1Corinthians 13:9-13 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 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. And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleios] that which has reached an end. Prophecies that have been fulfilled have reached an end. Tongues and knowledge will be superseded by a more complete knowledge and means of communication.
‘I put away childish things’ – Three things that a man puts away: Speaking like a child; understanding like a child and thinking like a child.
The Greek for “put away” is katargeo and means the things that cease are to be superseded by a more complete life along the same lines, in the same way, that adulthood is so far advanced beyond childhood as to be on another plane entirely. There will be no need of prophecies when we shall know as we are known (13:12). There will be no need for the gift of tongues when we shall know all languages of the universe. There will be no need of stumbling around in ignorance with our partial knowledge when we shall have super-knowledge and complete and perfect insight into eternal things.
‘Glass’ [Greek: esoptron] mirror (13:12; Jas. 1:23).
‘Darkly’ [Greek: ainigma] 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.
‘Then shall I know even as also I am known.’ We shall know each other in heaven and on earth forever (15:35-58).
‘Abideth faith, hope, charity’ – Three things that eternally abide: faith, hope, and divine love.
Living the Word 