the holy and perfect in heart catch glimpses of that ineffable beauty whose full vision is our highest happiness.… We begin in faith, we are perfected in sight.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 13:10 serves as a crucial declaration within Paul's discourse on the supremacy of love, asserting the temporary and provisional nature of certain spiritual gifts. It posits that while our current spiritual knowledge and manifestations are fragmented and incomplete, a future state of ultimate perfection and comprehensive understanding will render these partial expressions obsolete, highlighting the enduring and eternal quality of divine love in contrast to transient spiritual phenomena.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within 1 Corinthians 13, often celebrated as the "love chapter," which itself is strategically placed between Paul's extensive discussions on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Corinthians 14. In chapter 12, Paul emphasizes the diversity and unity of gifts within the body of Christ, addressing the Corinthian church's disunity and pride concerning their spiritual manifestations. Chapter 13 then acts as a corrective, asserting that without agape love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts—like speaking in tongues, prophecy, or possessing profound knowledge—are meaningless and ultimately temporary, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Verse 10 builds directly upon 1 Corinthians 13:8-9, which explicitly states that "prophecies shall fail; tongues shall cease; knowledge shall vanish away," by providing the reason for their cessation: they are "in part" and will be superseded by "that which is perfect." The entire chapter thus elevates love as the supreme, indispensable, and eternal virtue that transcends all other spiritual expressions.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Corinthian church was a vibrant but deeply problematic community, marked by divisions, moral failings, and an immature understanding of spiritual matters. Located in a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, Corinth was a hub of diverse philosophical and religious ideas, including various mystery religions that emphasized ecstatic experiences. This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the Corinthian believers' overemphasis on showy spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, which they seemingly valued as status symbols or indicators of spiritual superiority (see 1 Corinthians 14:26-33). Paul's letter, written around 55 AD, aims to correct these abuses, restore order, and reorient their focus from self-aggrandizement to mutual edification rooted in Christ-like love. The concept of "perfection" (Greek: teleios) would have resonated with Greek philosophical ideas of completeness or maturity, but Paul redefines it within a distinctly eschatological and theological framework.
Key Themes: 1 Corinthians 13:10 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book and Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the provisional nature of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that while gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are valuable for the church's edification in the present age, they are not ultimate or eternal. Secondly, it highlights the eschatological hope of a future, complete revelation of God. The phrase "that which is perfect is come" points to a definitive future event or state—most robustly understood as the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where believers will experience full knowledge and direct fellowship with God, as further elaborated in 1 Corinthians 13:12. This future reality contrasts sharply with our current limited, "in part" understanding. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the verse implicitly reinforces the supremacy and permanence of agape love. By demonstrating that gifts are temporary and will "vanish away," Paul elevates love as the singular, enduring virtue that characterizes God Himself and will persist into eternity, forming the foundation of the perfected state.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in 1 Corinthians 13:10 to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is Contrast, setting up a clear antithesis between "that which is perfect" and "that which is in part." This stark juxtaposition highlights the temporary, incomplete nature of current spiritual gifts against the backdrop of a future, ultimate reality. This contrast is further emphasized by the verb "shall be done away," which signifies the abolition or rendering obsolete of the "in part" when the "perfect" arrives. Another device at play is Metaphor, though implicit. The "in part" can be understood metaphorically as a scaffolding that is necessary during construction but removed once the building (the "perfect") is complete. Similarly, our current limited knowledge is like seeing through a "glass, darkly" (as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:12), which will be replaced by direct, unmediated vision. The verse also utilizes Eschatological Language, pointing forward to a future, ultimate state of completion, which is a common feature of Pauline theology.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 13:10 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of spiritual gifts and the eschatological hope of the believer. It teaches that while spiritual gifts are divinely given and beneficial for the church's edification in the present age, they are not ends in themselves but rather means to an end. Their temporary nature underscores the fact that our current experience of God and His truth is partial, like looking through a dim mirror. The arrival of "that which is perfect" signifies the ultimate, unveiled revelation of God, most commonly understood as the Second Coming of Christ and the subsequent eternal state. In this perfected state, the need for partial revelation, such as prophecy or knowledge gained through gifts, will cease because believers will experience full communion and direct knowledge of God, seeing Him "face to face" and "knowing even as also we are known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). This future hope provides perspective on the present, urging believers to prioritize the enduring virtue of agape love, which alone will persist into eternity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 13:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, urging us to re-evaluate our priorities and perspectives. It calls us to recognize that our current understanding of God, even through spiritual gifts and theological study, is inherently limited and incomplete. This realization should cultivate a spirit of humility, preventing arrogance or dogmatism in our spiritual walk. Rather than fixating on the temporary manifestations of gifts, we are called to prioritize the cultivation and expression of agape love, which is the eternal and defining characteristic of God Himself and the mark of His true disciples. Love is the only virtue that will transcend this present age and endure into the perfect, eternal state. This verse also provides a powerful source of hope, reminding us that the imperfections, mysteries, and partial understandings of this life will one day be resolved in the glorious presence of God. It encourages us to live with an eschatological outlook, longing for the full revelation of Christ and the complete knowledge that awaits us, knowing that our current struggles and limited vision are but a prelude to an infinitely more perfect reality.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does 1 Corinthians 13:10 mean that spiritual gifts like prophecy and tongues have completely ceased today?
Answer: 1 Corinthians 13:10 states that "when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." The interpretation of "that which is perfect" is key to answering this question. Some theological traditions (cessationists) interpret "that which is perfect" as referring to the completion of the New Testament canon, arguing that once the full revelation of God's written Word was complete, the need for revelatory gifts like prophecy and tongues ceased. They believe these gifts served a temporary purpose for the early church to authenticate the apostles and establish the church, and thus have ceased. Other traditions (continuationists) interpret "that which is perfect" as the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of the eternal state. They argue that until Christ returns, we are still living in the "in part" era, and therefore, spiritual gifts continue to be operative for the edification of the church. Both views agree that the ultimate cessation of gifts will occur with the arrival of the perfect, but they differ on whether that perfect state has already arrived in some sense or is yet entirely future. The verse definitively teaches that these gifts are temporary and will eventually cease, regardless of the precise timing.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 13:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His glorious return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. "That which is perfect" is not merely an abstract state but is embodied in the full revelation of God's presence and truth, which culminates in Christ. Our current knowledge and spiritual experiences are "in part" because we live in the interim period between Christ's first and second comings, seeing Him "through a glass, darkly" (1 Corinthians 13:12). However, when Christ returns in glory, as described in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the partial will be swallowed up by the perfect. We will then "see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2), and our knowledge will be complete, mirroring His own perfect knowledge of us. The temporary gifts that served to build up the church in this age will no longer be necessary because the Church, the Bride of Christ, will be fully united with her Head, experiencing direct, unmediated communion with God. This future reality, ushered in by Christ's return, is the ultimate fulfillment of the "perfect" state, where all partiality is done away, and God's glory is fully revealed through His Son.