For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;
for in part we know, and in part we prophecy;
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part:
Rabbinic commentary
How the Hebraic tradition has read this verse — and Marcus Brown’s own reading of it.
1 Corinthians — A pastoral letter answering a long list of questions and problems — unity, ethics, worship, and the resurrection — written to a gifted but divided church.
The verses this one reaches12
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.
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?
Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”
All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.
Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
6 more linked verses are grouped by book below ↓
Every other verse the study tradition links to this one, in the Bible’s own order. The first links in each book carry a line of their text; every reference opens its full verse page.
1 Thessalonians1
1 Peter1
Cross-references are drawn from classic Bible study tools and open, shareable Bible data.
Voices5
But as for us, we still dwell upon the earth, and have not yet sat down upon His throne. For although the Spirit of the Saviour that is in Him "searcheth all things, even the deep things of God," yet as to us "there are diversities of gifts, differences of administrations, and diversities of operations;" and we, while upon the earth, as Paul also declares, "know in part, and prophesy in part."
Irenaeus· Against Heresies Book II, 202patristic
For we know in part,....
John Gill· Exposition of the New Testament (1746-1748)reformed
For we know in part - Compare the note on 1Co 12:27. This expression means only in part; that is, imperfectly. Our knowledge here is imperfect and obscure. It may, therefore, all vanish in the eternal world amidst its superior brightness; and we should not regard that as of such vast value which is imperfect and obscure; compare the note at 1Co 8:
Albert Barnes· Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869)evangelical
And even the prophecies which men deliver from God are far from taking in the whole of future events, or of that wisdom and knowledge of God which is treasured up in the scripture Revelation.
John Wesley· Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament, 1755evangelical
Our best knowledge and our greatest abilities are at present like our condition, narrow and temporary. Even the knowledge they had by inspiration was but in part. How little a portion of God, and the unseen world, was heard even by apostles and inspired men!
Matthew Henry· Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1710puritan
Rare words are the text's own signal of a deliberate thread — the fewer the occurrences, the more the places it appears belong together.
The walk8
Follow this verse’s cross-references two steps out. Each card is a verse this one points to, and beneath it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several different paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first — the text keeps returning to it. Every stop shows its own words, and every stop is a page.
Through
1 Corinthians 2:9Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
leads to
From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
Through
Psalms 139:6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
leads to
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
Through
1 Corinthians 8:2The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
leads to
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.
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
The whole web at once: see the Arc.
