1 Corinthians 13:12

1 Corinthians 13:12. For new we see in a mirror [1] darkly or ‘dimly:' Gr. ‘in a riddle.' The mirrors of those days were not like ours, but polished metallic surfaces, reflecting objects but imperfectly; and since the figure seemed to be behind the mirror, the observer seemed to see “through” it. Bengel notes an allusion here to Numbers 12:8, “With him (Moses) will I speak face to face, and not in dark speeches ” (or ‘in enigmas').

[1] The word certainly means “mirror” here, as in James 1:23, with which may be compared the Greek verb of the same in 2 Corinthians 3:18, not “window,” as some have been led to think from the word “through” being used with it.

but then face to face without a veil, with no obscurity.

now I know in part, but then shall I know (or ‘know fully') even as also I have been known (or ‘known fully'). As we are here perfectly known of God, so hereafter we shall ourselves know perfectly; in the sense, however, not of absolute but of relative perfection.