1 Corinthians 14:38

KJV

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if any man {G1536} be ignorant {G50}, let him be ignorant {G50}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if someone doesn’t recognize this, then let him remain unrecognized.

Berean Standard Bible

But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

American Standard Version

But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Serves as a stark, concluding statement in Paul's instructions regarding orderly worship and the proper exercise of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. It underscores the gravity of Paul's apostolic authority, implying that if anyone willfully refuses to acknowledge the divine origin and wisdom of his directives, they are essentially left to the consequences of their chosen state of ignorance, with no further argument or persuasion offered. This verse highlights the solemn reality that persistent rejection of clear biblical truth leads to spiritual stagnation and a forfeiture of divine understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant") concludes Paul's extensive discourse in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship") concerning the appropriate use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophecy, within the gathered assembly. The chapter begins by urging the Corinthians to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, for the edification of the church ([1 Corinthians 14:1-5](/1_corinthians/14-1-5 "1 Corinthians 14:1-5 - Pursue Love and Prophecy")). Paul then contrasts uninterpreted tongues with understandable prophecy, emphasizing the need for clarity and order in worship so that all may be built up and unbelievers might be converted ([1 Corinthians 14:6-25](/1_corinthians/14-6-25 "1 Corinthians 14:6-25 - The Superiority of Prophecy")). He provides specific regulations for speaking in tongues (two or three, with an interpreter) and prophecy (two or three, others to weigh what is said) to ensure decency and order ([1 Corinthians 14:26-33a](/1_corinthians/14-26-33a "1 Corinthians 14:26-33a - Regulations for Tongues and Prophecy")). The immediate preceding verse, [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul's Authority"), is crucial, as Paul asserts his apostolic authority, declaring that his instructions are "the Lord's command." Verse 38 then acts as a severe warning to those who would dismiss such divinely inspired teaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was notoriously problematic, plagued by divisions ([1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church")), immorality ([1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Sexual Immorality")), lawsuits ([1 Corinthians 6:1-11](/1_corinthians/6-1-11 "1 Corinthians 6:1-11 - Lawsuits Among Believers")), and disorder in worship, particularly concerning the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:17-34](/1_corinthians/11-17-34 "1 Corinthians 11:17-34 - The Lord's Supper")) and the chaotic use of spiritual gifts as addressed in [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Orderly Worship"). The Corinthians, influenced by their Hellenistic culture which valued rhetorical skill and ecstatic experiences, often prioritized flashy spiritual manifestations over edification and order. Paul's letter is a direct response to these issues, aiming to restore proper Christian conduct and theological understanding. His assertion of authority in [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul's Authority") and the stern warning in [1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant") reflect the seriousness with which he viewed their defiance and the divine origin of his teachings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Instructions for the Church"). Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Revelation**, particularly Paul's apostolic authority as a conduit for God's commands. To reject Paul's teaching is to reject the Lord's command, a point made explicit in [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul's Authority"). Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Order and Decency in Worship**, a foundational principle articulated in [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Peace"), where Paul states, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." Thirdly, the verse addresses the concept of **Willful Ignorance** or deliberate rejection of truth. It's not about a lack of information, but a stubborn refusal to acknowledge what has been clearly presented as divine truth. Finally, it implicitly underscores the **Responsibility of Believers to Discern and Obey** God's revealed will, emphasizing that persistent disobedience carries serious spiritual consequences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle, G1161, often translated as "but," "and," or "moreover," introduces a strong contrast or a continuation with emphasis. In [1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant"), it serves to pivot from Paul's assertion of authority in the preceding verse to a stark, almost final, declaration regarding those who would disregard it. It marks a decisive shift in tone, from instruction to a pronouncement of consequence.
* **If any man (Greek, _eí tis'_):** This phrase, G1536, is a conditional clause meaning "if anyone" or "whosoever." It refers to any individual within the Corinthian church (or beyond) who might choose to ignore or reject Paul's divinely inspired instructions. It personalizes the warning, addressing any specific individual who might fall into this category of willful ignorance.
* **Ignorant (Greek, _agnoéō'_):** This verb, G50, means "not to know" or "to be unaware." However, in this context, especially following Paul's authoritative declaration in [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul's Authority"), it carries a stronger connotation of "to ignore," "to disregard," or "to refuse to acknowledge" what has been clearly presented as truth. It implies a deliberate choice rather than a mere lack of information or understanding. The repetition of this word in the verse emphasizes the state of chosen spiritual blindness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if any man be ignorant":** This clause sets up a conditional scenario. "Ignorant" here does not refer to a simple lack of knowledge, but rather a willful, stubborn refusal to recognize or acknowledge the divine authority of Paul's instructions, which he just declared to be "the Lord's command" in [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul's Authority"). It speaks to an obstinate disposition, a deliberate turning away from truth that has been clearly revealed. Paul is not addressing someone who genuinely struggles to understand, but someone who chooses to dismiss or reject.
* **"let him be ignorant":** This is a solemn, almost judicial, declaration. It is not an encouragement to remain ignorant, nor is it a curse. Rather, it is an imperative that functions as a statement of divine abandonment or consequence. Paul is essentially saying, "If someone chooses to remain in their state of willful ignorance, then so be it; I will not argue further with them, and they will be left to the spiritual consequences of their stubbornness." It implies that God will not force truth upon those who deliberately close their minds and hearts to it. Such individuals forfeit the opportunity for further understanding and spiritual growth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant") to convey his message with force and finality. The most prominent is **Irony**, where Paul, having just asserted the divine origin of his commands, states that if someone chooses to be ignorant of them, they are permitted to remain so. This is not a concession but a cutting indictment, highlighting the futility of arguing with those who willfully resist truth. The phrase also utilizes the **Imperative Mood** ("let him be ignorant"), which, while grammatically a command, functions here as a declaration of consequence or a solemn pronouncement of divine permission for self-chosen spiritual blindness. This is reinforced by **Repetition** of the word "ignorant" (agnoéō), which underscores the chosen nature of this state. Furthermore, the verse acts as a powerful **Rhetorical Device**, serving as a final, unyielding warning to those in Corinth who might be inclined to dismiss his apostolic authority and the divine order he was seeking to establish. It marks the end of argument and the beginning of a self-inflicted spiritual consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant") profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God respects human free will, even when that will leads to a rejection of divine truth. While God desires all to come to a knowledge of the truth ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to be Saved")), He does not coerce belief or understanding. This verse serves as a stark reminder that persistent, willful rejection of clear revelation can lead to a state where further divine illumination is withheld, leaving individuals to the natural consequences of their chosen spiritual blindness. It underscores the gravity of responding to God's Word with humility and obedience, recognizing that to dismiss apostolic teaching is to dismiss God Himself.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord"): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"): "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Willful Sin"): "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant") stands as a powerful call to humility and discernment for believers today. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any areas where we might be willfully ignorant of God's Word or resistant to its clear teachings. In an age of abundant information, the temptation to pick and choose which biblical truths to accept or dismiss can be strong. However, Paul's warning reminds us that God's commands, as revealed in Scripture, are not open for negotiation based on personal preference or cultural trends. True spiritual growth and the flourishing of the church depend on a teachable spirit, a readiness to submit to the authority of God's Word, and a commitment to living in accordance with His revealed will. To deliberately ignore or reject foundational biblical principles, especially those pertaining to church order, doctrine, or Christian conduct, is to invite spiritual stagnation and disorder, much like the Corinthians experienced. This verse urges us to constantly seek understanding, to test all things against Scripture, and to humbly obey, lest we find ourselves left to our own chosen ignorance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Are there areas in my life or beliefs where I might be willfully ignoring or resisting clear biblical teaching?**
* **How do I respond when biblical truths challenge my personal preferences or cultural norms?**
* **In what ways does my church prioritize order and edification in its gatherings, and how can I contribute to that?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and teachable spirit towards God's Word?**

### FAQ

**Does [1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant") mean God gives up on people who don't understand?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God gives up on people who genuinely struggle to understand or who are simply uninformed. The Greek word "agnoéō" (ignorant) in this context, especially following Paul's strong assertion of divine authority in [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul's Authority"), carries the connotation of a *willful* or *deliberate* refusal to acknowledge truth that has been clearly presented. Paul is addressing those who, despite having received clear divine instruction, choose to disregard it out of stubbornness or pride. In such cases, the verse indicates that further argument or persuasion is futile, and the individual is left to the consequences of their chosen state of ignorance. It's a statement about the futility of reasoning with someone who has already made up their mind to reject truth, rather than a declaration of God's abandonment of the genuinely seeking heart. God's desire is always for people to come to a knowledge of the truth ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to be Saved")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 14:38](/1_corinthians/14-38 "1 Corinthians 14:38 - If anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant") directly addresses the rejection of Paul's apostolic authority, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate revelation of truth found in Jesus Christ Himself. Just as rejecting Paul's Spirit-inspired words was tantamount to rejecting the Lord's command, so too is the rejection of Christ the ultimate act of willful ignorance. Jesus declared, "[I am the way, and the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"); no one comes to the Father except through me." To be "ignorant" of Christ, in the sense of willfully refusing to acknowledge His deity, His atoning work, or His Lordship, is to choose a path of spiritual darkness. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would "[guide you into all the truth](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")," convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit's Convicting Work")). Those who harden their hearts against this divine conviction, choosing to remain ignorant of the saving truth in Christ, ultimately face the solemn reality that they are left to their chosen state, just as Paul warned the Corinthians. The call to embrace Paul's teaching was a call to embrace Christ's authority, foreshadowing the greater truth that embracing Christ is embracing the fullness of God's revelation and salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Timothy 4:4

And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Matthew 7:6

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

1 Timothy 6:3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Revelation 22:11

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.