1 Corinthians 13:11- “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 put the ways of childhood behind me.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul uses a personal example to illustrate a greater spiritual truth. He compares childhood to our current, limited understanding and adulthood to the full knowledge we will have in eternity.

• “When I was a child…” – A child’s speech, thinking, and reasoning are limited and immature. A child does not have the full wisdom or perspective of an adult.
• “When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” – Maturity comes with growth. As a person grows up, they leave behind childish ways and gain a deeper, more complete understanding of life.

Paul is saying that our current knowledge of God is like that of a child—incomplete and limited. But one day, we will fully understand when we are with God in eternity. Just as a child grows into an adult and sees things more clearly, we will one day see God’s full truth in a way we cannot yet grasp.

This verse is connected to the previous verse (1 Corinthians 13:10), where Paul talked about how “what is in part disappears” when completeness comes. Right now, we only see part of the picture—but one day, our understanding will be mature and complete.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church struggled with spiritual immaturity. Many believers were proud of their knowledge and spiritual gifts, but they were not acting in love. Paul wanted them to understand that these gifts—like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge—were temporary and limited.

In the ancient world, becoming an adult meant leaving behind childish things. In Jewish culture, a boy became a man at around 13 (Bar Mitzvah), and in Greek culture, a boy officially entered adulthood in his late teens or early twenties. Paul uses this familiar idea to explain spiritual maturity—as we grow in faith, we must move beyond childish thinking and focus on what truly matters: love and God’s eternal truth.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches us that spiritual growth is a process.

• Our current understanding is limited. Just like a child’s thinking is incomplete, we do not yet fully understand everything about God.
• Maturity comes with time and experience. Just as a child grows into an adult, believers grow spiritually through faith, study, and obedience.
• One day, we will fully understand. In eternity, we will see the full truth of God’s plan—just as an adult sees things more clearly than a child.

Paul is challenging pride in human knowledge. Many people think they have all the answers, but this verse reminds us that our understanding is still immature compared to what we will one day know.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a metaphor of childhood and adulthood to illustrate spiritual growth.

• “When I was a child” – A direct comparison to our current, limited knowledge.
• “Talked like a child, thought like a child, reasoned like a child” – He repeats “child” three times to emphasize immaturity.
• “When I became a man” – Represents maturity, completeness, and full understanding.
• “I put the ways of childhood behind me” – Just as an adult leaves behind childish thinking, believers will one day leave behind their limited understanding when they are with God.

This metaphor helps the reader see how our current understanding is temporary, but one day, we will reach spiritual maturity in eternity.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 – “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.” (Paul rebukes the Corinthians for spiritual immaturity.)
• Hebrews 5:12-14 – “You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk is still an infant, not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.” (Spiritual growth is a process.)
• Ephesians 4:13-15 – “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.” (Spiritual maturity is the goal.)
• 1 John 3:2 – “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him.” (One day, we will reach full understanding.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that we are all in a process of spiritual growth.

• Do we think we have everything figured out? This verse reminds us to stay humble because our knowledge is still incomplete.
• Are we growing in our faith, or are we staying in spiritual childhood? Just as a child must grow up, we must mature in our faith by learning God’s Word, praying, and obeying Him.
• Are we focusing on what truly matters? The Corinthians were obsessed with spiritual gifts and knowledge, but Paul reminds us that love and faithfulness are more important than temporary things.

This verse challenges us to grow in faith and trust God, even when we do not fully understand His plan.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God, in His love, guides us toward maturity.

• God is patient with our spiritual growth. Just as a loving parent helps a child grow, God nurtures and teaches us through His Word (2 Peter 3:18).
• God has a greater plan that we do not yet see. We only understand part of His plan now, but one day we will see the full picture (Romans 8:28).
• God’s love is already complete. Even though we are still growing, His love is already perfect and unchanging (Romans 8:38-39).

This verse reminds us that God’s love is leading us toward something greater—a future where we will fully know and experience His truth.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is our example of spiritual maturity and the one who brings us to full understanding.

• Jesus patiently taught His disciples, even when they did not understand. (John 16:12 – “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.”)
• Jesus calls us to spiritual growth. He invites us to move from spiritual infancy to maturity (Matthew 11:29).
• Jesus will one day make everything clear. When He returns, we will fully understand what we now only see in part (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Through Jesus, we are growing toward full maturity, and one day, we will see everything clearly in His presence.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are you actively growing in your faith, or have you stayed at a “childlike” level of spiritual maturity?
2. Do you sometimes think you have everything figured out? How does this verse remind you to stay humble?
3. What steps can you take to move toward greater spiritual maturity?
4. How does trusting in God’s bigger plan help you when you don’t understand things in life?
5. How does Jesus’ example of teaching and patience encourage you in your own faith journey?

This verse reminds us that spiritual maturity is a lifelong process. Right now, we only understand in part, but one day, we will see the full picture. Until then, we are called to trust in God, grow in faith, and focus on what truly matters—loving Him and loving others.