1 Corinthians 13:9- “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”

Extended Explanation

This verse highlights the limited nature of human knowledge and understanding. Paul is saying that, in this life, we only know a small fraction of God’s full truth. Even prophecy—one of the greatest spiritual gifts—only reveals part of God’s plan.

This reminds us that we do not have all the answers. No matter how much wisdom, faith, or spiritual insight we may gain, our understanding will always be incomplete while we live on this earth.

Paul’s point here is to contrast what is partial and temporary with what is full and eternal. In the next verses, he explains that one day we will see and know everything clearly. But for now, we must live by faith, trusting in God’s love and wisdom, even when we don’t fully understand.

Historical Context

The Corinthians were obsessed with knowledge and spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Some of them took pride in their understanding of mysteries and ability to speak words from God. They acted as though their spiritual gifts gave them full insight into God’s plans.

Paul corrects them by showing that all human knowledge is limited. Even the best spiritual gifts—like prophecy—only give a glimpse of God’s greater plan.

In the broader Greek culture, philosophy and wisdom were highly valued. Many believed that through reason and learning, people could unlock the deep secrets of life. Paul challenges this idea by saying that even the best human wisdom is still incomplete compared to what God has in store for us.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that our understanding of God is always limited—but that’s okay because we are called to trust Him.

• Our knowledge is incomplete. No matter how much we study, we only grasp a tiny portion of God’s truth.
• Even prophecy is partial. While prophecy reveals some of God’s will, it does not give the full picture.
• One day, our knowledge will be complete. Paul is building toward the idea that when we are with God in eternity, we will fully understand (1 Corinthians 13:12).
• Faith and trust in God are essential. Since we cannot see the full picture, we must rely on God’s wisdom and His love rather than our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

This verse teaches us humility—no one has all the answers. But it also gives us hope—one day, we will fully understand everything in God’s presence.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is simple yet powerful:

• “We know in part” – This means human knowledge is incomplete. No matter how much we learn, we only see a small piece of the full picture.
• “We prophesy in part” – Even the gift of prophecy, which brings God’s word, is partial and not the complete revelation.

This verse is part of a contrast Paul is making. In verse 8, he says that spiritual gifts like prophecy will pass away. In verse 9, he explains why—because they are only temporary and incomplete. In verse 10, he will explain that when the “perfect” comes, the partial will disappear.

Paul is building an argument to show that love is greater than spiritual gifts because love is eternal, while knowledge and prophecy are only temporary.

Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” (Some things we simply cannot understand right now.)
• Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (God’s ways are far beyond our understanding.)
• 1 Corinthians 8:2 – “Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.” (Human knowledge is always limited.)
• 1 Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” (One day, our understanding will be complete.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder to stay humble. No matter how much we learn about the Bible, theology, or life, our knowledge is always limited. We only see part of what God is doing.

• Do we sometimes act as though we know it all? This verse reminds us to remain teachable and humble.
• Do we struggle with unanswered questions? This verse encourages us to trust God, even when we don’t fully understand His plan.
• Do we put too much emphasis on knowledge and gifts? Paul reminds us that love is greater than understanding—because love is eternal, while knowledge is temporary.

Instead of demanding all the answers now, we should trust God and focus on loving Him and others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God, in His love, has chosen to reveal some things to us while keeping other things hidden.

• God gives us what we need to know. The Bible contains everything necessary for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• God’s love is greater than knowledge. We may not understand everything, but we can trust His love even when life is confusing.
• God will one day make everything clear. In eternity, we will finally see the full picture of His plan.

Right now, we only know in part, but one day, we will know fully—and we will see that His love was always guiding us.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus came to reveal God’s truth to humanity, but even His disciples did not fully understand everything at first.

• Jesus said we would not understand everything now. In John 13:7, He told His disciples, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
• Jesus revealed part of God’s plan, but the full picture is yet to come. His first coming brought salvation, but His second coming will bring full restoration.
• Jesus is the “full revelation” of God. While prophecy is “in part,” Jesus is the complete and perfect Word of God (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-3).

Through Jesus, we see God’s love clearly, even if we do not yet understand everything about God’s plan.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there things in life that you wish you could understand, but don’t? How does this verse encourage you to trust God?
2. Have you ever been prideful about knowledge or understanding? How can you practice humility in what you know?
3. How does knowing that “we know in part” help you be more patient with others?
4. What does it mean to trust God even when you don’t have all the answers?
5. How does Jesus’ example show us how to live with faith, even when we don’t fully understand God’s plan?

This verse reminds us that our knowledge is incomplete, but God’s love never fails. Instead of trying to figure out everything, we should trust Him and focus on what matters most—loving Him and loving others.