Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin
Commentary on the Corinthians
preferred. 797
1 Corinthians 13:9-13
1 Corinthians 13:9-139. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 9. Ex parte enim cognoscimus, et ex parte prophetamus: 10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
10. At ubi venerit quod perfectum est, tunc, quod ex parte est, abolebitur. 11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
11. Quum essem puer, ut puer loquebar, ut puer sentiebam, ut puer cogitabam: at postquam factus sum vir, abolevi puerilia.
12. 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.
12. Cernimus enim nunc per speculum in aenigmate: tunc autem facie ad faciem: nunc cognosco ex parte: tune vero cognoscam, quem admodum et cognitus sum.
13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
13. Nunc autem manet fides, spes, caritas, tria haec: sed maxima ex his est caritas.
He now proves that prophecy, and other gifts of that nature, are done away, 798 because they are conferred upon us to help our infirmity. Now our imperfection will one day have an end. Hence the use, even of those gifts, will, at the same time, be discontinued, for it were absurd that they should remain and be of no use. They will, therefore, perish. This subject he pursues to the end of the chapter.
9. We know in part This passage is misinterpreted by most persons, as if it meant that our knowledge, and in like manner our prophecy, is not yet perfect, but that we are daily making progress in them. Paul's meaning, however, is — that it is owing to our imperfection that we at present have knowledge and prophecy. Hence the phrase in part means — "Because we are not yet perfect." Knowledge and prophecy, therefore, have place among us so long as that imperfection cleaves to us, to which they are helps. It is true, indeed, that we ought to make progress during our whole life, and that everything that we have is merely begun. Let us observe, however, what Paul designs to prove — that the gifts in question are but temporary. Now he proves this from the circumstance, that the advantage of them is only for a time — so long as we aim at the mark by making progress every day.
797"Qui est plus excellent sans comparaison;" — "Which is, beyond comparison, more excellent."
798"Seront un iour abolis;" — "Will one day be done away."