Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

1 Corinthians 13:12

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- 12 For now we see in hazy outline* by means of a metal mirror, but then it will be face-to-face. At present I know partially, but then I will know accurately,* just as I am accurately known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
- 12 βλέπομεν We are looking γὰρ for ἄρτι right now δι’ through ἐσόπτρου mirror ἐν in αἰνίγματι, obscure expression, τότε then δὲ but πρόσωπον face πρὸς toward πρόσωπον· face; ἄρτι right now γινώσκω I am knowing ἐκ out of μέρους, part, τότε then δὲ but ἐπιγνώσομαι I shall know accurately καθὼς according as καὶ also ἐπεγνώσθην. I was accurately known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
- 12 For at present we see in hazy outline* by means of a metal mirror,+ but then it will be face to face.+ At present I know partially,* but then I shall know accurately even as I am accurately known.+

1 Corinthians 13:12

The Bible in Living English
- 12 For we see now by a mirror, as a puzzle to be guessed at, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall be aware in the same way as he was aware of me.

1 Corinthians 13:12

American Standard Version
- 12 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.

1 Corinthians 13:12

The Emphasized Bible
- 12 For we see as yet through a dim window obscurely, But then face to face: As yet I gain knowledge in part, But then shall I fully know Even as I was also fully known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

King James Version
- 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.

1 Corinthians Study Notes—Chapter 13

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
- 13:12
  
  in hazy outline: Or “indistinctly.” The Greek term often refers to a riddle, but by extension it may mean something that is unclear, obscure, lacking detail.
  
  a metal mirror: Mirrors in Bible times were generally made of polished metal—usually bronze but sometimes tin, copper, silver, or gold. While an ancient mirror was useful, viewing an object in one could not compare to looking directly at the object. Paul used the analogy of a mirror to illustrate that the early Christians’ understanding of certain spiritual matters, especially prophecies still unfulfilled, was limited. It was not yet God’s time to reveal certain things, so those Christians saw God’s purpose in hazy outline, as if they were looking at a blurred reflection of it. Paul here contrasts looking into a metal mirror with seeing clearly, face-to-face. This will happen when Christians comprehend God’s purpose in its entirety as Bible prophecy is fulfilled.
  
  just as I am accurately known: That is, accurately known by God. Paul recognized that God knew him far better than he knew God. He also understood that he would know [Jehovah] accurately, that is, enjoy the most intimate relationship with Him after receiving his heavenly reward.