And having examined the passage at length, relying on the Holy Spirit for elucidation - which would have been un-necessary if I had thought to open my Concordant Bible, the explanation has become clear. In reading the Concordant Bible, what I understood is confirmed to be accurate.
1Cr 13:8-13 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it 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. 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. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.
Prophecy and Tongues will fail.
When
I was a child,
I spoke as a child,
I thought as a child,
I understood as a child (a child sees as one who looks into a *mirror, but a mature man sees clearly), but when
I became a man
I put away the things of childhood. In the same way prophecy will be done away with. Who does away with prophecy and or knowledge? The person who is fully mature, having no need of the supports of childhood. When does spiritual childhood end? For
now I know in part and prophesy in part, but
then(when
I am fully mature) I will see face to face/clearly.) When does this particular "childhood" end? In my opinion, with regard to this particular passage, at the individual's death.
*mirrors in that time being somewhat clouded - and do not show a completely true image, but reversed.
But take a look at the whole as presented in the Concordant Bible, and the passage becomes far more clear.
Love is never lapsing: yet, whether prophecies, they will be discarded, or languages, they will cease, or knowledge, it will be discarded. For out of an instalment are we knowing, and out of an instalment are we prophesying. Now whenever maturity may be coming, that which is out of an instalment shall be discarded. When I was a minor, I took account of things as a minor. Yet when I have become a man, I have discarded that which is a minor's. For at present we are observing by means of a mirror, in an enigma, yet then, face to face. At present I know out of an instalment, yet then I shall recognise according as I am recognised also. Yet now are remaining faith, expectation, love - these three. Yet the greatest of these is love. Be pursuing love. Yet be zealoous for spiritual endowments, yet rather that you be prophesying.