1 Corinthians 13:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The apostle Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 13:9 serves as a profound statement on the inherent limitations of human knowledge and divine revelation in the present age. Situated within his celebrated discourse on the supremacy of love, this verse underscores that even the most esteemed spiritual gifts, such as knowledge and prophecy, are incomplete and temporary, pointing toward a future state of perfect understanding and full revelation in God's presence. It establishes a crucial contrast between the partial nature of our current experience and the complete reality that awaits believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within the "love chapter," [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"), which Paul strategically places between his discussions of 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"). The Corinthian church was characterized by spiritual pride and division, largely fueled by a misguided emphasis on certain "showy" spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy, often at the expense of unity and love. Paul begins [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter") by asserting that even the most impressive gifts are worthless without love ([1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love is Essential")). He then defines the nature of love ([1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The Qualities of Love")) before contrasting love's eternal endurance with the temporary nature of gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge ([1 Corinthians 13:8](/1_corinthians/13-8 "1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love Never Fails")). [1 Corinthians 13:9](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part") provides the rationale for the temporary nature of these gifts, explaining *why* they will cease: because they are inherently partial. This sets the stage for the ultimate cessation of these gifts when "that which is perfect is come" ([1 Corinthians 13:10](/1_corinthians/13-10 "1 Corinthians 13:10 - The Coming of Perfection")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a hub of trade, philosophy, and diverse religious practices, including various mystery cults. This environment fostered a competitive spirit, which unfortunately permeated the Christian community. The Corinthians were enamored with rhetoric, wisdom, and spiritual experiences that brought prestige. They likely viewed gifts like prophecy and knowledge as indicators of superior spiritual status, leading to boasting and disorder in their gatherings. Paul's letter addresses this directly, challenging their worldly values with the counter-cultural emphasis on humility, unity, and especially *agape* love. The concept of "knowing in part" would have resonated with Greek philosophical traditions that acknowledged the limits of human understanding, but Paul elevates it to a theological truth about divine revelation, contrasting it with a future, complete knowledge in God.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 13:9](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part") significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. Firstly, it highlights the **superiority and permanence of love** over all other spiritual gifts, which is the central argument of [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"). Secondly, it underscores the **eschatological hope** of a future, perfect state of being, where our current partial knowledge will be superseded by full understanding. This theme is further developed in [1 Corinthians 13:10-12](/1_corinthians/13-10-12 "1 Corinthians 13:10-12 - From Partial to Perfect Knowledge"). Thirdly, it subtly promotes **humility** by reminding believers that their current spiritual insights, no matter how profound, are inherently limited. This directly counters the spiritual arrogance prevalent in the Corinthian church, as seen in Paul's earlier rebukes regarding their divisions and pride ([1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church") and [1 Corinthians 4:6-7](/1_corinthians/4-6-7 "1 Corinthians 4:6-7 - Boasting in the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár_):** This primary particle serves to assign a reason, explanation, or intensification. Here, it introduces the logical basis for Paul's preceding statement in [1 Corinthians 13:8](/1_corinthians/13-8 "1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love Never Fails") that knowledge and prophecy will cease. It explains *why* these gifts are temporary: because they are inherently partial.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb denotes to "know" in a broad sense, often implying experiential knowledge, perception, or understanding. In this context, it refers to the human capacity to apprehend divine truth and reality, whether through intellectual study, spiritual insight, or direct revelation. Paul emphasizes that even this divinely-assisted knowledge is currently incomplete.
* **part (Greek, _méros_):** Derived from a root meaning "to get as a section or allotment," this noun signifies a division, share, or portion. The preposition "in" (Greek, _ek_, meaning "out of" or "from") preceding it emphasizes that our knowledge and prophecy proceed *from* or *consist of* only a fragment of the whole. It is not merely a lack of knowledge, but knowledge that is inherently fragmented and incomplete.
* **prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō_):** This verb means "to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, or exercise the prophetic office." In the New Testament, prophecy often involved speaking forth God's word, whether as inspired teaching, exhortation, comfort, or revelation, not exclusively predicting the future. Paul states that even this direct, divinely-inspired communication is also partial.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we know in part":** This clause explains that human knowledge, even when divinely enlightened or revealed, is inherently incomplete and fragmented in our present earthly existence. It acknowledges the finite capacity of human understanding to grasp the infinite depths of God's truth, His plans, and the full scope of reality. Our current perception is like seeing only a piece of a vast puzzle, not the whole picture.
* **"and we prophesy in part":** Building on the previous clause, this parallel statement asserts that even prophetic utterances—divinely inspired declarations or revelations—are likewise partial. They convey specific aspects of God's will or truth but do not encompass the entirety of divine revelation. Prophecy offers glimpses, insights, and fragments of God's mind, serving a temporary purpose until a more complete and direct communion with God is realized.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Parallelism** in this verse, repeating the structure "we [verb] in part" for both "know" and "prophesy." This rhetorical device emphasizes the shared characteristic of incompleteness for both intellectual understanding and inspired utterance. The use of **Antithesis** is also foundational to the broader argument of [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter"), as Paul contrasts the temporary and partial nature of spiritual gifts with the eternal and complete nature of love. While not explicitly stated in [1 Corinthians 13:9](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part") itself, this verse lays the groundwork for the powerful antithesis presented in [1 Corinthians 13:10](/1_corinthians/13-10 "1 Corinthians 13:10 - The Coming of Perfection"), where "that which is in part" will be "done away" when "that which is perfect is come." The phrase "in part" (Greek: *ek merous*) functions as a form of **Merism**, representing a fragment of a larger whole, thereby implying the existence of a complete, perfect knowledge and revelation that is yet to come.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 13:9](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part") is a cornerstone for understanding the temporary nature of certain spiritual gifts and the eschatological hope of full revelation. It underscores that our current spiritual experience, no matter how profound, is always preparatory and incomplete. This partiality is not a deficiency in God's revelation but a limitation inherent in our human capacity and the current fallen state of the world. It points forward to a time when the veil will be lifted, and we will experience God directly, knowing Him fully as we are fully known. This perspective fosters humility regarding our present understanding and cultivates a longing for the consummation of God's kingdom.

* [1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "Seeing Face to Face")
* [Romans 8:23-25](/romans/8-23-25 "Hope in Future Glory")
* [Philippians 3:12](/phillipians/3-12 "Not Yet Perfect")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 13:9](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part") offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that our understanding of God, His Word, and His ways is always finite in this life. This should guard us against spiritual arrogance, dogmatism, and the temptation to claim exhaustive knowledge. Instead, it encourages a lifelong pursuit of deeper truth, knowing that we are always learning and growing. Furthermore, it redirects our focus from temporary spiritual manifestations to the enduring and never-failing virtue of *agape* love. If knowledge and prophecy are partial and destined to cease, then love, which remains, must be our ultimate pursuit and the defining characteristic of our lives as followers of Christ. This verse also instills a hopeful anticipation for the future, when we will experience complete knowledge and direct communion with God, seeing Him "face to face" ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that "we know in part" impact your approach to theological study or spiritual discussions?**
* **In what ways might a recognition of our partial knowledge foster greater humility and unity within the church?**
* **How does the temporary nature of spiritual gifts, contrasted with the enduring nature of love, influence your priorities as a believer?**

### FAQ
**Does "we know in part" mean that the Bible is incomplete or insufficient?**

Answer: No, "we know in part" in [1 Corinthians 13:9](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part") does not imply that the Bible is incomplete or insufficient. The Bible, as inspired by God, is complete and sufficient for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Paul's statement refers to the *human capacity* to fully grasp and experience divine truth, even when it is revealed. Our understanding, perception, and application of God's revelation are limited by our finite minds, our fallen nature, and the constraints of this present age. It's about our *reception* of truth, not the *source* of truth being incomplete. The Bible contains all that God deems necessary for us to know for salvation and godly living, but our *comprehension* of ultimate reality remains partial until we are with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 13:9](/1_corinthians/13-9 "1 Corinthians 13:9 - We Know in Part") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our current partial knowledge and prophecy are but dim reflections of the perfect revelation found in Him, for He is the "fullness of the Godhead bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). While we "know in part" now, Jesus is the complete and final Word of God, the one through whom God has "spoken unto us in these last days" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in Christ")). The "perfect" that is to come ([1 Corinthians 13:10](/1_corinthians/13-10 "1 Corinthians 13:10 - The Coming of Perfection")) is ultimately the full realization of God's kingdom and our direct, unhindered communion with Christ in glory. Our partial knowledge will be swallowed up in the perfect knowledge of beholding Him "face to face" ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face")), for in Him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures are Hidden")). He is the one who brings all things to completion, transforming our partial understanding into perfect knowledge in His glorious presence ([Philippians 3:21](/phillipians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation into His Likeness")).

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

Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Colossians 2:3

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Ephesians 3:18

May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

Ephesians 3:19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

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.

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.