1 Corinthians 14:38
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Matthew 7:6Give 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.Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Hosea 4:17Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Historical Context
Paul knows some will refuse correction despite his thorough argument. He leaves them to their chosen ignorance, a form of church discipline. The church should recognize and avoid those who persist in disorder.
Questions for Reflection
- What's the difference between honest confusion and willful ignorance?
- Why does Paul not argue further but simply pronounce judgment on the willfully ignorant?
- How should the church respond to those who persistently reject apostolic teaching?
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Analysis & Commentary
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant—Greek ei de tis agnoei, agnoeitō (εἰ δέ τις ἀγνοεῖ, ἀγνοείτω). The present imperatives suggest willful ignorance: "if anyone is ignoring [this], let him continue to be ignored." Some manuscripts read agnoeitai (passive, "let him be ignored")—divine or communal ignoring of those who reject apostolic authority.
Paul's sobering warning: those who refuse to acknowledge his teaching as the Lord's command (v. 37) reveal their spiritual ignorance and will be ignored—by God or the church. This isn't harsh; it's realistic: if you reject revelation, you remain in ignorance. The terse command closes debate: Paul has argued his case (vv. 1-36), appealed to universal practice (v. 33), asserted apostolic authority (v. 37). Those still rejecting his teaching are unteachable.