Answer
In 1 Corinthians 13:9, Paul writes, “We know in part and we prophesy in part” (ESV). This verse is part of the famous “Love Chapter,” in which Paul articulates the way of love. The way of love is superior to the pursuit of spiritual gifts, such as knowledge and prophecy, because it never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Knowledge is not comprehensive, and prophecy is partial, but love is complete.
When Paul writes, “We know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9), he acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge. Although believers have received the Holy Spirit and various spiritual gifts, their knowledge and understanding are still incomplete. In other words, our knowledge is partial and fragmentary rather than comprehensive and perfect. Therefore, we must remain humble, knowing our understanding is not fully developed.
The theme of limited knowledge is found throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 29:29, Moses declares, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (ESV). There is a distinction between the things God chooses to reveal and the mysteries that remain hidden. Likewise, the book of Job distinguishes between the limitations of human wisdom and the infinitude of God’s inscrutable wisdom (see Job 38—42).
The second part of 1 Corinthians 13:9, “We prophesy in part,” refers to the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is the ability to communicate revelation from God. Paul asserts that prophecy is partial. Prophets only receive glimpses of divine truth but do not see the whole picture.
The limitations of prophetic revelation were clear: the revelations only addressed specific situations or provided partial insight into God’s will. For example, in Acts 21:10–11, Agabus prophesies that Paul will be bound by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. While this prophecy came to pass, it was not the whole story of Paul’s journey. The details of Paul’s trip were not disclosed in that prophecy, demonstrating the “in part” nature of prophetic revelation.
Prophecy is a valuable gift. Prophecies are meant to edify, encourage, and comfort the church. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” (ESV). This is accomplished within the limitations of our incomplete understanding.
Paul does not dismiss the value of knowledge and prophecy; instead, he places them in their proper context. Spiritual gifts are necessary for building up the church in the present age, but they are only temporary. Love is the goal, and love will continue even when knowledge and prophecy have passed away.
Paul looks forward to a time when the limitations of knowledge and prophecy will be removed and believers will experience the fullness of God’s presence: “When the perfect comes, the partial will pass away” (1 Corinthians 13:10, ESV). The completeness Paul speaks of is often interpreted as the glorification of believers in the eternal state. At that time, believers will see God face-to-face and know Him fully, even as they are known (1 Corinthians 13:12).
A day is coming when the partial nature of knowledge and prophecy will give way to the complete, and believers will experience the fullness of God. This should instill hope in believers. The limitations of the present age are only temporary.
