1 Corinthians 15:34
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἁμαρτάνετε
sin
G264
ἁμαρτάνετε
sin
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔχουσιν
have
G2192
ἔχουσιν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
1 Corinthians 6:5I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?Romans 13:11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.Joel 1:5Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.1 Corinthians 8:7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;John 8:11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.John 5:14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.Jonah 1:6So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Historical Context
Corinthian church was plagued by intellectual pride (1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 8:1-3). They prided themselves on gnōsis (knowledge), yet denied resurrection—proving their knowledge was counterfeit. True knowledge of God includes resurrection hope. Gnosticism's early forms, devaluing matter and body, may have influenced some Corinthians.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'awake to righteousness'—how are false beliefs like spiritual drunkenness?
- How can people possess spiritual gifts yet lack true knowledge of God?
- When is shame appropriate in Christian correction—how did Paul use it pastorally?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Awake to righteousness, and sin not (ἐκνήψατε δικαίως καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε)—The verb eknēpsate (ἐκνήψατε, "sober up, wake up") uses metaphor of drunkenness—the Corinthians are intoxicated with false teaching, need to sober up. The adverb dikaiōs (δικαίως, "righteously, justly") indicates moral awakening, not merely intellectual clarity. The present imperative mē hamartanete (μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε, "stop sinning") suggests ongoing sin Paul commands them to cease.
For some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame (ἀγνωσίαν γὰρ θεοῦ τινες ἔχουσιν, πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῖν λαλῶ)—The phrase agnōsian theou (ἀγνωσίαν θεοῦ, "ignorance of God") is devastating indictment. Despite their pride in wisdom and spiritual gifts (chapters 1-4, 12-14), some Corinthians lack basic gnōsis theou (knowledge of God). Paul shames them—pros entropēn (πρὸς ἐντροπήν)—to provoke repentance.