What literary device is often used alongside the phrase "through a glass darkly"?

The phrase "through a glass darkly" originates from the Bible, specifically from 1 Corinthians 13:12, and it employs metaphor as its primary literary device. This expression suggests the idea of seeing or understanding something incompletely or obscured, much like how one might see their reflection in a dark or distorted glass. In this context, the metaphor enhances themes of perception, knowledge, and the limitations of human understanding.

While irony refers to a situation where there is a contradiction between what is expected and what actually occurs, it does not apply here, as the phrase is not highlighting any ironic twist but rather emphasizing an imperfect clarity of vision. Personification involves giving human attributes to non-human entities, which is not relevant in this phrase's context. Simile, a comparison using "like" or "as," is also not applicable because "through a glass darkly" does not create a direct comparison. Instead, the phrase uses metaphor to convey deeper meanings regarding how one perceives reality and truth.