en_tn_lite_do_not_use/1co/13/12.md

For now we see indirectly in a mirror

Mirrors in Paul's day were made of polished metal rather than glass and provided a dim, vague reflection.

now we see

Possible meanings are 1) "now we see Christ" or 2) "now we see God."

but then face to face

The understood words "we will see" can be supplied. Seeing face to face is a metaphor or synecdoche for being physically present with the one we will see. Alternate translation: "but then we will see face to face" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis and rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor and rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche)

I will know fully

The word "Christ" is understood. Alternate translation: "I will know Christ fully" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis)

just as I have been fully known

This can be stated as active. Alternate translation: "just as Christ has known me fully" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive)