1 Corinthians 13:12

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.

Cross-reference

In 1 Corinthians 13:10, the 'perfect' causes the 'partial' to pass away — directly explaining why the partial knowledge of verse 12 will cease.

Revelation 22:4 describes the redeemed seeing God's face — the ultimate fulfillment of Paul's promised face-to-face vision.

Numbers 12:8 says God spoke to Moses plainly, not in dark speeches — directly mirroring Paul's contrast between dim now and clear then.

1 John 3:2 Parallel

1 John 3:2 explicitly states we shall see God as He is — a direct parallel to Paul's 'then face to face' and fully known.

Philippians 3:12 echoes the same 'not yet' theme — Paul hasn't attained perfection, mirroring the partial knowledge in 1 Cor 13:12.

2 Corinthians 5:7 contrasts walking by faith versus sight — a parallel to the now/not-yet tension of seeing dimly vs. face to face.

Matthew 5:8 Parallel

Matthew 5:8 promises the pure in heart will see God — the same eschatological vision Paul describes as seeing face to face.

2 Corinthians 3:18 also uses the mirror metaphor for beholding God's glory — but emphasizes transformation, while 1 Cor 13:12 stresses partial knowledge.

Exodus 33:11 describes Moses speaking with God face to face — the same phrase Paul uses for the future full knowledge believers will have.

John 17:24 Parallel

John 17:24 records Jesus praying for believers to see his glory — directly parallel to Paul's hope of seeing face to face.

Galatians 4:9 emphasizes being known by God as foundational — the same reversal Paul uses: knowing as we are known.

Isaiah 52:8 Parallel

Isaiah 52:8 describes watchmen seeing 'eye to eye' when the Lord returns — the same direct vision Paul anticipates in seeing face to face.

Job 19:26 Parallel

In Job 19:26, Job declares he will see God in his flesh — a direct parallel to the future face-to-face knowledge Paul anticipates.

In Exodus 33:23, Moses only sees God's back — a partial vision that illustrates the 'dim mirror' of our present knowledge of God.

John 10:15 Parallel

In John 10:15, Jesus describes the mutual full knowledge between Father and Son — the model for 'fully known' in 1 Corinthians 13:12.

In Numbers 14:14, God is said to be seen 'face to face' by Israel — contrasting with the 'dim mirror' now, yet anticipating the future face-to-face.

Ezekiel 1:28 shows a vision of God's glory as a likeness — indirect, contrasting with Paul's promised direct face-to-face sight.

Hebrews 12:14 Related theme

Hebrews 12:14 requires holiness to see the Lord — complementing Paul's promise by adding the condition for that vision.