But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:10KJV
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1 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 13:10 mean?

1 Corinthians 13:10 says that when something “perfect” arrives, the partial or incomplete things will be set aside. Paul is teaching that the limited understanding or abilities people have now will be replaced by something complete in the future.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the difference between spiritual gifts that are temporary and the lasting quality of love. In the flow of the chapter, Paul contrasts the “in part” knowledge and prophecy believers have now with a future time when these partial things will no longer be needed because something whole or “perfect” will have come.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 13:10

  • τέλειον (teleion, “perfect”): This word means “complete,” “mature,” or “fully developed” rather than morally flawless. Paul is pointing to a time when what is partial will be replaced by what is whole.
  • ἐκ μέρους (ek merous, “in part”): This phrase means “partially” or “in a fragmentary way.” Paul uses it to describe the current state of knowledge or prophecy, which is incomplete.
  • καταργηθήσεται (katargēthēsetai, “shall be done away”): This verb means “to abolish,” “to render useless,” or “to put an end to.” Paul is saying that the partial things will no longer serve a purpose once the complete arrives.

Why 1 Corinthians 13:10 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that spiritual gifts like prophecy and knowledge are temporary and not the ultimate goal; they serve a purpose until something greater comes.
  • Understanding the word “perfect” as “complete” or “mature” avoids the mistake of thinking Paul is talking about moral perfection or a specific event without context.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that love, unlike these gifts, is permanent and will continue even when the partial things have passed away.

Where else these words appear

“perfect” Greek G5046 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
  • Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

“away” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

“part” Greek G3313 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Acts 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.