The Way of Love

1Cor. 13:12 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.

A city like Corinth, famous for its bronze mirrors, would have particularly appreciated Paul’s final illustration. The perfection and imperfection mentioned in 1Co_13:10 were deftly likened to the contrasting images obtained by the indirect reflection of one’s face viewed in a bronze mirror and the same face when viewed directly. Such, Paul said, was the contrast between the imperfect time in which he then wrote and the perfect time which awaited him and the church when the partial reflection of the present would give way to the splendor of perfect vision. Then Paul would see God (cf. 1Cor. 15:28; 1Jn. 3:2) as God now saw Paul. Then partial knowledge (cf. 1Cor. 8:1-3) would be displaced by the perfect knowledge of God.

For...

γάρ

gar

gar

A primary particle; properly assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles): - and, as, because (that), but, even, for indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.

now...

ἄρτι

arti

ar'-tee

Adverb from a derivative of to lift (compare bread) through the idea of suspension; just now: - this day (hour), hence [-forth], here [-after], hither [-to], (even) now, (this) present.

we see...

βλέπω

blepō

blep'-o

A primary verb; to look at (literally or figuratively): - behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed.

through...

διά

dia

dee-ah'

A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). In composition it retains the same general import: - after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) . . . fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through (-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general import.

a glass,...

ἔσοπτρον

esoptron

es'-op-tron

From to or into and a presumed derivative of to gaze; a mirror (for looking into): - glass.

A dark saying, riddle, enigma. Life is like a riddle. The future state, although somewhat clear from the many revelations about it, is still like a dream. It is hard to realize how wonderful it will be, due to our present lack of experience.

darkly;...

ἐν

en

en

A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between to or into and from, out); “in”, at, (up-) on, by, etc.: - about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-) by (+ all means), for (. . . sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-) in (-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-) on, [open-] ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, [speedi-] ly, X that, X there (-in, -on), through (-out), (un-) to(-ward), under, when, where (-with), while, with (-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) prep.

αἴνιγμα

ainigma

ah'ee-nig-ma

From a derivative of praise (in its primary sense); an obscure saying (“enigma”), that is, (abstractly) obscureness: - X darkly.

but...

δέ

de

deh

A primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.: - also, and, but, moreover, now [often unexpressed in English].

then...

τότε

tote

tot'-eh

From (the neuter of) the and at which; the when, that is, at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution): - that time, then.

face...

πρόσωπον

prosōpon

pros'-o-pon

From forward to and ὤψ ōps (the visage; from to gaze); the front (as being towards view), that is, the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication presence, person: - (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men’s) person, presence.

to...

πρός

pros

pros

A strengthened form of fore, that is; a preposition of direction; forward to, that is, toward (with the genitive case the side of, that is, pertaining to; with the dative case by the side of, that is, near to; usually with the accusative case the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, that is, whither or for which it is predicated): - about, according to, against, among, at, because of, before, between, ([where-]) by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), + together, to ([you]) -ward, unto, with (-in). In compounds it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at.

face:... see face above.

now... see above.

I know...

γινώσκω

ginōskō

ghin-oce'-ko

A prolonged form of a primary verb; to “know” (absolutely), in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as shown at left, with others not thus clearly expressed): - allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) known (-ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.

in...

ἐκ, ἐξ

ek ex

ek, ex

A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds), from, out (of place, time or cause; literally or figuratively; direct or remote): - after, among, X are, at betwixt (-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for (-th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, . . . ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with (-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.

part;...

μέρος

meros

mer'-os

From an obsolete but more primary form of μείρομαι meiromai (to get as a section or allotment); a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application): - behalf, coast, course, craft, particular (+ -ly), part (+ -ly), piece, portion, respect, side, some sort (-what).

but... see above.

then... see above.

We shall know each other in heaven and on earth forever.

shall I know...

ἐπιγινώσκω

epiginōskō

ep-ig-in-oce'-ko

From of rest and absolutely; to know upon some mark, that is, recognize; by implication to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge: - (ac-, have, take) know (-ledge, well), perceive.

even as...

καθώς

kathōs

kath-oce'

From down and which how; just (or inasmuch) as, that: - according to, (according, even) as, how, when.

also...

καί

kai

kahee

Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words: - and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.

I am known... see shall I know above.