1 Corinthians 8:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:2

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church addresses a range of issues, from divisions within the congregation to moral conduct and theological misunderstandings. In 1 Corinthians chapter 8, Paul tackles the specific and sensitive matter of eating meat that had been offered to idols.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion concerning Christian liberty and its limits, particularly when it impacts the conscience of other believers. In the Greco-Roman world of Corinth, meat offered in pagan temples was often sold in the marketplace or served at social gatherings. Some Christians, understanding that "an idol is nothing in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4), felt they had the intellectual freedom to eat such meat without compromise. However, Paul warns against a knowledge that lacks love and consideration for others.

Key Themes

  • Humility vs. Arrogance: This verse directly confronts intellectual arrogance. Paul points out that merely possessing facts or theological understanding is not true wisdom if it leads to pride or a disregard for others. The "knowledge" that puffs up, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 8:1, is contrasted with the love that builds up.
  • The Nature of True Knowledge: Paul suggests that thinking one "knoweth any thing" without the proper attitude or application means they "knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know." Genuine spiritual knowledge isn't just about accumulating facts; it must be accompanied by humility, love, and a desire to build up the body of Christ. It implies a knowledge that leads to right action and consideration for others, rather than self-exaltation.
  • Incomplete Understanding: The verse implies that human knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge, is always partial and imperfect. True wisdom recognizes its own limitations and depends on God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "knoweth" here is related to gnosis, referring to intellectual knowledge or understanding. Paul isn't condemning knowledge itself, but the proud or incomplete way in which it is held. The phrase "as he ought to know" (kathos dei gnōnai) suggests that there's a correct way to possess and apply knowledge—a way that aligns with God's will and purpose, characterized by love and humility.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against intellectual pride in any sphere, especially in spiritual matters. Whether in theological debates, discussions about Christian liberty, or everyday interactions, believing one has superior knowledge can lead to arrogance and division. True Christian wisdom, as taught by Paul, is always tempered by humility and driven by love. It calls believers to consider how their actions and beliefs impact others, particularly those who may be weaker in faith or understanding. As Philippians 2:3 encourages, we should "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 (16 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 13:8 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

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

  • Galatians 6:3 (7 votes)

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

  • 1 Timothy 6:3 (7 votes)

    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;