1 Corinthians
King James Version (KJV)


“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
13:12 Now we see - Even the things that surround us. But by means of a glass - Or mirror, which reflects only their imperfect forms, in a dim, faint, obscure manner; so that our thoughts about them are puzzling and intricate, and everything is a kind of riddle to us. But then - We shall see, not a faint reflection, but the objects themselves. Face to face - Distinctly. Now I know in part - Even when God himself reveals things to me, great part of them is still kept under the veil. But then I shall know even as also I am known - In a clear, full, comprehensive manner; in some measure like God, who penetrates the centre of every object, and sees at one glance through my soul and all things.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass. "In a mirror", as in the Revised Version. The mirrors of the ancients were of polished metal, and were far inferior to ours. The images were indistinct in comparison. They were seen darkly, indistinctly, imperfectly. Thus in this state of our knowledge of divine things--imperfect and incomplete. But then face to face. We will not look in a glass in the coming state, but will see face to face, without a veil, or obscurity. Now I know in part. There were limitations upon the knowledge even of Paul; only a part was seen. But then. When the veil is taken away, and the full revelation has come in the presence of Christ. Shall I know even as I am known. fully, know God, eternity and its secrets, even as he is known to God. Thus it is shown that all these spiritual gifts (1Co 12:8-10) are fleeting.
For now we see through a glasse, darkely: but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know euen as also I am knowen.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
- New American Standard Version (1995)
For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.
- American Standard Version (1901)
For now we see things in a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now my knowledge is in part; then it will be complete, even as God's knowledge of me.
- Basic English Bible
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
- Berean Standard Bible Bible
For we see now through a dim window obscurely, but then face to face; now I know partially, but then I shall know according as I also have been known.
- Darby Bible
We see now through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. Now I know I part; but then I shall know even as I am known.
- Douay-Rheims Bible
For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I have been known.
- English Revised Version
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.
- World English Bible