# Where is “Through a glass, darkly” in the Bible?

> “Through a glass, darkly” is 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/through-a-glass-darkly
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

Paul writes it to the church in Corinth, in his chapter on love.

## The verse

> For now we see in a mirror, and the image is puzzling, but then we will see face to face. Now my knowledge is partial; then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known.
>
> — [1 Corinthians 13:12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-corinthians/13#12) (Lumin Translation)

These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently.

## What it means there

The “glass” is a mirror. Ancient mirrors were polished metal and gave a dim image, and Corinth was known for making them. Paul says we see God that way now and will see face to face later.

## Common questions

### Where is “Through a glass, darkly” in the Bible?

“Through a glass, darkly” is 1 Corinthians 13:12. These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently. Paul writes it to the church in Corinth, in his chapter on love.

### Is “Through a glass, darkly” in the Bible?

Yes. It is 1 Corinthians 13:12. In the Lumin Translation, 1 Corinthians 13:12 reads: “For now we see in a mirror, and the image is puzzling, but then we will see face to face. Now my knowledge is partial; then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known.”

### Who said “Through a glass, darkly”?

Paul writes it to the church in Corinth, in his chapter on love.

### What does “Through a glass, darkly” mean in the Bible?

The “glass” is a mirror. Ancient mirrors were polished metal and gave a dim image, and Corinth was known for making them. Paul says we see God that way now and will see face to face later.

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