When that which is perfect is come

1 Corinthians 13:10 is often debated, especially among those arguing for or against the continuation of tongues, prophecy, and knowledge. Jeffrey Khoo wants to say that tongues stopped when the TR or KJV was completed; let us examine if he is correct or wrong.

1 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV)

📖 1 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV)

"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

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🧠 Key Greek Word: τὸ τέλειον (to teleion)

• Greek Root: τέλειος (teleios)

• Meaning: complete, mature, full-grown, perfect in function or purpose.

It does not imply a “perfect text” or “perfect book” unless the context clearly supports that.

It never means "flawless" in a textual sense. Paul uses this term elsewhere for spiritual maturity (1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 4:13) and God's perfected purpose (Rom. 12:2).

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🔍 Context: 1 Corinthians 13:8–12

"Prophecies shall fail, tongues shall cease, knowledge shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

Then Paul compares it to:

• Childhood vs. maturity

• Seeing dimly in a mirror vs. face to face

• Knowing in part vs. knowing fully

This is not talking about textual transmission or Bible manuscripts.

Conclusion: The "partial" (spiritual gifts) are temporary tools for the church age. The "complete" is the eschatological fulfillment when believers see Christ directly.

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📌 Interpretation of “the Perfect” (τὸ τέλειον)

There are three major views:

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✅ 1. The Coming of Christ / Full Eschatological Maturity (Most likely view)

• "Perfect" = the return of Christ, when we will see Him “face to face” (v.12).

• Supports: "Then shall I know even as I am known" — a level of knowledge impossible before glorification.

• Fits the rest of Paul's eschatology (e.g., Philippians 3:12, 1 John 3:2)

• This view is held by most church fathers, Reformers, and contemporary scholars.

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🚫 2. The Completion of the Bible / Canon (TR or KJV)

• Some claim “perfect” refers to the completed Bible, especially among KJV-only or TR advocates.

• This interpretation originated in the 1800s, long after Paul wrote the epistle.

• Paul’s audience had no concept of a New Testament canon.

• “Perfect” here is neuter in Greek (to teleion), not “he” or “scripture” (which is feminine in Greek: γραφή graphē).

• There is no biblical or grammatical basis to say this refers to the Textus Receptus, KJV, or any manuscript tradition.

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🟡 3. Spiritual Maturity of the Church (partial cessationist view)

• Some say the "perfect" refers to the maturity of the church — perhaps at the end of the apostolic era.

• While more reasonable than #2, it still struggles with the phrase “face to face” and “know fully.”

• Church maturity now is still partial; Paul seems to be pointing to an ultimate, future state.

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❌ Misuse: Stopping Tongues Because "Perfect" = Bible

• Some cessationists argue that tongues ceased when the Bible was completed.

• But:

  • The text never says tongues stop when Scripture is complete

  • Tongues are listed as spiritual gifts alongside teaching, prophecy, and healing (1 Cor 12)

  • No verse in the NT says the Bible replaces the Spirit’s gifts

  • The grammar in 1 Cor 13:8–10 suggests tongues will cease when the perfect comes, i.e., when Christ returns

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Why It Can't Refer to a "Perfect Bible"

Historical Anachronism: The NT canon wasn’t finalized until the 4th century. Paul couldn’t reference the KJV (1611) or TR (16th century).

Theological Inconsistency:

If "complete" = a Bible, why do faith and hope still remain (v. 13)? We won’t need them in eternity (Rev. 21:4).

The "face to face" (v. 12) language echoes Christ’s return (1 John 3:2; Rev. 22:4).

Early Church Interpretation: Church fathers (e.g., Chrysostom, Augustine) unanimously linked this to Christ’s second coming.

✅ Conclusion: What Is “the Perfect”?

τὸ τέλειον (to teleion) refers to the state of spiritual completion at Christ’s return—not a Bible translation. Paul’s point is profound: Spiritual gifts are temporary, but love is eternal because it reflects God’s nature (1 John 4:8). When Jesus returns, our partial understanding will dissolve into the fullness of knowing Him (Phil. 3:12).

“The perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10 refers to the coming of the Lord or our final glorification — not to:

• The King James Version

• The Textus Receptus

• The completed Bible

The idea that tongues ceased because the TR or KJV was completed is foreign to the context, language, and theology of the passage.

"The imperfect will give way to the perfect at the Parousia [Christ's return]."

—Anthony Thiselton, NIGTC Commentary on 1 Corinthians (p. 1,061).