“For now we see through a glasse, darkely: but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know euen as also I am knowen.”
1611 King James Version (KJV)
13:12 Now we see - Even the things that surround us. But by means of a glass - Or mirror, which reflects only their imperfect forms, in a dim, faint, obscure manner; so that our thoughts about them are puzzling and intricate, and everything is a kind of riddle to us. But then - We shall see, not a faint reflection, but the objects themselves. Face to face - Distinctly. Now I know in part - Even when God himself reveals things to me, great part of them is still kept under the veil. But then I shall know even as also I am known - In a clear, full, comprehensive manner; in some measure like God, who penetrates the centre of every object, and sees at one glance through my soul and all things.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass. "In a mirror", as in the Revised Version. The mirrors of the ancients were of polished metal, and were far inferior to ours. The images were indistinct in comparison. They were seen darkly, indistinctly, imperfectly. Thus in this state of our knowledge of divine things--imperfect and incomplete. But then face to face. We will not look in a glass in the coming state, but will see face to face, without a veil, or obscurity. Now I know in part. There were limitations upon the knowledge even of Paul; only a part was seen. But then. When the veil is taken away, and the full revelation has come in the presence of Christ. Shall I know even as I am known. fully, know God, eternity and its secrets, even as he is known to God. Thus it is shown that all these spiritual gifts (1Co 12:8-10) are fleeting.