For marks the beginning of a new stage in Paul’s thought. This will be expanded in verse 10, illustrated in verse 11 and verse 12a, and explained in more literal language in 12b, from “Now I know.”

Imperfect is the phrase that in 12.27 was rendered “individually.” The contrast is not between a whole community and its individual members, but between the wholeness or perfection of love, and the partial or imperfect nature of other gifts. Paul seems to be contrasting “imperfection” here with the “perfection” that will be established when he meets God face to face.

A possible translation model for this verse is:
• “For our gift of knowledge and the ability to proclaim God’s message are incomplete; but when that which is complete and perfect comes, then that which is imperfect will no longer be needed.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .