1 Corinthians 13:10

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 13:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.
1 Corinthians 13:10 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when that which is perfect is come, etc.] When perfect knowledge of God, of Christ, and of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven shall take place; which will not in this life, but in that which is to come. So the Jews say f279 that at the resurrection, upon the reunion of the soul and body, “the children of men shall attain to hmylç h[d, “perfect knowledge”;” which is what the apostle refers to here: and then that which is in part, shall be done away: the imperfection of knowledge shall be removed; the imperfect manner of communicating knowledge, and of receiving and acquiring it, will cease: thus the apostle explains what he means by the cessation and failing of knowledge, and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“that which is in part--fragmentary and isolated.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But when that which is perfect is come - Does come; or shall come. This proposition is couched in a general form. It means that when anything which is perfect is seen or enjoyed, then that which is imperfect is forgotten, laid aside, or vanishes. Thus, in the full and perfect light of day, the imperfect and feeble light of the stars vanishes. The sense here is, that “in heaven” - a state of absolute perfection - that which is “in part,” or which is imperfect, shall be lost in superior brightness. All imperfection will vanish. And all that we here possess that is obscure shall be lost in the superior and perfect glory of that eternal world. All our present unsatisfactory modes of obtaining…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when that which is perfect is come - At death and in the last day. That which is in part shall vanish away - Both that poor, low, imperfect, glimmering light, which is all the knowledge we now can attain to; and these slow and unsatisfactory methods of attaining, as well as of imparting it to others. 1 Corinthians 13:11”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Co1 13:12; Isa 24:23, Isa 60:19, Isa 60:20; Co2 5:7, Co2 5:8; Rev 21:22, Rev 21:23, Rev 22:4, Rev 22:5 1 Corinthians 13:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification