What does 1 Corinthians 13:12 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 13:12 presents a profound analogy comparing our current limited understanding of spiritual truths with the complete understanding that will come in the future.

The 'glass' or 'mirror' (in some translations) refers to the rudimentary mirrors of the time, which were typically made of polished metal and provided only a dim and imperfect reflection.

The phrase "through a glass, darkly" suggests that our current perception of spiritual matters is obscured, as if we are looking into a poor mirror that does not clearly reflect reality.

The verse contrasts our current condition with the future state of full knowledge, using the phrase "but then face to face." This implies that eventually, there will be no barriers to our understanding, and we will see things clearly, as if meeting someone in person and seeing their face.

"Now I know in part" acknowledges the incomplete nature of our current knowledge, while "but then shall I know even as also I am known" conveys a promise of future complete knowledge and understanding, akin to the way God knows us fully.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian church in Corinth around A.D. 54-55.

The Corinthian church was facing many issues, including internal divisions, moral dilemmas, and confusion about spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and speaking in tongues.

In chapter 13, Paul is addressing the Corinthians' questions about such gifts and emphasizing the superiority of love over all of them.

The mirrors during Paul's time were not made of glass but polished metal, and they often provided a distorted reflection, which serves as a metaphor in this verse.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse embodies the Christian hope of eschatological fulfillment, where believers look forward to a time when they will fully understand the divine mysteries that are presently incomprehensible.

It underscores the importance of humility, acknowledging human limitation, and the need for faith in what one cannot see or fully understand.

In a broader sense, diverse theological viewpoints might interpret this verse differently. For instance, a Calvinist might see the phrase "as also I am known" as alluding to the doctrine of election and God's sovereign knowledge of His people.

In contrast, an Arminian might focus on the anticipated relational knowledge that comes through a mutual, growing relationship with the divine.

Practical Applications

The teaching of 1 Corinthians 13:12 can have several practical applications in daily life. It encourages humility in the face of our limited understanding and patience in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

The verse reminds us to have faith that, while we might not see the full picture now, clarity will come. It also suggests that love is the greatest virtue, as previous verses elaborate, that guides our relationships despite our partial comprehension.

Cross-References

• "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ.

This is the true God, and eternal life." (1 John 5:20)

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

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." (1 Corinthians 13:9-10)

• "Beloved, 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." (1 John 3:2)

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek text of 1 Corinthians 13:12 include:

• "ἐν αἴνιγμα" (en ainigma) which translates to "in a riddle" or "enigmatically," reflects the mysterious, indirect, and incomplete nature of our current understanding.
• "ἐσόπτρου" (esoptrou) refers to a "mirror," which at the time was a polished metal surface.
• "πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον" (prosopon pros prosopon), meaning "face to face," signifies direct, clear, and unobstructed knowledge.
• "ἐπιγνώσομαι" (epignosomai) derived from "γινώσκω" (ginosko), means "I will know fully" or "I will fully understand," implying future completeness of knowledge.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this Christian scripture to other cultural beliefs, one might consider the Platonic idea of the Allegory of the Cave, where the material world is a shadow of the truer forms which lie beyond perception.

Similarly, in many Eastern philosophies, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of maya or illusion reflects the idea that the material world is not the ultimate reality.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse might be seen as a poetic representation of our ever-growing, yet incomplete understanding of the universe.

Science often uses the metaphor of unveiling nature, peering into the unknown, and learning through progressive advancements.

The idea of 'now I know in part' resonates with the scientific method, where hypotheses and theories continually evolve as more about the universe is discovered.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the temporality of our spiritual gifts and knowledge compared to the eternity of love.

John Wesley's explanatory notes suggest that in heaven, the happiness of Christians will consist in "clearly and thoroughly knowing the counsels of divine wisdom, concerning the way of our salvation." Many modern commentaries stress the humility we should maintain and the role of faith in understanding spiritual truths not yet fully revealed.