For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:9KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 13:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 13:9 mean?

1 Corinthians 13:9 says that our knowledge and ability to speak God’s truth are both limited and incomplete. Paul is explaining that, in this life, even the most gifted people only understand and communicate a small part of what is ultimately true.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing their questions about spiritual gifts and the nature of true maturity. In this section, Paul is showing that all spiritual gifts—like knowledge and prophecy—are only partial glimpses of God’s full reality. He is preparing his readers to see that love is greater than these gifts because love will last, while our partial knowledge and prophecy will one day be replaced by something complete.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 13:9

  • "ἐκ μέρους" (ek merous, "in part"): This phrase means "in part" or "partially." Paul uses it to emphasize that both our knowing and prophesying are only fragments of the whole truth.
  • "γινώσκωμεν" (ginōskomen, "we know"): This word means "to know" in the sense of understanding or perceiving. Paul is highlighting that even our best understanding is only partial.
  • "προφητεύομεν" (prophēteuomen, "we prophesy"): This word means "to speak forth" or "to prophesy," often understood as communicating God’s message. Paul is saying that even prophecy, which the Corinthians valued highly, is not complete.

Why 1 Corinthians 13:9 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that spiritual gifts like knowledge and prophecy are the highest forms of Christian maturity; Paul is saying these gifts are only temporary and incomplete.
  • Paul’s emphasis on our partial understanding prepares the reader for his main point: love is the only thing that will last when all else passes away.
  • This verse connects to the larger argument in 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul encourages the Corinthians to value love above all spiritual gifts, since love alone is not limited or partial.

Where else these words appear

“prophesy” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • John 11:51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

“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.