For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face’ (1Cor. 13:12). Pauline Reception in Origen’s Commentary on the Song of Songs

1Cor. 13:12 is one of the most frequently recurring Pauline verses in Origen’s works and assumes major importance in Origen’s Commentary on the Song of Songs. In this work, focused on the relationship between the human soul and God, Origen is particularly interested in understanding the vision face-to-face, i.e. being in company with God. By acknowledging that human knowledge of God is but a ‘mirror’, Origen explores the ways in which humans can achieve vision of God face-to-face. Since this passage shapes Origen’s thinking, the answer to the question ‘is vision face-to-face possible?’ is multifaceted. This article explores Origen’s understanding of the vision face-to-face from exegetical, anthropological and eschatological perspectives.