1 Corinthians 13:11

Authorized King James Version

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτε

G3753

When

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἤμην

G2252

I was

i was

νηπίου

G3516

a child

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

νηπίου

G3516

a child

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ἐλάλουν

G2980

I spake

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

νηπίου

G3516

a child

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

ἐφρόνουν

G5426

I understood

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

#10

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#11

νηπίου

G3516

a child

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

#12

ἐλογιζόμην

G3049

I thought

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

#13

ὅτε

G3753

When

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

#14

δέ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#15

γέγονα

G1096

I became

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#16

ἀνήρ

G435

a man

a man (properly as an individual male)

#17

κατήργηκα

G2673

I put away

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

#18

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

νηπίου

G3516

a child

not speaking, i.e., an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature christian

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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