1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Within his discussion of partial versus complete knowledge, Paul uses the analogy of maturing from childhood to adulthood, with implicit rebuke of the Corinthians' immaturity.
What Does 1 Corinthians 13:11 Mean?
Paul illustrates his point about partial knowledge and coming maturity with the familiar experience of growing up. A child speaks, understands, and thinks in childish ways -- appropriate for childhood, but limited. When the child becomes an adult, those childish ways are naturally set aside. The transition is not a rejection of childhood but a maturing beyond it into something fuller.
In context, Paul uses this picture to describe the difference between our present partial understanding and the complete knowledge that awaits. Our current grasp of spiritual realities is like a child's grasp of the world -- genuine, but incomplete. The day is coming when we will know fully, just as a child grows into adult understanding. But the verse also carries a present-tense challenge: maturity means putting away childish things. For the Corinthians, this was pointed, since their behavior over gifts and factions was decidedly childish -- competitive, self-centered, and quarrelsome. Paul calls them to grow up. The mark of maturity is not impressive gifts but love, the way of thinking and acting that belongs to those who have moved beyond spiritual infancy. The verse encourages every believer to keep growing, leaving behind immature attitudes and embracing the deeper, more loving understanding that comes with spiritual adulthood.
In the Original Language
The Greek "nēpios" (child) denotes an infant or very young child. "Katērgēka" (put away) is the same verb used for gifts passing away -- childish things are set aside.
Cross References
“That we henceforth be no more children ... But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things.”
- Ephesians 4:14-15
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised.”
- Hebrews 5:14
“Brethren, be not children in understanding ... but in understanding be men.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:20
Application
Keep growing spiritually, setting aside immature, self-centered attitudes and embracing the deeper understanding and love that mark maturity in Christ.