1 Corinthians 13:10

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.^[a]

1 Corinthians 13:10 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect is come
When perfect knowledge of God, of Christ, and of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven shall take place; which will not in this life, but in that which is to come. So the Jews say ^F18 that at the resurrection, upon the reunion of the soul and body,

``the children of men shall attain to (hmylv hed) , "perfect knowledge";''

which is what the apostle refers to here:

and then that which is in part, shall be done away:
the imperfection of knowledge shall be removed; the imperfect manner of communicating knowledge, and of receiving and acquiring it, will cease: thus the apostle explains what he means by the cessation and failing of knowledge, and prophecy; not that knowledge itself will be no more, and a state of ignorance and darkness succeed; but imperfect knowledge will vanish away, or rather will be perfected, or be swallowed up in perfect knowledge; the imperfection of it will disappear; and it will be no more taught and received in part; the whole of truth will be clearly known.

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 Midrash Haneelam in Zohar in Gen. fol. 69. 1.

1 Corinthians 13:10 In-Context

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 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.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. done away: Gr. vanish away