Topical Encyclopedia The term "darkly" is often associated with the concept of seeing or understanding in an incomplete or obscured manner. In the context of the Bible, it is most notably referenced in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. The passage in question is 1 Corinthians 13:12, which states: "For now we see only a 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" . The phrase "a reflection as in a mirror" is sometimes translated as "darkly" in other versions, capturing the idea of an imperfect or unclear vision.Biblical Context 1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the "Love Chapter," where Paul expounds on the supremacy and eternal nature of love. In verse 12, Paul uses the metaphor of seeing "darkly" to illustrate the current limitations of human understanding and perception. In the ancient world, mirrors were made of polished metal and provided a dim and imperfect reflection, unlike the clear glass mirrors of today. This imagery conveys the idea that our present knowledge and spiritual insight are incomplete and will only be perfected in the eschatological future when believers will see God "face to face." Theological Implications The concept of seeing "darkly" underscores the theme of partial knowledge and the anticipation of complete revelation. It reflects the Christian belief in the progressive nature of divine revelation and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. This passage encourages humility, as it reminds believers of their current limitations in understanding God's purposes and the mysteries of the faith. It also fosters hope, as it points to a future time when believers will have a direct and unmediated relationship with God, characterized by full knowledge and understanding. Related Themes · Mystery and Revelation: The Bible often speaks of the mysteries of God, which are partially revealed in the present age but will be fully disclosed in the future. Ephesians 3:9 speaks of the "administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things" . · Faith and Hope: The notion of seeing "darkly" is closely tied to the Christian virtues of faith and hope. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . This faith sustains believers as they await the full revelation of God's kingdom. · Transformation and Glorification: The promise of seeing "face to face" aligns with the Christian doctrine of glorification, where believers will be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Philippians 3:21 speaks of Christ, "who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body" . Practical Application Understanding that we currently see "darkly" encourages believers to live with a sense of humility and dependence on God. It calls for a reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom, as well as a commitment to growing in the knowledge of God through Scripture and prayer. This perspective also fosters patience and perseverance, as Christians await the day when their faith will be made sight and they will experience the fullness of God's presence and truth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (adv.) With imperfect light, clearness, or knowledge; obscurely; dimly; blindly; uncertainly.2. (adv.) With a dark, gloomy, cruel, or menacing look. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DARKLYdark'-li: The word occurs in 1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see in a mirror, darkly," in translation of the words en ainigmati, the Revised Version, margin "in a riddle." The contrast is with the "face to face" vision of Divine things in eternity. Earth's best knowledge is partial, obscure, enigmatic, a broken reflection of the complete truth ("broken lights of Thee"). Greek 135. ainigma -- a riddle ... obscure saying, riddle. From a derivative of ainos (in its primary sense); an obscure saying ("enigma"), ie (abstractly) obscureness -- X darkly. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/135.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 2447. chaklili -- dull... red. By reduplication from an unused root apparently meaning to be dark; darkly flashing (only of the eyes); in a good sense, brilliant (as stimulated by wine ... /hebrew/2447.htm - 6k Library Darkly the Tempest Swept, Darkly the Tempest Swept Lo, Now the Trinity Appears unto Me in a Glass Darkly... A Farther Quotation from virgilius Maro Respecting Christ, with ... Psalm XLIX. Of the Beatific vision. The Church Intermediate Between the Shadows of the Law and the ... Matt. xxi. 33-44. 1 Cor. xiii. 8 Now, and Then Thesaurus Darkly (1 Occurrence)... 2. (adv.) With a dark, gloomy, cruel, or menacing look. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DARKLY. ... Multi-Version Concordance Darkly (1 Occurrence). ... /d/darkly.htm - 7k Couch (55 Occurrences) Know (8133 Occurrences) Knowledge Riddle (11 Occurrences) Dark (234 Occurrences) Darkish (1 Occurrence) Close (186 Occurrences) Sayings (134 Occurrences) Resources What is the sea of glass mentioned in Revelation 4:6 and 15:2? | GotQuestions.orgDarkly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Darkly (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 13:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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