1Cor 13:12 | RWP | e4.org | In a mirror ( δι' εσοπτρου ). By means of a mirror ( εσοπτρον , from οπτω , old word, in papyri). Ancient mirrors were of polished metal, not glass, those in Corinth being famous. Darkly ( εν αινιγματ ). Literally, in an enigma. Old word from αινισσομα , to express obscurely. This is true of all ancient mirrors. Here only in N.T., but often in LXX. "To see a friend's face in a cheap mirror would be very different from looking at the friend" (Robertson and Plummer). Face to face ( προσωπον προς προσωπον ). Note triple use of προς which means facing one as in . Προσωπον is old word from προς and οπς , eye, face. Shall I know ( επιγνωσομα ). I shall fully ( επι- ) know. Future middle indicative as γινωσκω (I know) is present active and επεγνωσθην (I was fully known) is first aorist passive (all three voices).

‏ 1 Corinthians 13:12

In a mirror ( δι' εσοπτρου ). By means of a mirror ( εσοπτρον, from οπτω, old word, in papyri). Ancient mirrors were of polished metal, not glass, those in Corinth being famous.

Darkly ( εν αινιγματ ). Literally, in an enigma. Old word from αινισσομα, to express obscurely. This is true of all ancient mirrors. Here only in N.T., but often in LXX. "To see a friend's face in a cheap mirror would be very different from looking at the friend" (Robertson and Plummer).

Face to face ( προσωπον προς προσωπον ). Note triple use of προς which means facing one as in Joh 1:1. Προσωπον is old word from προς and οπς, eye, face.

Shall I know ( επιγνωσομα ). I shall fully ( επι- ) know. Future middle indicative as γινωσκω (I know) is present active and επεγνωσθην (I was fully known) is first aorist passive (all three voices).