The Nugget:
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (KJV)
1Co 13:10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn’t perfect will then disappear. (YLT, Young’s Literal Translation)
1Co 13:10 But when completeness shall come, then that which is partial will vanish away. (Murdock NT)
1Co 13:10 But when that which is complete is come, then that which is in part will be no longer necessary. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)
1Co 13:10 But, when the Perfect has come, that which is incomplete will be done with. (Twentieth Century NT)
1Co 13:10 But when perfection comes, what is imperfect will be set aside. (Williams NT)
1Co 13:10 But, as soon as that which is complete is come, that which is in part, shall be done away. (Emphasized Bible)
1Co 13:10 But when perfection comes, the things that are not complete will end. (ERV, Easy to Read Version)
1Co 13:10 But when what is complete comes, then what is incomplete will no longer be used. (GW, God’s Word translation)
1Co 13:10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn’t perfect will then disappear. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)
My Comment:
This verse is another very controversial text. There are major differences in how different scholars interpret this verse. Is it possible to know exactly what Paul meant when he wrote these words? Of several different interpretations possible, even our English Bible translations sometimes reflect those different interpretations.
To dig deeper into this verse, read the commentary and cross references I have furnished for 1 Corinthians 13:10 as newly expanded for The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:
1 Corinthians 13:10
when that. 1Co 13:8; 1Co 13:12, +*Isa 24:23; Isa 60:19, 20, Hos 6:3, Hab 2:14, Mat 13:11, *John 8:31; *John 8:32; John 13:7; John 14:29; John 16:13; John 16:25, 2Co 5:7, 8, *Heb 9:28, 1Pe 1:10, 11, 12, 2Pe 1:19, **1Jn 3:2; *1Jn 4:8, Rev 21:22, 23; Rev 22:4, 5.
which is perfect. This phrase has vexed interpreters, and no agreement upon its application has been reached. It may refer to:
(1) the Second Advent of Christ, 1Co 13:12, 1Co 11:26,
(2) the completion of the canon; that is, the writing of the inspired books of New Testament Scripture, so ending the need for revelatory and confirmatory gifts, John 15:15, Rev 22:18,
(3) The times of restitution of all things, the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, the times of refreshing, called “the regeneration,” Mat 19:28, Act 1:6; Act 3:19, 20, 21, **Heb 11:39; **Heb 11:40,
(4) the final maturing of the body of Christ, Eph 4:13,
(5) the death and returning to be with Christ of the believer, John 14:2, 3, 2Co 5:8, Php 1:21; Php 1:23; Php 3:12, 1Jn 3:2, Rev 14:13.
Several of these views have staunch advocates, particularly views 1, 2, and 4. For a thorough discussion of these matters see Robert L. Thomas, Understanding Spiritual Gifts, Moody Press, 1978. 1Co 2:6; 1Co 14:20, Mat 5:48, John 15:15, Rom 12:2, Php 3:12; Php 3:15, *Eph 4:13, Heb 5:14; Heb 6:1.
is come. Gen 49:10, Num 12:8, +*Act 3:19, 20, 21, +*2Ti 4:1, *Tit 2:13, *Heb 9:11; *Heb 9:28, **1Jn 3:2.
which is in part. Isa 65:17, *Jer 31:34, 2Co 5:7, 8.
done away. Gr. katargeō (S# G2673). 1Co 13:8, 11, Song 2:17, Isa 60:20, *Jer 31:34, Luk 13:7, +Rom 3:3 g. Rom 6:6, **2Co 3:7, Rev 21:23, Rev 22:5.
Do you think one of the keys to this question is found in v.12? If we define the meaning of “face to face” and “know even as also I am known,” then we can have a more solid understanding of v.10. Both v.10 and v.12 are linked together by using the word “then.”
You may well be correct. That is option (1) in my list of options, the Second Advent of Christ, 1 Corinthians 13:12.