For we know in partThis phrase acknowledges the limitations of human understanding. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, which was experiencing divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts. The phrase suggests that our current knowledge is incomplete and imperfect. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God's wisdom surpasses human understanding (
Isaiah 55:8-9). The partial knowledge reflects the present age, where believers see "through a glass, darkly" (
1 Corinthians 13:12). Historically, the city of Corinth was a hub of philosophical thought, which may have influenced the Corinthians' desire for wisdom and knowledge. However, Paul emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God and is fully revealed only in eternity.
and we prophesy in part
Prophecy, in the biblical sense, involves speaking forth God's truth, which can include foretelling future events or declaring God's will. In the early church, prophecy was a significant spiritual gift, but Paul points out that even this gift is limited. The partial nature of prophecy indicates that while God reveals certain truths to His people, the full picture remains hidden until the end of the age. This is consistent with the idea that spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church but are not the ultimate goal (1 Corinthians 12:7). The temporary nature of prophecy is further highlighted in1 Corinthians 13:8, where Paul states that prophecies will cease. This points to a future time when believers will have complete understanding in the presence of Christ, who is the fulfillment of all prophecy (Revelation 19:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Apostle PaulThe author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and moral challenges. He wrote to correct misunderstandings and to teach about love and spiritual gifts.
2.
CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many issues, including divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts.
3.
Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, they struggled with issues of unity, morality, and the proper use of spiritual gifts.
Teaching Points
The Limitations of Human KnowledgeOur understanding of spiritual matters is incomplete. We must remain humble and open to learning more as God reveals His truth to us over time.
The Role of ProphecyProphecy, like knowledge, is partial. It serves a purpose in the church but is not the complete revelation of God's will. We should value it but not rely solely on it.
The Importance of LoveIn the context of
1 Corinthians 13, love is the greatest gift and should be the foundation of all our actions and understanding. Even with partial knowledge, love can guide us rightly.
Anticipation of Full RevelationWe look forward to the day when we will know fully, as God knows us. This hope should encourage us to live faithfully and seek deeper understanding.
Unity in DiversityRecognizing that we all know and prophesy in part should foster humility and unity within the church, as we rely on each other’s gifts and insights.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:9?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 13:9 highlight our need for God's complete knowledge?
3.What does "we know in part" teach about human limitations in understanding?
4.How can 1 Corinthians 13:9 encourage humility in our spiritual journey?
5.How does this verse connect with Proverbs 3:5 about trusting God's wisdom?
6.In what ways can we apply "prophesy in part" to our daily lives?
7.What does "For we know in part" mean in 1 Corinthians 13:9?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 13:9 relate to the concept of divine revelation?
9.Why is partial knowledge significant in 1 Corinthians 13:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 13?
11.What does "know in part, prophesy in part" mean?
12.Why does 1 Corinthians 13:9–10 imply our understanding is partial until “completeness” comes, yet many other biblical passages claim to provide ultimate truth?
13.What does 'know in part, prophesy in part' mean?
14.When will the gift of tongues end?What Does 1 Corinthians 13:9 Mean
For• The word “For” links verse 9 to the broader flow of chapter 13, where Paul contrasts temporary gifts with the enduring supremacy of love (1 Corinthians 13:8).
• It signals an explanation: Paul is about to illustrate why gifts like knowledge and prophecy are only partial.
• Similar connective reasoning appears inRomans 8:18—“I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us”—where the conjunction introduces perspective-shifting truth.
We know in part• “Know” points to the spiritual gift of knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8), yet even Spirit-given insight remains limited.
• Paul reminds us of our finite grasp of God’s vast wisdom (Romans 11:33).
• The limitation is deliberate; God withholds full understanding so that we walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
• Old Testament precedent: Moses affirmed, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
• Practically, this guards us from pride: recognizing partial knowledge fosters humility and dependence on Scripture.
And• The conjunction ties together knowing and prophesying, showing they share the same limitation.
• Both gifts serve the church now (1 Corinthians 12:7), but neither exhausts God’s revelation.
• The linking “and” emphasizes balance: knowledge without prophetic proclamation—or prophecy without rooted understanding—would be incomplete.
We prophesy in part• New-covenant prophecy (Acts 2:17) edifies, exhorts, and comforts (1 Corinthians 14:3), yet remains fragmentary until Christ’s return.
• Unlike the full and final revelation in Christ (Hebrews 1:2), present prophetic utterance offers glimpses, not the whole panorama.
• Paul looks ahead to the day when “the perfect comes” (1 Corinthians 13:10), when every partial word will give way to complete clarity—mirroring how the Old Testament foreshadowed Christ, then gave way to His appearing.
• Until then, prophecy must be tested against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21), acknowledging that no single message captures the entirety of God’s plan (2 Peter 1:19).
summary1 Corinthians 13:9 teaches that both our knowing and our prophesying are genuine yet limited. God, in His wisdom, grants only partial insight so that we cherish love above every gift, remain humble, and anticipate the day when imperfect glimpses will be replaced by perfect, face-to-face fellowship with Christ (1 Corinthians 13:12).
(9)
We know in part.--Knowledge and preaching are incomplete; therefore, when this dispensation ends, and the complete dispensation is brought in, these imperfect gifts shall cease. Gifts are but the implements of the divine husbandry; graces are the seeds themselves. When the great harvest-time comes, the instruments, however useful, will be cast aside altogether; the seeds will, by the very process of death, be transformed into blossoms and fruits, and in that perfected form remain for ever.
Verse 9. -
We know in part. The expression applies directly to religious knowledge, and should be a rebuke to the pretence to infallibility and completeness which is sometimes usurped by religious men.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.we knowγινώσκομεν(ginōskomen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1097:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.inἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.partμέρους(merous)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3313:A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.we prophesyπροφητεύομεν(prophēteuomen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4395:From prophetes; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.inἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.part,μέρους(merous)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3313:A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part and we (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)