1 Corinthians 8:2

KJV

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} if any man {G1536} think {G1380} that he knoweth {G1492} any thing {G5100}, he knoweth {G1097} nothing {G3762} yet {G3764} as {G2531} he ought {G1163} to know {G1097}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The person who thinks he “knows” something doesn’t yet know in the way he ought to know.

Berean Standard Bible

The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

American Standard Version

If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's poignant statement in 1 Corinthians 8:2 serves as a sharp corrective to intellectual arrogance within the Corinthian church, particularly concerning their understanding of Christian liberty regarding food offered to idols. It asserts that any claim to superior knowledge, if unaccompanied by the proper attitude of humility and love, is in fact a profound demonstration of ignorance, revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of what true, God-honoring knowledge entails.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of Paul's extended discussion in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols"), which addresses the sensitive issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. The preceding verse, [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up"), introduces the core tension: "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth." Paul immediately contrasts "knowledge" (gnosis), which can inflate pride, with "love" (agape), which builds up the community. Verse 2 then directly challenges the self-perception of those who believe their knowledge is complete or superior, implying that such a mindset is precisely what indicates a lack of true understanding. The subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](/1_corinthians/8-4-6 "1 Corinthians 8:4-6 - Idols Are Nothing")) elaborate on the theological truth that idols are nothing, but Paul pivots quickly to the practical implications for those with weaker consciences, demonstrating that theological accuracy alone is insufficient without love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a hub of trade and diverse religious practices. Pagan temples were ubiquitous, and meat sacrificed to idols was a common commodity. After being offered to a deity, portions of the meat were often sold in the public marketplace, consumed in temple feasts, or served at private social gatherings. For many Corinthian Christians, particularly those from a Gentile background, the question of whether to eat such meat was a daily ethical dilemma. Those with a strong theological understanding (the "strong" in faith) knew that idols were powerless and therefore eating the meat was spiritually neutral. However, for "weaker" believers, often converts from paganism, eating such meat could trigger old associations with idolatry, causing their consciences to be defiled or leading them back into sinful practices. Paul's instruction is not merely about dietary laws but about navigating Christian freedom in a way that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of the community over individual rights or intellectual prowess.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 8:2](/1_corinthians/8-2 "1 Corinthians 8:2 - The Danger of Prideful Knowledge") contributes significantly to several major themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Humility vs. Arrogance**, directly confronting the intellectual pride that characterized some in Corinth. Paul argues that true spiritual wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts but is inextricably linked with humility and love, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up"). Secondly, it develops the theme of **The Nature of True Knowledge**, distinguishing between superficial intellectual understanding and a deeper, God-centered knowledge that transforms character and guides action. This true knowledge, as Paul later elaborates in [1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Knowing in Part"), recognizes its own limitations and is always pursued in the context of love. Finally, the verse touches upon the theme of **Incomplete Understanding**, suggesting that human knowledge, especially concerning divine truths, is always partial and provisional. The phrase "as he ought to know" implies a standard of knowledge that transcends mere intellectual assent, demanding a relational and ethical dimension that is often lacking in those who boast of their understanding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **think (Greek, _dokéō_):** This verb means "to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)." Here, it carries the nuance of self-perception or opinion. The individual "thinks" or "supposes" they possess knowledge, implying a subjective judgment that may not align with reality. Paul uses it to highlight a mistaken self-assessment, where one's intellectual confidence is misplaced or exaggerated.
* **knoweth (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb, appearing multiple times in the verse, signifies "to know" in a comprehensive sense, often implying experiential or relational knowledge, not just intellectual assent. In the first instance, "he knoweth any thing," it refers to the intellectual grasp of facts. In the second instance, "he knoweth nothing," it negates this claim. In the final phrase, "as he ought to know," it points to the proper, complete, and ethically applied form of knowledge that is currently lacking. The repetition emphasizes the contrast between perceived knowledge and true knowledge.
* **ought (Greek, _deî_):** This impersonal verb means "it is necessary (as binding)" or "it behoves." It conveys a sense of moral or divine obligation. The phrase "as he ought to know" therefore implies that there is a divinely prescribed or ethically required way of knowing. This isn't just about accumulating facts, but about knowing in a manner that aligns with God's character, particularly His love and concern for others, which is the very standard the proud Corinthian Christians were failing to meet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if any man think that he knoweth any thing,"**: This clause introduces the hypothetical individual who presumes to possess superior or complete knowledge. The "any thing" (G5100, _tìs_) suggests a broad, perhaps even arrogant, claim to understanding across various matters, but particularly in the context of the idol-meat issue. Paul is addressing those who are confident in their intellectual grasp of theological truths.
* **"he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."**: This is the sharp, paradoxical punchline. Despite the initial claim of knowing "any thing," Paul declares that such a person actually "knoweth nothing." The addition of "yet" (G3764, _oudépō_) emphasizes that their understanding is not just incomplete but fundamentally undeveloped or misdirected. The crucial qualifier "as he ought to know" (G2531, _kathṓs_ G1163, _deî_ G1097, _ginṓskō_) sets a standard for true knowledge. It's not merely about intellectual content but about the proper context, application, and ethical dimension of that knowledge, particularly its integration with love and humility, which are essential for building up the body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Irony** in this verse, asserting that the one who *thinks* they know everything actually knows nothing of true value. This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, directly challenging the self-assuredness of the "strong" believers in Corinth. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between a superficial, prideful "knowledge" that "puffs up" (as stated in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up")) and the kind of profound, humble knowledge that "ought to know," which is inextricably linked with love and edification. This contrast highlights the qualitative difference between intellectual arrogance and genuine spiritual wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of the nature of Christian wisdom. It teaches that true spiritual knowledge is not merely cognitive assent to facts or doctrines, but a holistic understanding that transforms character and guides action, always tempered by humility and love. Knowledge without love can be destructive, leading to pride, division, and disregard for others, particularly those weaker in faith. Paul emphasizes that God's perspective on knowledge prioritizes its application in building up the community and honoring Him, rather than its use for self-exaltation. The ultimate measure of our understanding is not how much we know, but how we use what we know to serve God and others.

* [Proverbs 3:7](/proverbs/3-7 "Proverbs 3:7 - Do Not Be Wise in Your Own Eyes")
* [Romans 12:3](/romans/12-3 "Romans 12:3 - Think Soberly")
* [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Humility and Esteeming Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in [1 Corinthians 8:2](/1_corinthians/8-2 "1 Corinthians 8:2 - The Danger of Prideful Knowledge") serve as a timeless mirror for every believer. In an age saturated with information and opinion, it's easy to mistake accumulated facts or theological prowess for genuine wisdom. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations for seeking knowledge and how we wield it. Do we use our understanding to elevate ourselves, to win arguments, or to dismiss those with differing perspectives? Or does our knowledge lead us to greater humility, deeper compassion, and a more profound commitment to building up the body of Christ? True knowledge, in God's economy, is always relational and redemptive. It recognizes its own limits and constantly defers to the greater wisdom of God's love. We are called not merely to know *about* God, but to *know* Him in a way that transforms our character and empowers us to love others sacrificially, just as He has loved us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith do I tend to rely on my own knowledge or understanding, perhaps to the exclusion of humility or love?**
* **How can I cultivate a posture of humility in my pursuit of spiritual knowledge, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God and is always perfected in love?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my knowledge serves to build up others rather than to puff myself up?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul condemn knowledge itself in this verse?**

Answer: No, Paul does not condemn knowledge itself. In fact, he states in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up") that "we all have knowledge." The issue is not the possession of knowledge, but the *attitude* with which it is held and the *purpose* for which it is used. Paul condemns intellectual arrogance and a knowledge that lacks love and consideration for others. He implies that true knowledge is humble, discerning, and applied in a way that edifies the community, rather than causing division or stumbling. The phrase "as he ought to know" suggests that there is a correct, God-honoring way to possess and apply knowledge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 8:2](/1_corinthians/8-2 "1 Corinthians 8:2 - The Danger of Prideful Knowledge") finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person of Jesus Christ. While the verse critiques a prideful, incomplete human knowledge, Jesus embodies perfect, divine knowledge that is always expressed in humility and sacrificial love. Unlike those who "think that he knoweth any thing" and yet "knoweth nothing," Christ truly "knows all things" ([John 21:17](/john/21-17 "John 21:17 - Peter, Do You Love Me?")) and yet He did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). His knowledge was never used for self-exaltation but always for the edification and salvation of humanity, culminating in His self-giving on the cross. He is the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) who perfectly understood the will of the Father and perfectly executed it in love, demonstrating what it truly means to "know as he ought to know." In Christ, we see that true knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, transforming, and utterly bound up with divine love.

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

1 Corinthians 13:12

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.

1 Corinthians 3:18

¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Proverbs 26:12

¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

1 Corinthians 13:8

¶ 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.

1 Corinthians 13:9

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

Galatians 6:3

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

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;