1 Corinthians 13:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G3752} that which is perfect {G5046} is come {G2064}, then {G5119} that which is in {G1537} part {G3313} shall be done away {G2673}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass.

Berean Standard Bible

but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.

American Standard Version

but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

Commentary

### 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](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") and [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship and Spiritual Gifts"). 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](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love's Superiority"). Verse 10 builds directly upon [1 Corinthians 13:8-9](/1_corinthians/13-8-9 "1 Corinthians 13:8-9 - The Cessation of Gifts"), 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cease; knowledge shall vanish away," by providing the *reason* for their cessation: they are "in part" and will be superseded by "that which is perfect."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](/1_corinthians/14-26-33 "1 Corinthians 14:26-33 - Order in Worship")). 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](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face"). 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
* **perfect (Greek, _téleios_):** This word signifies "complete," "mature," "full-grown," or "finished." In this context, it refers not to moral flawlessness but to a state of ultimate completeness or consummation, in direct contrast to what is "in part." It points to a final, perfect reality that supersedes the current, partial state of spiritual knowledge and experience.
* **part (Greek, _méros_):** Denoting a "division," "share," or "portion," this word emphasizes the fragmentary and incomplete nature of current spiritual understanding and gifts. Our present knowledge, even through prophecy or revelatory gifts, is like seeing only a piece of a larger puzzle, not the whole picture.
* **done away (Greek, _katargéō_):** This verb means "to be rendered entirely idle (useless)," "abolished," "brought to an end," or "made void." It conveys the idea that when the full reality arrives, the partial, temporary means of understanding and spiritual manifestation will no longer be necessary or operative. They will cease to function because their purpose will have been fulfilled by the arrival of the complete.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when that which is perfect is come":** This clause introduces a temporal condition, indicating a future point in time when a state of ultimate completeness or maturity will arrive. The "perfect" (τὸ τέλειον, *to teleion*) functions as a neuter noun, referring to a specific, singular reality—not a person, but a state or condition of full revelation and consummation. This arrival signifies the end of the interim period where partial understanding prevails.
* **"then that which is in part shall be done away":** This clause describes the consequence of the "perfect" arriving. The "in part" (ἐκ μέρους, *ek merous*) refers to the current, incomplete forms of knowledge and spiritual gifts (like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge mentioned in [1 Corinthians 13:8](/1_corinthians/13-8 "1 Corinthians 13:8 - Gifts Will Cease")). When the complete reality is present, these partial expressions will be "done away" or "abolished," meaning they will cease to be necessary or operative, having served their temporary purpose.

#### 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](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Knowing Fully")), 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](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Full Knowledge in Eternity")). This future hope provides perspective on the present, urging believers to prioritize the enduring virtue of *agape* love, which alone will persist into eternity.

* [1 Corinthians 13:8](/1_corinthians/13-8 "1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love Never Fails")
* [1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - From Partial to Full Knowledge")
* [Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Attaining Unity and Maturity in Christ")

### 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
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing temporary spiritual expressions or knowledge over the enduring command to love?**
* **How does the understanding that our current knowledge is "in part" foster humility in my spiritual walk and theological convictions?**
* **What does "that which is perfect" mean to me personally, and how does this future hope shape my present priorities and actions?**
* **How can I more intentionally cultivate *agape* love in my daily interactions, recognizing its eternal significance?**

### 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](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Through a Dim Mirror")). However, when Christ returns in glory, as described in passages like [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Return"), the partial will be swallowed up by the perfect. We will then "see Him as He is" ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")), 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:19

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

1 Corinthians 13:12

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.

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Revelation 22:4

And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads.