1 Corinthians 8:2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
Original Language Analysis
δοκεῖ
think
G1380
δοκεῖ
think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
4 of 12
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
εἰδέναι
that he knoweth
G1492
εἰδέναι
that he knoweth
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
8 of 12
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γνῶναι·
he knoweth
G1097
γνῶναι·
he knoweth
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
9 of 12
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 13:12For 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 3:18Let 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 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Historical Context
Greek culture prized philosophical knowledge (sophia, wisdom) as the highest virtue. Corinth, influenced by sophistic rhetoric and Stoic philosophy, valued intellectual achievement. The church imported this cultural pride, creating factions around teachers (1:12) and despising those with less sophisticated theology. Paul subverts this entirely—true knowledge humbles, not exalts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does thinking you "know" something shut down further learning and spiritual growth?
- Where has theological knowledge made you proud rather than humble and loving?
- What would it look like to "know as you ought to know"—knowledge that serves love rather than pride?
Analysis & Commentary
If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know (καθὼς δεῖ γνῶναι, kathos dei gnonai, "as it is necessary to know")—Paul deflates intellectual pride with devastating irony. The Corinthians' theological sophistication masked spiritual ignorance. True knowledge (gnosis in its proper form) is relational and humble, not merely propositional.
The phrase "as he ought to know" points to knowledge's proper purpose and method. Knowledge that breeds arrogance rather than love has failed at its fundamental task. This echoes Jeremiah 9:23-24, where genuine knowledge means understanding God's hesed (loyal love) and mishpat (justice), not merely accumulating facts. The "strong" Corinthians knew theology but hadn't grasped that love must govern knowledge's application.