1 Corinthians 13:12 Parallel Translations

Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me.(GOD'S WORD®)

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.

ASV:

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.

BBE:

For now we see things in a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now my knowledge is in part; then it will be complete, even as God's knowledge of me.

DBY:

For we see now through a dim window obscurely, but then face to face; now I know partially, but then I shall know according as I also have been known.

ERV:

For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I have been known.

WEY:

For the present we see things as if in a mirror, and are puzzled; but then we shall see them face to face. For the present the knowledge I gain is imperfect; but then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

WBS:

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.

WEB:

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.

YLT:

for we see now through a mirror obscurely, and then face to face; now I know in part, and then I shall fully know, as also I was known;

1 Corinthians 13:12 Cross References

XREF:

Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved."

Numbers 12:8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?"

1 Corinthians 8:3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight--

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

James 1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. (NASB ©1995)

Commentaries and Concordances

GSB:

13:12 {6} For {i} 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.
(6) The applying of the similitude of our childhood to this present life, in which we darkly behold heavenly things, according to the small measure of light which is given to us, through the understanding of tongues, and hearing the teachers and ministers of the Church. And our man's age and strength is compared to that heavenly and eternal life, in which when we behold God himself present, and are enlightened with his full and perfect light, to what purpose would we desire the voice of man, and those worldly things which are most imperfect? But yet then all the saints will be knit both with God, and between themselves with most fervent love. And therefore charity will not be abolished, but perfected, although it will not be shown forth and entertained by such manner of duties as belong only and especially to the infirmity of this life.
(i) All this must be understood by comparison.

PNT:

13:12 For now we see through a glass. In a mirror, as in the Revised Version. The mirrors of the ancients were of polished metal, and were far inferior to ours. The images were indistinct in comparison. They were seen
darkly, indistinctly, imperfectly. Thus in this state of our knowledge of divine things--imperfect and incomplete.
But then face to face. We will not look in a glass in the coming state, but will see face to face, without a veil, or obscurity.
Now I know in part. There were limitations upon the knowledge even of Paul; only a part was seen.
But then. When the veil is taken away, and the full revelation has come in the presence of Christ.
Shall I know even as I am known. fully, know God, eternity and its secrets, even as he is known to God. Thus it is shown that all these spiritual gifts (1Co 12:8-10) are fleeting.

WES:

13:12 Now we see - Even the things that surround us. But by means of a glass - Or mirror, which reflects only their imperfect forms, in a dim, faint, obscure manner; so that our thoughts about them are puzzling and intricate, and everything is a kind of riddle to us. But then - We shall see, not a faint reflection, but the objects themselves. Face to face - Distinctly. Now I know in part - Even when God himself reveals things to me, great part of them is still kept under the veil. But then I shall know even as also I am known - In a clear, full, comprehensive manner; in some measure like God, who penetrates the centre of every object, and sees at one glance through my soul and all things.

MHC:

13:8-13 Charity is much to be preferred to the gifts on which the Corinthians prided themselves. From its longer continuance. It is a grace, lasting as eternity. The present state is a state of childhood, the future that of manhood. Such is the difference between earth and heaven. What narrow views, what confused notions of things, have children when compared with grown men! Thus shall we think of our most valued gifts of this world, when we come to heaven. All things are dark and confused now, compared with what they will be hereafter. They can only be seen as by the reflection in a mirror, or in the description of a riddle; but hereafter our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. It is the light of heaven only, that will remove all clouds and darkness that hide the face of God from us. To sum up the excellences of charity, it is preferred not only to gifts, but to other graces, to faith and hope. Faith fixes on the Divine revelation, and assents thereto, relying on the Divine Redeemer. Hope fastens on future happiness, and waits for that; but in heaven, faith will be swallowed up in actual sight, and hope in enjoyment. There is no room to believe and hope, when we see and enjoy. But there, love will be made perfect. There we shall perfectly love God. And there we shall perfectly love one another. Blessed state! how much surpassing the best below! God is love, 1Jo 4:8,16. Where God is to be seen as he is, and face to face, there charity is in its greatest height; there only will it be perfected.

CONC:

Complete Darkly Dim Dimly Face Fully Gain Glass God's Imperfect Mirror Obscurely Partially Present Puzzled Reflection Understand Understood Window

Complete Dim Dimly Face Fully Gain Glass Imperfect Mirror Part Partially Poor Present Puzzled Reflection Understand Understood Window

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