1 Corinthians 13:9

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

1 Corinthians 13:9 in Other Translations

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

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

9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture!

9 We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete.

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

9 Our knowledge is incomplete and our ability to speak what God has revealed is incomplete.

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

9 What we know now is not complete. What we prophesy now is not perfect.

1 Corinthians 13:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 13:9

For we know in part
Not that the Scriptures, the rule and measure of knowledge, and from whence spiritual knowledge is derived, are imperfect; so that there is need of unwritten traditions, and of enthusiastic revelations and inspirations, to inform of things otherwise unknown; for though they were at sundry times, and in divers manners delivered, yet now they contain a complete system of divine truths, to which nothing is to be added, and from which nothing is to be taken away; or that only a part of the saints know the things of God; for though there is a difference between them, some have more knowledge than others, yet all have some, all are taught of God, and know him, and have that anointing which teacheth all things; wherefore the sense also is not, that only a part of truth, and not the whole, is known; for the Spirit of God leads into all truth; the whole counsel of God is made known in the Scriptures, and by the ministers of the word; though, to this sense the Arabic version inclines, rendering it, "some part of doctrine we know"; and so in ( 1 Corinthians 13:12 ) "some part of knowledge I know"; as also the Syriac version, which renders it (lylq ygo Nm) , "a little from much we know"; but the true meaning is, that though the rule of knowledge is perfect, and all the saints have knowledge, and every truth of the Gospel is known; yet by those that know most, it is known but imperfectly: the truth itself may be most clearly discerned, as it is revealed in the word; yet the manner of it, how it is, may not be known; and many difficulties may attend it, and objections be raised to it, which are not easily solved; as in the doctrines of the Trinity, predestination, the union of the two natures in Christ, the resurrection of the dead

and we prophesy in part;
the word of prophecy, as it sure, it is also perfect, to which we do well to take heed; and though all do not prophesy, yet all that do, and that prophesy aright, that is, explain the word of God aright, these preach the Gospel fully, declare the whole counsel of God, and keep back nothing profit able to the saints; yet still their prophesying or explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, or the mysteries of the Gospel, is but imperfect at best in the present state of things.

1 Corinthians 13:9 In-Context

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

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

10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

Cross References

• 1. ver 12; S 1 Corinthians 8:2