Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of knowledge in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both human understanding and divine revelation. The phrase "Now we know in part" is derived from 1 Corinthians 13:9, where the Apostle Paul addresses the limitations of human knowledge in contrast to the perfect knowledge that will be realized in eternity. This entry explores the biblical understanding of knowledge, its limitations, and its ultimate fulfillment in the Christian eschatological hope. Biblical Context 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 states: "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways. 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." In this passage, Paul uses the metaphor of a mirror to illustrate the incomplete nature of our current understanding. In the ancient world, mirrors were made of polished metal and provided a dim reflection, symbolizing the limited clarity of human knowledge. Paul contrasts this with the promise of seeing "face to face," indicating a future state of perfect knowledge. The Nature of Human Knowledge The Bible acknowledges that human knowledge is inherently limited. In Ecclesiastes 8:17 , Solomon observes, "I saw every work of God, and I realized that no one can comprehend what happens under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend." This limitation is not only due to the finite nature of human intellect but also because of the fallen state of humanity. Sin has clouded human understanding, leading to a distorted perception of truth. Romans 1:21 notes, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." Divine Revelation and Knowledge Despite these limitations, God has graciously provided revelation through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible is seen as the ultimate source of truth, offering wisdom and guidance for life. Proverbs 2:6 affirms, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Jesus Christ, as the incarnate Word, embodies the fullness of divine knowledge. Colossians 2:3 declares, "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Through Christ, believers have access to a deeper understanding of God's nature and purposes. Eschatological Fulfillment The promise of perfect knowledge is an integral part of Christian eschatology. The "perfect" that Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 13:10 is often understood as the consummation of God's kingdom, when believers will experience the fullness of God's presence and truth. This future hope is characterized by a complete and unmediated knowledge of God, as expressed in 1 John 3:2 : "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." Conclusion The biblical perspective on knowledge acknowledges both its current limitations and its future perfection. While human understanding is partial and often obscured, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through Scripture and to anticipate the day when they will know fully, even as they are fully known. This hope inspires a life of faith, humility, and a continual pursuit of God's truth. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 13:9-12For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. Nave's Topical Index Greek 1921. epiginosko -- to know exactly, to recognize ... mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know ... in eternity will "match" the level we (see also P ... the extent of)." The "appropriate (apt)" knowledge matches the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1921.htm - 10k 5319. phaneroo -- to make visible, make clear 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness Library The Greatest Thing in the World And Other Addresses The Kingdom of God and Your Part in It Jacob's Sister Susannah. Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse. The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... Internal Foes. The Publisher Has Pleasure in Submitting the Following Extracts ... On Religion; the Natural and Divine Life; and the Exemplification ... Article I: of God. Beside the Still Waters. Resources Did Adam and Eve know what death was when God commanded them not to eat from the tree of knowledge? | GotQuestions.orgHow did the knowledge of good and evil make man like God (Genesis 3:22)? | GotQuestions.org What is Molinism and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Knowledge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Knowledge of God More than Burnt offering Knowledge of More Value than Gold Knowledge: "Now we Know in Part" Knowledge: The Earth Shall be Full of Knowledge: The Fear (Reverence) of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge: The Priest's Lips should Keep Knowledge: Those Who Reject are Destroyed Related Terms |
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