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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
δι'
through
G1223
δι'
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αἰνίγματι
G135
αἰνίγματι
Strong's:
G135
Word #:
7 of 22
an obscure saying ("enigma"), i.e., (abstractly) obscureness
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
8 of 22
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
πρόσωπον·
face
G4383
πρόσωπον·
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
10 of 22
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
πρόσωπον·
face
G4383
πρόσωπον·
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
12 of 22
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
γινώσκω
I know
G1097
γινώσκω
I know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
14 of 22
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ἐκ
in
G1537
ἐκ
in
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
μέρους
part
G3313
μέρους
part
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
16 of 22
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
17 of 22
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐπεγνώσθην
I am known
G1921
ἐπεγνώσθην
I am known
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
19 of 22
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
Cross References
1 John 3:2Beloved, 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 3:18But 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.Philippians 3:12Not 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.2 Corinthians 5:7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)James 1:23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:Revelation 22:4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.1 Corinthians 8:3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.Romans 8:18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.Numbers 12:8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Historical Context
Ancient mirrors were polished metal (bronze, silver), not clear glass, providing distorted reflections. Corinthian bronze was especially famous, but even the best mirrors gave imperfect images. Paul uses this everyday object to illustrate spiritual reality: our best current understanding of God and truth is like seeing a distorted reflection. Only in glory will we see clearly. This confronts the Corinthians' pride in their knowledge and gifts as if they had arrived at perfect understanding.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the 'mirror dimly' reality of your current theological knowledge produce epistemic humility in debates with other believers?
- What does it mean that your future knowledge will match the way God has always 'fully known' you—not omniscience, but perfect, unobstructed comprehension?
- How does the promise of seeing Christ 'face to face' reframe your current frustrations with unanswered questions and theological mysteries?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For now we see through a glass, darkly (βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι' ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι, blepomen gar arti di' esoptrou en ainigmati)—Esoptron is a mirror, typically polished bronze in antiquity, providing a dim, imperfect reflection (unlike modern glass mirrors). En ainigmati means "in a riddle" or "obscurely"—we see reality as if it were a cryptic puzzle. Our current perception of God, even through Scripture and Spirit-illumination, is indirect and incomplete. We see reflections, not Reality itself.
But then face to face (τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον, tote de prosōpon pros prosōpon)—This phrase echoes Numbers 12:8 (LXX), where God speaks to Moses "mouth to mouth" (stoma kata stoma), and Exodus 33:11, "The LORD spoke to Moses face to face." It also anticipates 1 John 3:2, "We shall see him as he is." The beatific vision—seeing God unveiled—is the Christian's ultimate hope. No more mediation, no more obscurity, direct sight of Christ in His glory.
Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (ἄρτι γινώσκω ἐκ μέρους, τότε δὲ ἐπιγνώσομαι καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην, arti ginōskō ek merous, tote de epignōsomai kathōs kai epegnōsthēn)—The shift from ginōskō (know) to epiginōskō (know fully, recognize completely) is significant. Our current knowledge is partial (ek merous); our future knowledge will be comprehensive, matching the way God has always fully known us. Not that we'll be omniscient, but that our knowledge will be complete, unobstructed, perfected.