1 Corinthians 13:11–12

Context

This passage comes near the end of chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians, the letter the apostle Paul sent to the church at Corinth. Chapter 13 is commonly called the "Love Chapter." Chapters 12–14 are addressed to Corinthian believers who were contending over spiritual gifts (abilities given by the Holy Spirit), such as speaking in tongues and prophecy, and chapter 13 teaches that love takes precedence over every gift.

In the immediately preceding verses 8–10, Paul says that prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are partial ("we know in part") and will cease "when that which is perfect is come," whereas love never fails. Verses 11–12 illustrate this point with two images. The first is that of a child who, upon becoming a man, puts away "childish things." The second is that present knowledge is dim and partial, like an image seen in a mirror ("through a glass, darkly"), but that "then" believers will know fully, even as God knows them. Verse 13 then moves to the conclusion that among faith, hope, and charity, "the greatest of these is charity."

Interpretation

• Eschatological reading: Many commentators and most denominations understand "then" and "face to face" as referring to the consummation after Christ's Second Coming, when believers will see God directly. On this reading, the passage serves as a basis for eschatological hope.
• The mirror and the riddle: The Greek expression rendered "darkly" is closer in meaning to "in a riddle" or "in an enigma." A widely known interpretation holds that it echoes Numbers 12:8, where God says that with Moses he will speak "mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches." Interpreters also commonly note that mirrors of the time were made of polished metal and therefore did not produce a clear image.
• Catholic reading: The Catholic Church cites this passage as one of the texts supporting the doctrine of the beatific vision (the blessedness of seeing God directly in heaven).
• Theological humility: Across denominational lines, the passage is also read as grounds for not absolutizing one's own understanding, since even present theological knowledge is partial.

Controversies and Issues

The chief point of dispute is what "that which is perfect" in verses 8–10 refers to. This question bears directly on when gifts such as tongues and prophecy cease (see cessationism and continuationism).

• Some cessationist readings: Some cessationists understand "that which is perfect" as the completed New Testament canon (the list of books the church recognizes as Scripture) or as the mature church. They read the movement from child to adult in verse 11 as the transition from the early church to the mature church. Even among cessationists, however, many hold that "face to face" in verse 12 refers to the time after the Second Coming and look to other passages to ground the cessation of the gifts.
• Continuationist reading: Pentecostal and charismatic interpreters hold that "then" refers to the Second Coming and that the gifts therefore continue until that time. They also cite "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" in 1 Corinthians 1:7 in support.

In the Korean Church

First Corinthians 13 as a whole is frequently read at wedding services, and this passage is read as part of it. In preaching, verse 11 is often cited in addressing spiritual maturity, and verse 12 in speaking of the hope of seeing God face to face.

Related Passages

• 1 Corinthians 13:8–10
• Numbers 12:8
• 1 John 3:2
• 2 Corinthians 3:18
• 1 Corinthians 14:20