Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 13:10
but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church, positioning this declaration between his statement that current knowledge and prophecy are incomplete (1 Corinthians 13:9) and his analogy of outgrowing childish ways (1 Corinthians 13:11).
The words — The phrase τὸ τέλειον (to teleion) identifies "the perfect" as the incoming reality, while ὅταν (hotan) marks the precise moment of its arrival. The verse states that the partial state will cease exactly when that complete state appears.
The thread — The progression from partial to complete understanding mirrors the movement described in 1 Corinthians 13:12 from dim reflection to direct face-to-face knowledge. This pattern of temporary signs yielding to permanent reality parallels the shift in Isaiah 60:19 where created light gives way to the direct presence of the Lord.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to accept that present spiritual insight is temporary and will be replaced by direct, full knowledge. It demands a practical reordering of priorities toward what endures beyond the current age.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 60:19 No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor.
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 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.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
- Isaiah 24:23 The moon will be confounded and the sun will be ashamed; for the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory.
- Revelation 22:4 They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.
- Revelation 21:22 But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.