Table of Contents
Introduction
I recently received a question from our good friend, Mike G, from Florida:
Hi Josh, I have a question. I am reading 1 Cor 13:10. That which is perfect is Jesus. But do you read that which is come to be when he returns to earth at the second coming? Wanted to know how you read this. Have heard a variety of things over the years. I also have found that the truth is right in front of us sometimes and we overlook it. What comes to mind is Matt chapter 24. Have a blessed day.
This is a great question so I wanted to dedicate a page on the website to this. Let’s get right into this.
The question “what is that which is perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10?” has generated debate for decades. Many answers are confidently given, yet few are carefully proven from the text itself. Some say the phrase refers to the completed Bible. Others argue it speaks of spiritual maturity or the church reaching doctrinal fullness.
But when 1 Corinthians 13:10 is read in its immediate context, and when Scripture is allowed to interpret Scripture, the answer becomes remarkably clear.
The apostle Paul is not pointing backward to something completed in the first century. He is pointing forward—to a moment still future, when partial knowledge gives way to full clarity, and when believers no longer see “through a glass, darkly,” but face to face.
The truth, as is often the case, is right in front of us.
The Exact Verse Under Consideration (KJV)
“But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
1 Corinthians 13:10
To understand that which is perfect, we must ask three questions:
- What is meant by perfect?
- What is meant by in part?
- When does the transition occur?
Paul answers all three within the same passage.
Context: Knowing in Part vs. Knowing Fully (1 Corinthians 13:9–10)
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
1 Corinthians 13:9–10
The contrast is explicit:
- Present condition: knowledge and prophecy in part
- Future condition: something perfect that removes partiality entirely
Paul is not discussing usefulness, maturity, or authority. He is discussing limitations. What we possess now is real, true, and God-given—but incomplete.
This distinction is foundational for correctly explaining 1 Corinthians 13:10.
Verse 12 Interprets Verse 10 (The Key Passage)
“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 13:12
This verse defines what Paul means by perfect.
“Face to Face” Is the Decisive Phrase
Throughout the Bible, “face to face” language always refers to personal presence, not written revelation.
We are not face to face with Jesus Christ today.
We will be when He is revealed.
This alone rules out the idea that that which is perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10 refers to the completed Bible.
Why “That Which Is Perfect” Cannot Be the Completed Bible
Many sincere believers hold this position, but sincerity does not override Scripture. The Bible itself does not support this interpretation.
1. We Still Know “in Part”
If “that which is perfect” had already come:
- Knowledge would no longer be partial
- Growth in understanding would cease
- Disagreement and learning would be unnecessary
Yet believers still study, grow, correct, and learn.
Paul says partial knowledge ends completely when that which is perfect is come. That has not happened.
2. “Knowing Even as Also I Am Known” Has Not Occurred
The phrase:
“Then shall I know even as also I am known”
describes complete, unhindered understanding—the kind associated with glorification, not earthly study.
Even the most mature believer today does not possess this level of knowledge.
3. Faith and Hope Still Remain
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
Faith and hope do not end with the closing of the canon.
They end when sight replaces faith.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
When Christ appears, faith gives way to sight. That is when the transition of 1 Corinthians 13 occurs.
What Does “Perfect” Mean Biblically?
The word perfect in Scripture does not mean flawless information. It means complete, finished, fulfilled.
Paul uses the same concept elsewhere:
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:13
Perfection is reached when believers are conformed to Christ—not when they possess a book, however holy that book is.
The Second Coming Fits Every Detail of 1 Corinthians 13
When we compare Scripture with Scripture, the picture is consistent:
| Present Age | Christ’s Appearing |
|---|---|
| Know in part | Know fully |
| See darkly | Face to face |
| Faith | Sight |
| Hope | Fulfillment |
| Distance | Presence |
This is why 1 Corinthians 13:10 explained properly always points forward, not backward.
Connection to Matthew 24 (Seeing Replaces Partial Understanding)
Jesus Himself describes the same transition:
“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven… and they shall see the Son of man coming…”
Matthew 24:30
Seeing Christ ends the age of partial understanding. This aligns perfectly with Paul’s teaching that that which is perfect arrives when Christ Himself is revealed.
Theological Implications (Why This Matters)
Understanding what is that which is perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10 protects believers from two common errors:
- Over-realized theology — assuming promises meant for Christ’s return are already fulfilled
- Misplaced confidence — confusing access to Scripture with complete understanding
Scripture is sufficient, inspired, and authoritative—but it was never meant to replace the presence of Christ. It points to Him.
Clear Biblical Conclusion
“That which is perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10 is Jesus Christ Himself, revealed at His coming.
- Not the completed Bible
- Not spiritual maturity
- Not the church age
When Christ appears, partial knowledge ends—not because believers become omniscient, but because truth stands before them face to face.
Final Encouragement
Study the Bible deeply. Teach it faithfully. Defend it boldly.
But never forget:
We are not waiting for more words.
We are waiting for Him.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ: What is That Which is Perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10
What is that which is perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10?
That which is perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10 refers to Jesus Christ revealed at His coming, not the completed Bible, spiritual maturity, or the church age.
The context shows Paul contrasting partial knowledge with a future state where believers will know fully and see face to face. That condition has not yet occurred and is fulfilled only when Christ Himself is present.
Does “that which is perfect” mean the completed Bible?
No. 1 Corinthians 13:10 does not teach that the Bible is “that which is perfect.”
If it did, several things would already be true:
Believers would no longer know “in part”
Faith and hope would no longer remain
Christians would possess full knowledge equal to being “known” by God
None of these conditions describe the present age. Therefore, the completed Bible view does not fit the text.
What does “know in part” mean in 1 Corinthians 13?
To know in part means our current understanding is real but limited.
Even with inspired Scripture, believers:
Learn progressively
Study continually
Grow in understanding
Disagree on secondary matters
Paul teaches that this partial condition ends only when that which is perfect is come, which has not yet happened.
What does “face to face” mean in 1 Corinthians 13:12?
The phrase “face to face” in Scripture always refers to personal presence, not written revelation or internal understanding.
In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul contrasts:
Seeing “through a glass, darkly” now
Seeing face to face then
This language points directly to seeing Jesus Christ at His appearing.
When will believers know fully according to 1 Corinthians 13?
Believers will know fully when Jesus Christ returns.
Paul says:
“Then shall I know even as also I am known”
This level of knowledge corresponds to glorification, not earthly life. It aligns with other Scriptures that teach believers will be changed and perfected when Christ appears.
How does 1 Corinthians 13:10 relate to the Second Coming?
1 Corinthians 13:10 fits perfectly with the Second Coming of Christ.
At Christ’s return:
Sight replaces faith
Partial knowledge ends
Distance gives way to presence
Hope is fulfilled
This matches Paul’s description exactly and harmonizes with passages like Matthew 24 that describe seeing the Son of man coming.
Why do some people say “that which is perfect” is the Bible?
Some interpret that which is perfect as the completed canon because they associate “perfect” with completeness.
However, this interpretation ignores:
The “face to face” language
The continuation of faith and hope
The statement about knowing fully
Biblical context must interpret biblical language, not assumptions.
Does this passage say spiritual gifts have ceased?
1 Corinthians 13 does not give a timestamp for the cessation of spiritual gifts.
Paul’s focus is not on when gifts stop functioning, but on when partial things are replaced by perfection.
The passage teaches what ends (partial knowledge), not when every gift ceases. The timing is tied to Christ’s appearance, not the closing of the New Testament.
What does “perfect” mean in the Bible?
In Scripture, perfect means complete, fulfilled, brought to its intended end—not flawless information.
Biblical perfection is consistently tied to:
Christ
Resurrection
Completion of God’s work
This supports the conclusion that that which is perfect refers to Christ Himself, not a completed text.
How does this interpretation affect how we view Scripture?
This interpretation upholds the authority, sufficiency, and inspiration of Scripture.
The Bible was never meant to replace Christ—it points to Him.
Scripture prepares us for the moment when we no longer learn by faith, but by sight.
Why is this issue important for Christians today?
Misunderstanding what is that which is perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10 can lead to:
Over-realized theology
Confusion about Christian hope
Misplaced expectations in the present age
Correctly understanding the passage keeps believers anchored in future hope and present faithfulness.
What is the simple conclusion of 1 Corinthians 13:10?
The simple, biblical conclusion is this:
“That which is perfect” is Jesus Christ revealed at His coming.
When He appears, partial knowledge ends—not because Scripture failed, but because truth is standing before us face to face.
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