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Greek Lessons
- Grammatical Resistance: Pharaoh’s Syntax of Control in Exodus 10:11
- The Accusation in Quotation: Pauline Perception and Koine Rhetoric
- Healing and Heralding: The Grammar of Kingdom Nearness
- The Word Near You: Syntax, Faith, and the Internalization of Truth in Romans 10:8
- Synonyms: Image and Likeness: εἰκών, ὁμοίωσις, and ὁμοίωμα in the Greek New Testament
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Category
Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 13:12
Clarity in the Coming Age: A Greek Look at 1 Corinthians 13:12
Βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι, τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον· ἄρτι γινώσκω ἐκ μέρους, τότε δὲ ἐπιγνώσομαι καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
For now we see through a mirror in a riddle, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will fully know, just as I also was fully known.
The Grammar of Contrast: Now vs. Then This verse is structured around two temporal contrasts: ἄρτι (“now”) and τότε (“then”). Paul uses this duality to highlight the present limitations of human perception and the future fullness of eschatological knowledge. The parallel structure enhances rhetorical rhythm and theological clarity.… Learn Koine Greek1 Corinthians 13:12 and the Greek of Mystery and Revelation
Βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι, τότε δὲ πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον· ἄρτι γινώσκω ἐκ μέρους, τότε δὲ ἐπιγνώσομαι καθὼς καὶ ἐπεγνώσθην. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
For now we see through a mirror, in a riddle; but then, face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall fully know, just as I also have been fully known.
Mirror, Riddle, and the Horizon of Knowing βλέπομεν γὰρ ἄρτι δι’ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι The present indicative βλέπομεν (“we see”) frames perception as current and continuous. The preposition δι’ + genitive ἐσόπτρου (“through a mirror”) suggests indirectness. In Classical usage, ἔσοπτρον refers to polished metal surfaces—not the glass mirrors we think of—often with dim or reversed images (cf.… Learn Koine Greek