1 Corinthians 13:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 13:12 profoundly contrasts the limitations of human understanding in the present with the perfect, direct, and intimate knowledge that awaits believers in eternity. Paul employs vivid imagery to illustrate that our current spiritual perception is partial and obscured, akin to seeing a dim reflection, but a glorious future is promised where all will be revealed with unhindered clarity and relational depth, culminating in a comprehensive knowing that mirrors how God already knows us. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of both humility in our present state and unwavering hope for our future in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climax of Paul's eloquent exposition on the supremacy of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"). Preceding this, Paul meticulously details the temporary nature of spiritual gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge, asserting that they will "pass away" when "that which is perfect is come" ([1 Corinthians 13:8-10](/1-corinthians/13-8-10 "1 Corinthians 13:8-10 - The Passing of Gifts")). Verse 12 serves as the crucial explanation for *why* these gifts are temporary and why our current understanding is insufficient: our present mode of knowing is inherently incomplete and indirect. It directly sets the stage for the enduring qualities of faith, hope, and love, which alone remain when all else fades ([1 Corinthians 13:13](/1-corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - The Enduring Qualities of Faith, Hope, and Love")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "through a glass, darkly" refers to ancient mirrors, which were not made of modern reflective glass but polished metal, typically bronze or silver. These metallic surfaces provided imperfect, often distorted, and dim reflections compared to contemporary mirrors. Consequently, seeing "through a glass" implied an indirect, obscure, and incomplete perception. The Greek word translated "darkly" (aínigma) literally means "in an enigma" or "in a riddle," emphasizing the puzzling and indirect nature of current understanding. In contrast, "face to face" (prosopon pros prosopon) was a common idiom signifying direct, unmediated, and intimate encounter, often used in the ancient world to describe direct communion with God, as seen in [Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - Moses Speaks with God Face to Face"), or a direct audience with a king or authority figure.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme is the **contrast between partial and perfect knowledge**. The verse vividly illustrates the stark difference between our fragmented, obscure understanding of divine truths in this life and the comprehensive, unclouded knowledge promised in the future. Our current knowledge is likened to a dim, distorted reflection, while future knowledge will be direct and complete. This leads to the theme of **eschatological hope and the nature of future reality**, where "face to face" points to a direct, unmediated encounter with God, a state of perfect communion where all mysteries are revealed and all questions answered. This highlights the ultimate clarity of the eternal state for believers. Finally, the verse fosters **humility and hopeful anticipation**. Recognizing the inherent limitations of our present understanding should cultivate humility, curbing intellectual arrogance. Simultaneously, the promise of future perfect knowledge provides immense hope and assurance, reminding us that our spiritual journey is progressive, culminating in ultimate revelation and intimate fellowship with God, a truth echoed in passages like [1 John 3:2](/1-john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him, For We Shall See Him As He Is").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glass (Greek, _ésoptron'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to look into," this refers to an ancient mirror. Unlike modern glass mirrors, these were typically made of polished metal (bronze or silver), providing a dim, imperfect, and often distorted reflection. Paul uses this to symbolize the limited and indirect nature of our current perception of divine realities.
* **darkly (Greek, _aínigma'_):** This word signifies an "enigma," "riddle," or "obscurity." It implies not merely a lack of brightness, but a puzzling, indirect, and perplexing mode of perception. Our current understanding is not just incomplete, but also often enigmatic, requiring interpretation and leaving many things veiled.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_ / _epiginṓskō'_):** The first instance, "now I know" (ginṓskō), refers to a general, absolute knowing, but in this context, it is qualified by "in part" (ek mérous), indicating a fragmented or incomplete understanding. The second instance, "then shall I know even as also I am known" (epiginṓskō), is a strengthened form of the verb. It means "to know upon some mark," "to recognize," or "to become fully acquainted with." This suggests a deeper, more comprehensive, and intimate knowledge, a full recognition that mirrors the perfect and complete way God already knows us. It is not merely intellectual accumulation but a relational, experiential knowing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For now we see through a glass, darkly;":** This clause establishes the current state of human spiritual perception. The "glass" (ancient mirror) signifies an indirect and imperfect medium, while "darkly" (in an enigma) emphasizes the obscurity, distortion, and riddling nature of our present understanding. We do not see God or divine truths directly or clearly, but through a veiled, puzzling reflection.
* **"but then face to face:":** This stands in stark contrast to the preceding clause, introducing the future state. "Then" points to the eschatological future, likely the return of Christ or the eternal state. "Face to face" (prosopon pros prosopon) denotes a direct, unhindered, and intimate encounter, signifying perfect communion and unmediated vision of God, free from all obscurity.
* **"now I know in part;":** This reiterates the theme of limited understanding from the first clause, shifting from "seeing" to "knowing." Our current knowledge of God, His ways, and eternal truths is fragmented, incomplete, and only a small portion of the whole. It is not a full or comprehensive grasp of reality.
* **"but then shall I know even as also I am known.":** This climactic phrase describes the perfect future knowledge. "Then" again refers to the eschatological future. The future "knowing" (epiginṓskō) will be full, complete, and reciprocal. It does not imply omniscience, but rather a perfect, intimate, and relational understanding that fully corresponds to the way God already knows us—comprehensively, intimately, and without any obscurity or limitation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "glass" (ancient mirror) serves as a powerful image for our current, imperfect perception of reality, contrasting it with the direct vision of "face to face." This imagery effectively communicates the indirect and obscured nature of present knowledge. Closely related is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's structure. Paul sets up a clear opposition between "now" and "then," "through a glass, darkly" and "face to face," and "know in part" and "know even as also I am known." This stark contrast highlights the dramatic transformation from our limited earthly understanding to perfect heavenly clarity. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism in the second half ("now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known") which reinforces the idea of a future, complete knowledge that mirrors God's knowledge of us, emphasizing the relational aspect of this ultimate understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian eschatology and epistemology. It underscores the profound truth that our present experience of God and divine realities is provisional and incomplete. While we can genuinely know God now through faith, revelation, and the Holy Spirit, this knowledge is always mediated and partial, constrained by our finite human capacities and the limitations of our earthly existence. The promise of "face to face" and "know even as also I am known" points to the ultimate consummation of our relationship with God, where all veils will be removed, and we will experience unhindered communion and comprehensive understanding. This future clarity is not merely intellectual but deeply relational, a perfect reciprocity of knowing with our Creator. It affirms that the journey of faith is a progression towards ultimate revelation, culminating in the beatific vision and perfect fellowship.

* [Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - Moses Speaks with God Face to Face")
* [1 John 3:2](/1-john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall See Him As We Are")
* [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Pressing On Towards the Goal of Christlikeness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 13:12 offers profound encouragement and a call to humility for every believer. In a world that often demands certainty and complete understanding, this verse reminds us that our spiritual journey is marked by a necessary "in part" knowing. This should foster a deep sense of humility, prompting us to hold our doctrines with grace, to be patient with others' differing perspectives, and to remain open to further revelation from God's Word and Spirit. It curbs intellectual arrogance and encourages a posture of continuous learning and dependence on God. Simultaneously, the promise of future clarity—seeing "face to face" and knowing "even as also I am known"—provides immense hope and comfort. It assures us that the frustrations of unanswered questions, unresolved mysteries, and imperfect understanding are temporary. There is a glorious future where all things will be made clear, where our relationship with God will be unhindered, and where the full depth of His love and truth will be revealed. This hope empowers us to persevere through present difficulties, trusting that God's perfect plan will unfold, and our ultimate joy will be found in His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the "in part" nature of your current knowledge impact your humility and patience in theological discussions or disagreements?**
* **What specific "darkly" areas of faith or life are you currently grappling with, and how does the promise of future clarity encourage you?**
* **How does the idea of being "known" by God, and eventually knowing Him in the same comprehensive way, shape your understanding of intimacy with Him?**
* **In what ways can the hope of future perfect knowledge motivate you to live a life of greater faith, love, and perseverance now?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "through a glass, darkly"?**

Answer: Paul is referring to an ancient mirror, which was typically made of polished metal (like bronze or silver), not modern glass. These mirrors provided a dim, often distorted, and imperfect reflection. The word "darkly" translates the Greek _en ainigmati_ (ἐν αἰνίγματι), meaning "in an enigma" or "in a riddle." So, Paul means that our current understanding of spiritual realities is indirect, obscure, puzzling, and incomplete, much like trying to discern a clear image from a poor reflection. It's not that we see nothing, but what we see is veiled and imperfect, as contrasted with the direct vision of God promised in the future ([1 John 3:2](/1-john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall See Him As He Is")).

**What is the significance of "face to face" and "know even as also I am known"?**

Answer: "Face to face" (Greek: _prosopon pros prosopon_) signifies a direct, unmediated, and intimate encounter. It implies perfect clarity, unhindered communion, and the removal of all barriers to perception. This contrasts sharply with the "through a glass, darkly" present reality. The phrase "know even as also I am known" is profound. It does not suggest that believers will become omniscient like God, but rather that our future knowledge of God will be complete, direct, and relational, mirroring the perfect and comprehensive way God already knows us. It speaks to a full, reciprocal, and intimate understanding, where all mysteries are revealed and our relationship with Him is perfected, fulfilling the longing for true communion found throughout scripture, such as in [Revelation 22:4](/revelation/22-4 "Revelation 22:4 - They Will See His Face").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ultimate fulfillment of 1 Corinthians 13:12 is found in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect revelation of God and the one through whom we will experience this promised clarity and intimate knowing. While we now see "through a glass, darkly," Christ is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). He is the one who has made God known to us ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son")). In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Our future "face to face" encounter is ultimately with God in Christ, for it is through Him that we gain access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). The promise that we "shall know even as also I am known" finds its truest meaning in our union with Christ, where we are fully known, fully loved, and progressively conformed to His image, anticipating the day when we will see Him as He is and be like Him ([1 John 3:2](/1-john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him, For We Shall See Him As He Is")). Thus, Christ is not only the means by which this future clarity is achieved but also the very object and essence of that perfect knowledge.

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

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 13:9

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

1 Corinthians 13:10

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

Philippians 3:12

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Revelation 22:4

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

2 Corinthians 5:7

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